Children’s feet are developing, and they need flexible kids shoes to bend with their movements. Stiff soles and stiff materials limit motion and can impede healthy foot development.
Have them strut around the shop, watch how they walk, and ask if the shoes feel comfortable. Also, check that the shoe has a thumb width of space in front to allow movement and some
growing room.
Comfort
Kids’ feet are prone to sweat, so you’ll want to look for comfortable and breathable shoes. Shoes made with soft, breathable materials like leather and canvas are ideal, as they’ll help keep the wearer cool and dry. Also, avoid overly tight or restrictive shoes, which can cause discomfort and lead to foot problems. For quality kids shoes, see this website now.
You’ll also want to remember the shoe’s structure when choosing your child’s shoes. The type of closure, how much room is in the front of the shoe and whether or not there are any additional support features are important to consider. Closures, for example, can affect how well a shoe fits; flexible options like shoelaces and elastic allow for some width flexibility, while slip-on styles provide minimal adjustability. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the shoe’s weight, as heavy footwear can weigh down tiny feet and prevent proper movement.
Toddlers’ feet increase, and it’s not uncommon to need to buy new shoes 2-3 times a year for this age group. When buying shoes for toddlers, ask your child to lift their toes with the shoe on to check for enough room; there should be about a thumb’s width of space between their toes and the end of the shoe to ensure comfortable movement and growth.
If your child’s shoes feel snug or tight, it’s a sign that it’s time to get a new pair. A close fit isn’t just uncomfortable; it can cause blisters and lead to foot problems in the future.
Style
Children can be messy, so shoes need to be durable and easy to clean. You can avoid mud and staining by choosing kids’ shoes that are machine washable. These shoes will keep your child’s feet healthy and save you time and effort from constantly cleaning their footwear.
Kids’ feet are growing and changing so quickly that it’s tempting to purchase shoes a little too big for them to have plenty of time to “grow into them.” However, this can lead to foot pain and blisters over time as the shoe rubs against the foot.
While the shoe size is critical in how a pair of kids shoes fits, many other structural elements can impact the fit. Closures, whether laces, Velcro or slip-on styles, can also affect how sneakers do. Adjustable closures like shoelaces and elastic shoes allow for more flexibility in width, while slip-on styles may be tighter around the instep.
An excellent way to test how well shoes fit is by having your child walk in them. It will allow you to see how comfortable they are and how they do on the back of their feet. You can also try a few shoes on your child’s feet to see which fits best.
For the ultimate kid-friendly style, check out this collaboration between Adidas and LEGO, which features the toy brand’s iconic yellow blocks in the tread. This shoe is a favourite of Vox Media engineering manager Tessa Thorton’s son, who loves that the boots match his socks and are “super on-trend.” Another fun option is this Teva style, made from injection-moulded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).
It is fully waterproof and lets kids slide them on and off without tying their laces. The shoe’s light colour makes them easy to spot on the floor and can be customized with kibbitz (crown-like charms that push through holes in the boots) celebrating their favourite TV shows, movies or video games.
Safety
Kids’ shoes are essential for their comfort and play a significant role in your child’s overall foot health. Shoes that fit correctly and are well maintained will help support your child’s feet, posture, and balance, which are crucial for healthy growth and development.