It may seem like you need to buy a new pair of shoes every month for your child with their quick growing feet.
It’s easier for adults to go shoe shopping, as we can generally tell whether a shoe is comfortable or not.
However, many kids are unable to describe how shoes feel. This can make the process much longer than it needs to be, especially if you have to visit the shoe store frequently.
Ill-fitting shoes for toddlers and young children are uncomfortable and can actually be unhealthy, leading to foot problems and poor development in the future.
Knowing a few tips and tricks on kids’ shoe sizes and fittings can have you in and out of the store in no time. Learning these tips can also be useful for parents with busy schedules who can’t afford periodic trips to the store and prefer buying shoes online.
Get the Correct Measurements
First things first, you need to know the current size of your children’s feet.
Toddler feet can grow half a size or more every one to two months, so it’s recommended to measure their feet every couple of months to avoid making them wear tight shoes.
There are several methods to measure your kids’ feet at home. Since most people don’t have a Brannock device handy, you can either print a digital sizing guide or use a tape measure.
Make sure your child is standing up straight and on a hard surface while measuring. Instruct them not to curl their toes or lean against a wall as it can affect the measurements.
For the best results, measure their feet during the afternoon, as their feet tend to get swollen. The size can change depending on the time of day and you don’t want to get stuck with tight shoes.
If using a ruler or tape measure, you can either trace their foot on a paper then measure it or simply place a ruler against their foot. Be sure to measure from the heel to the longest toe.
Once you know the length in centimeters, you can use this chart to determine the appropriate shoe size.
The best practice is to get a half size larger than your child’s actual measurement so that there is some room to grow without any or much discomfort.
What to Look For in a Good Kids Shoe
Children are always on the move, whether they’re just walking around the house or running on the playground.
It’s crucial for kids to have shoes with soles that are both comfortable and flexible to protect them as they move around throughout the day. Lightweight materials such as canvas, cloth, and soft leather are recommended since they are more breathable and allow children’s feet to move properly.
While you don’t want shoes that are too tight and have hard soles, you still want to make sure that the footwear provides stability and support.
Having grooves at the bottom of the shoe will help prevent your child from slipping.
However, if the grooves are too deep, they may get stuck on things and cause your kid to trip and fall.
Since kids grow out of shoes rapidly, choosing the trendiest and most expensive shoes may not be sustainable, as you’ll no longer have a use for them in a couple of months.
Buying the Right Shoes for Your Kids
Shopping for kids’ shoes can be a challenging task, especially if they can’t articulate how well the shoe fits.
Children’s feet are extremely impressionable at a young age, making it imperative that the shoes they wear fit perfectly. With the help of our shoe sizing chart, you can figure out your child’s foot measurements from the comfort of your own home.
Browse through our vast collection of youth shoes and find the perfect shoe for every occasion.
