When it comes to kids, their entire world revolves around them – and so does their wardrobe. Childrens shoes must be comfortable, durable and stylish, from sneakers to sandals.
Knowing their size is the first step to choosing the right shoes for your child. First, measure their feet by placing one foot on a sheet of paper and drawing around it with a pencil, then compare to a shoe sizing chart for more details.
Comfort
When it comes to children’s shoes, comfort is vital. The human foot is a complex structure with 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. Kids’ feet are much smaller than adult ones and have a less developed sense of pressure. Therefore, kids’ shoes must be soft and flexible, allowing the foot to adapt to the shoe shape. If a shoe is too complicated or rigid, it will restrict the foot’s natural movement and cause discomfort.
In addition, a child’s feet sweat 2-3 times more than an adult’s feet. It is essential to choose a shoe made from a breathable material, like leather, canvas, or the newer mesh materials. It will help to keep the feet dry and comfortable, avoiding sweaty feet that can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Another key is to ensure that the shoes are the correct size. Almost everyone has one foot that’s larger than the other, and it’s essential to ensure that when you fit children’s shoes, you always check them against the largest foot. If you don’t do this, the shoes will be too small, and the toes will curl, causing discomfort.
Many manufacturers now offer shoes in different widths to cater to various shapes of children’s feet. For example, some shoes are labelled as” Mittel” (medium), “Weite” (wide) and” Schmal” (narrow). Therefore, using the right-width shoe will make a massive difference in the comfort level of your child’s shoes.
It’s also important to remember that shoes should be fitted for a particular foot and not wear out on both feet. If a child wears out shoes on both feet, the heel of the larger foot will rub against the inside of the shoe, resulting in blisters. It is also essential to choose a good quality shoe that’s built to last, so the shoe will be able to withstand the wear and tear of an active childhood. The best childrens shoes will also be able to form-fit the foot, preventing injury and providing support throughout daily activities.
Style
Children’s feet are active and require comfortable, breathable and flexible shoes. Shoes made from natural materials like leather or canvas can stretch and mould the foot, offering comfort throughout the day. They also breathe and flex with the foot’s movement, so they will not rub or chafe. In addition, look for shoes with grippy soles to limit slipping and provide extra traction on slippery surfaces.
A shoe that does not fit a child’s foot correctly can cause problems, such as splayed toes (where the toes spread out or bend), hammertoes and bunions. Poorly fitting shoes can also cause blisters and calluses. Look for a shoe that fits the widest part of the child’s foot. If the shoe is too narrow, it can pinch and rub against the toes and the football, leading to blisters and soreness.
When purchasing children’s shoes, please measure the width of their foot and compare that measurement to a shoe size chart. Then have your child walk in the shoes inside and outside to ensure they fit correctly and feel comfortable when walking. Most children have one foot more significant than the other, so check both feet and do the shoes to the largest foot. Also, try shopping at the end of the day when a child’s feet are at their largest rather than in the morning.
When a child is involved in sports, they need shoes to support their performance and help prevent injuries. Choose shoes with good traction and support for the heel and ankle and are lightweight to reduce fatigue. You may also want to look for a shoe with an insole designed to cushion the feet and prevent impact. Lastly, check that the shoe has enough flexibility in the toe area so your child can move their foot naturally without having to grip their toes or move unnaturally.
Durability
When buying childrens shoes, you want them to last. After all, kids go through many foot growth spurts, and their feet take on lots of stress while playing sports and other activities. In addition, a child’s feet endure three times more pressure than an adult’s foot. It means a shoe needs to be made with good shock absorption, flexible soles and enough room in the toe area to allow for the natural spreading, or splaying, of a child’s toes.