How do I find the perfect fit for a kids' shoe?
Here are our top tips for tiny soles.
Measure, don't guess
From their first crawl to running around in the garden, it's vital that children's feet can develop healthily. That's why choosing the right kids' shoes is so important. A baby's feet grow the fastest, but even at around eleven years old, a child's feet will still grow by about one centimetre per year. It's therefore essential that you regularly check the fit of their kids' shoes. For little ones, you should check every two months, for older children, every three, and from the age of six, about every six months. Always do this in the afternoon, as feet tend to swell throughout the day. To measure their feet, your children should be standing up. Always measure from the heel to the longest toe, on both feet, as the sizes can often differ. If you don't have a tape measure to hand, you can mark their feet or the distance on a piece of paper and then measure it with a ruler.
The perfect kids' shoes that can keep up with anything
Walking barefoot is the healthiest way to go, and the best shoes for your little one should feel as close to that as possible. This is best achieved with a flexible sole that allows their foot to roll naturally. Boots or trainers should support the ankle to prevent any tumbles during unsteady steps or sudden movements. You should also look for a lightweight design so your child can lift their feet with ease. A roomy toe box is another must-have, giving the front of the foot space to spread out. Your child will soon let you know if they're a good fit: let them have a run around in the shoes before you decide on a pair.
How can I make my child's shoe last longer?
While there isn't much wiggle room when it comes to how long kids' shoes will last, you can certainly get a few more months' wear out of them. The ideal pair of children's shoes should be about 1.2 to 1.7 centimetres longer than their foot. If you aim for the upper end of this range, you'll have more time before you need to buy a new pair. Insoles can help make shoes that are slightly too big a better fit. But don't overdo it, a good fit is the most important thing! For shoes that are a little too tight, shoe stretch sprays can make the material more flexible and the shoe more comfortable again. However, this is only a temporary fix until it's time to buy the next pair.
