There are so many options out there when it comes to children’s footwear that picking just one pair may be a challenge. The most crucial thing to remember is that your kid’s feet require enough support throughout their formative years.
A child’s foot may continue to expand until they are about the age of 18, with the majority of growth occurring in the first seven years of life. Take a look at how quickly children’s feet develop:
- For infants less than 12 months, check in every four months.
- Every three months from 12 months to 2.5 years.
- For children aged 2.5 to 4, check in every four months.
- At 4- to 6 years old, visits every six months.
Not only are poorly fitting kids shoes an annoyance, they may also pose health risks. As a result, parents should always check their child’s foot length before making a shoe purchase. The size shown on the shoebox is not always the same size that will fit your foot. Watch your kid walk around in different shoes to evaluate whether they’re comfortable and a good fit.
Advice on Buying Shoes
Try on a pair of shoes that you like by picking them up and looking at them closely. For optimal foot health and growth, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) suggests prioritising the following.
Flexibility. The thinner and more flexible the soles should be, the younger the youngster. It should be effortless to bend the sole in your palm. Instead of bending in the centre of the kids shoes, it should flex with your child’s toes, where the ball of the foot will be.
Foot space. A finger’s breadth of space is ideal between the longest toe and the front of the shoe while your kid is standing. A crease should form in the upper part of the shoe right below the laces as your infant walks.
Materials. Breathable materials, such as leather, should be used for the upper of the shoe instead of synthetic ones. Cushioned insoles are recommended. Examine the sole of the shoe for any sloppy glueing, stitching, or stapling. Find a pair with a firm heel cup. Apply pressure on the inside and outside of the heel cup. A collapse is not expected.
Listed below are some useful hints for parents looking to purchase correctly fitting shoes for their children:
- Make an appointment with a kids shoes fitter who specialises in children’s footwear. One such programme is Stride Rite’s Fit Training Program, which has been awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Products that improve foot health as determined by a podiatry board and awarded the seal’s approval.
- Get your kid’s foot measured every two to three months until he or she is a toddler, and then every three to four months after that.
- It’s unusual to find two pairs of feet that are identical in size. Never forget to shop for a bigger foot.
- Avoid purchasing footwear that requires “breaking in.” Having a pair of shoes that is immediately at ease is a must. Keep an eye on how long it takes your kid to go from point A to point B while wearing both shoes. The next step is to examine both feet closely for signs of discomfort.
- Keep the weight of the shoe in mind. Your child’s development of a healthy gait may be stunted if he or she must wear shoes that are too bulky or heavy.
- In the event that your kid has any kind of foot pain or discomfort, it is recommended that you take them to a podiatrist who focuses on paediatric foot care.
Advice on Choosing Children’s Shoes
Parents have a wide variety of options when it comes to children’s footwear. To ensure your child’s foot health and proper growth, consider the following advice:
- Incorrectly sized footwear may cause discomfort to the feet. Whenever shoe shopping for a kid, it is important to take the child’s foot length into account.
- Shoes should never be passed down. Having a shoe size that is perfect for one kid does not guarantee that it will be the same for another. Additionally, nail fungus and athletes’ feet may be transferred via the habit of exchanging footwear.
- Keep an eye out for inflammation. When your toes get red, you know your shoes are either too snug or too loose. Your youngster may be trying to tell you something without saying it if he or she is constantly taking off one or both shoes.
- Check out the footwear’s soles. Children who begin toe-walking sometimes wear out the heels of their shoes before they outgrow them. If your heels are wearing down at different rates, it may be time to see a podiatrist.
- Go shoe shopping after lunch. In order to guarantee that your children receive the best possible fit when purchasing shoes, you should take them shoe shopping while their feet are swollen.