Shopping for your kid’s shoes can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. With so many different brands, styles, and sizes on the market, it’s hard to know where to start. And, if you’re not careful, you could end up spending a lot of money on shoes that your child will never wear.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of tips for buying your kid’s shoes. With these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of shoes for your child – without spending a fortune.
Features to look for in a child's shoe:
When shopping for shoes for children aged 4 and up, look for these key features: a firm sole that bends at the toe, a solid heel counter to prevent side-to-side rocking, and laces (which allow for a proper fit and also enable orthotics to be placed inside the shoe, if needed). These features are especially important for active kids who play sports or participate in other high-impact activities. But even if your child is not involved in organized sports, it's still a good idea to opt for a shoe with these features.
Get your child’s feet measured:
Children's feet should be measured by a professional in a shoe store. This is because the store associates have access to the best equipment for finding the correct length and width for your child's feet. To get the most accurate measurement, it is best to have your child stand and put a bit of weight on each foot.
Buy shoes that are the right size:
It's important to have your child's feet measured every six months to ensure they're always in the right shoe size. Children's feet can grow up to 1 mm per month until they're six years old. Sock and shoe sizes often vary, so when you're trying on new shoes, make sure you check which foot is larger and use that size as a guide. The new shoe should be 12-17 mm longer than the foot. You can also consult a size chart to find the perfect fit. Remember that shoes should be wide and long enough to allow proper movement of the toes. Shoes with round toes and closed toes are more advisable as they provide greater comfort and are also firmer. Still, they shouldn't be too loose. You can also try taking the insole out of the shoe and having your child stand on it. That way you can check the extra length.
Always check the toes:
There should be enough space in the front of the shoe, or toe box, to prevent crowding or increased pressure on the toes. Make sure your child can easily move their foot in the shoe and wiggle their toes freely. There should be 1-2 centimetres (or about a thumb's width) from the longest toe to the front of the shoe.
Shoes designed especially for children's feet:
Remember, babies and toddlers have undeveloped nerve endings in their feet, so they may not be able to tell you if their shoes are too tight. It's important to choose shoes that are designed to fit growing feet and leave enough room for the child's feet to breathe.
Look at the materials that has been used:
When purchasing children's shoes, comfort and well-being should be top priorities. Lightweight and flexible shoes are best for toddlers, while preschoolers need shoes that are sturdy but still flexible. It is also important to choose shoes that will allow the feet to breathe, especially in summer. Look for shoes that are non-slip and easy to put on and take off.
Function beats style — opt for support:
When selecting athletic shoes for children, it is important to consider factors such as support, traction, and flexibility. Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles tend to be the best option for kids, as they are slip-resistant and help prevent falls. Hard soles allow for better support, while a shoe that you can freely bend back and forth (soft sole) offers very little support and control of foot movement.
Buy shoes with your child’s needs in mind
When shopping for shoes for a child who doesn't know how to tie laces yet, consider slip-on or Velcro mock-laced shoes. Once your child knows how to tie laces, then you can buy shoes with them. If your child is rough on his or her shoes, take durability into account when choosing a pair. It's better to buy a pair of shoes that will last longer, even if they cost more, than to buy a cheap pair that will need to be replaced sooner.
Take your child shoe shopping with you if possible:
It's always best to involve your child in the shoe-buying process. That way, you can ensure a better fit and teach your child essential habits for taking care of his or her feet. Plus, if your child has helped pick out the shoes, he or she is more likely to wear them without any fuss. Keep all of the above tips in mind when shopping for shoes with your child.
The construction of the shoe:
Shoes are made up of four different parts: the upper, the insole, the outer sole, and the heel. The upper is the part of the shoe that's made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh. It's important that the upper is made of breathable material to keep feet cool and dry, especially for kids who tend to sweat more. You should avoid man-made materials like plastic. As for the insole, look for one that's absorbent to wick away moisture. You might also want to consider padded insoles for extra comfort. Most kids don't need extra arch support. The outer sole provides traction and cushioning while also being flexible. You should avoid outer soles that are too sticky or thick as they can cause potential stumbling and falling. Heels aren't necessary for toddlers; instead, they should focus on shoes with flat outer soles as it makes it easier to start walking.
Purchase Quality Footwear:
When you're looking for high-quality children's footwear, there are certain features you should expect: breathability, durability, and flexibility. Breathability is important because children's feet sweat a lot and you want to avoid trapping sweat in the shoes. Durability is important because you want the shoes to last, and rubber soles are usually very durable. Flexibility is important because shoes that are too stiff can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Look for shoes that are firm but flexible, and avoid shoes that are either too stiff or too flexible.
Conclusion:
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for kids shoes. First, the shoes should be comfortable and well-fitting. Second, they should be durable and able to withstand wear and tear. Third, they should be affordable. And finally, they should be stylish. With these tips in mind, shop our kids brands like Flutterby, Little Miss Black, Little Viabeach, and more