Choosing the Right Shoe for Your Child

Choosing the Right Shoe for Your Child

It is very important that children wear proper footwear especially as their feet are still growing and developing.

As a parent, it is very essential to know how to choose the right shoes for your child. Having said that most parents will agree that shopping or kids’ shoes can be both a frustrating and boring experience for both parents and kids. However there are ways and means by which you can make it much easier to deal with shopping for kids’ shoes. By knowing the factors required for choosing the correct shoes ahead of time, half of the battle is won before even arriving at the store if you know exactly the factors required for choosing the right shoe for your child.

1. The Child’s Age

It is very important to know the exact age of the child when choosing the correct shoe for each stage of their foot development. Infants, toddlers and small children need very different types of shoes and materials necessary to ensure healthy foot growth and development.

2. Shoe Size

Consistently check the size of the child’s growing feet. The child’s foot length should be measured at home by drawing an outline of the child’s foot. Have him stand on the piece of paper on the floor and trace the outline of the child’s feet onto it. Measure from the heel of the outline to the longest toe. 

3. Check a shoe size chart

Measure your child’s feet using a sizing chart to find the correct size shoe for the child. If one foot is naturally larger than the other, take the size that fits the shoe to the longer foot.

4. Shoe Material

Children shoes need to be breathable, flexible and have anti-bacterial properties. Dry feet prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus that cause smelly shoes and unhealthy stinky feet.

5. Outer Shell

The best materials for the child’s shoes are the natural ones, made from natural materials that are moldable and will expand with the changes of the foot throughout the day.

6. Insoles

A child’s tiny little feet will start to sweat very soon, leading to potential fungus and bacteria development that causes feet and shoe odor. This can be prevented by using a specialized insole that provides for extra comfort and support.

7. Shoe Structure

Choose a shoe that will allow for freedom of movement, but sturdy enough to offer the required support for stability and balance, without restricting proper foot growth.

8. Flexibility

Shoes with flexible soles are the best for kids as these will bend with the child’s foot with every step. The bottom of the shoe needs to have a textured surface with no-slip properties. And shoes with tie strings or Velcro are a great for kids.

9. Snug Fit

Shoes should be snug enough to stay on without the heel of the foot coming out of the shoe while the child is moving.

10. Choose the right shop

Choose a store that specializes in children’s shoes, as the staff will be well trained and used to dealing with children.

Source :http://www.froddo.com/how-to-pick-the-right-shoe-for-your-child