HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SHOE FOR YOUR CHILD

Choosing appropriate footwear for your child is a must. The shoes you do purchase must be breathable, accommodating and safe to wear. Keep in mind that as your child is traversing through the different stages of development, his or her feet are developing too!

The best way to do that is by picking the best type of shoe. Here’s how:

Shoe Fitting

Your child’s feet are growing. From infancy to age 4, your child will go through at least 12 pairs of shoes. Therefore it is important to check their feet size on a consistent basis. The best time of day to check is in the evening. From all the activity during the day, your child’s feet will swell. You can use a few methods to get the most accurate measurements.

The first is the wall-to-toe method. Have your child stand up straight with their back touching the wall. With a pencil make a mark where the big toe is reaching. Now measure the distance from this line to the wall. 



In the second method, ask your child to stand on the piece of a paper and trace his or her feet. Now measure from the longest toe to the heel. 

After taking measurements, refer to a shoe sizing chart to find the appropriate size. If the size falls between two numbers, choose the larger one. Keep in mind one foot is always larger than the other, so find a shoe to fit the longer foot.

In the third method, create a template of your child’s feet out of cardboard. Cut this outline out and fit it into the shoe you wish to purchase. If it fits, this is the pair you should purchase. 

Shoe Materials

A child’s feet are two to three times sweatier than an adult’s feet. Their footwear needs to be breathable and preferably have anti-bacterial qualities. This hinders the growth of fungus and bacteria and consequently stinky feet!

The outer shell of the shoe should be made from natural materials such as leather and canvas. Both materials enable the feet to circulate and breathe while protecting them from the outside elements. In addition, shoes made from natural materials are flexible, meaning they easily expand and bend with the movement of the child’s feet. 

Avoid plastic shoes whenever possible as they hold on to moisture, leading to blisters and sores and encouraging the growth of fungus and bacteria. 



Shoe Structure

A well-structured shoe promotes healthy foot growth and development. A young child requires lithe footwear because their tendons and bones are soft. This type of shoe enables a wide range of movement while offering balance and stability at the same time. 

Shoes that have flexible soles are the best choice. These offer support in the middle of the baby shoe and bend with every footstep. They also provide stability and shock absorption in the heels. The sole of the shoe should be textured with anti-slip properties. Shoes that can be widened such as Velcro or tie-strings are great options. 

A child’s shoe should also be snug without dangling off the feet. This means backless shoes and slip-on should be avoided. 

The type of footwear you select for your child will promote healthy development and support a wide range of movements. For more tips on how to select the best shoe for your child, contact The World Boutique.

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