Kids grow quickly, and shoes that are too large may cause blisters and interfere with proper foot development. Conversely, purchasing too small of a size can also hinder proper development.
As an effective way of checking the fit of a shoe, try pressing down with your thumb on its front edge and seeing whether there’s any space left between your toes so they can naturally spread apart. A proper size will leave a gap, which enables them to do this naturally.
Comfort
Children’s feet develop quickly, so you must know how to choose kids shoes. It would be best if you bought shoes that fit correctly to provide maximum comfort and support for the developing foot structure. Make sure there is sufficient length and width space so they can wiggle their toes, as well as not too little front room in their shoe.
As most children have one foot that is larger than the other, shoes must fit correctly to accommodate for this variance in size and prevent curling of toes, causing discomfort.
To determine shoe size accurately, trace your child’s foot on paper and add 12 millimetres. Another useful way is running your thumb across the top of your shoe; if the fabric can be pinched into a crease with your thumb, that indicates too narrow of an opening; be sure there is sufficient depth as this will prevent pinching against the foot and creating blisters.
Durability
Children’s feet tend to sweat profusely, so choose lightweight and breathable materials when selecting shoes for children. Also, make sure there is sufficient shock absorption as they often engage in sports activities that involve physical exertion.
Visit a shoe store so the staff can properly fit your child’s feet, advise on which pair is most suited to them and let you test how comfortable they feel on them. Taking them out to walk around in them may also give an accurate assessment of their fit.
One factor to consider on how to choose kids shoes is the fitting. When fitting shoes for children, be sure to leave at least a thumb’s width of room in front to accommodate growing feet. Also, note that most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so make sure the size reflects this fact so your children’s shoes fit comfortably without restricting or becoming restrictive over time. In addition, choose flat-soled shoes to reduce any chances of tripping over.
Sole
Children need shoes with flexible soles so their feet can wriggle and flex freely as part of normal development, providing sensory feedback while simultaneously encouraging balance and providing sensory benefits.
Sizing children’s shoes accurately requires taking measures without socks on, which may affect accuracy. Pressing down with your thumb doesn’t always work because a child may draw their toes up and roll them under, unknowingly creating false impressions of there being enough room. Instead, allow a thumb width gap at the front of their shoe so they have a comfortable yet snug fit while also accommodating for growth.
Support
Children’s feet differ greatly from adult feet, and shoes designed with this in mind will provide your child with maximum support. While trendy adult styles such as ballet flats or plimsolls might look cute on your little girl, they won’t provide sufficient arch support.
Opt instead for shoes designed specifically to match the shape of your foot with a rounded front to allow your toes to spread naturally and prevent toenail issues or any squeezing of the feet. It will also help prevent problems related to toenails being trapped beneath them and possible toenail problems from occurring. Click here if you want to learn more about how to choose kids shoes.
Make sure there’s enough room in the shoe for your child’s feet to grow as they develop. Pressing the tip of your thumb against the insole of their shoe can give a good indication of this space upfront; since children’s feet grow so rapidly, new pairs usually need replacing several times each year; too little room could cause blisters, while too much could stunt natural development spurts.
