Children wear through and grow out of shoes so quickly it seems like we are always shopping for kids shoes. Toddlers' feet can grow a whole size or more every three months and playtime takes its toll too. Keeping an eye on your child's growing feet is essential.
You may not know when it's time for a new pair of kids shoes unless your child complains of their shoes or sneakers being uncomfortable or their feet feeling sore. It is a good idea to keep an eye on their feet to make sure there's no redness or rubbing, which indicates the shoes have become too small. Look for worn areas on the heel and toe area of the shoes, split seems or toes bulging out of the shoes are all signs that a new pair of shoes is needed.
Shopping for kids shoes doesn't have to be as difficult as it sometimes maybe, especially now most of us have the internet for online shopping at home. Shopping for girls, boys and babies shoes while sitting in the comfort of your armchair is bliss compared to battling with reluctant toddlers in a shoe shop on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Here are some tips that will help you be certain that your child's shoes fit properly.
Measure your child's feet on a regular basis, with their socks on, from the tip of the big toe to the heel. Measure both feet and use the larger of the two measurements, to select the size. Toddlers tend to curl their toes when you try to measure, so make sure their feet are flat. It maybe easier to stand your child on a piece of paper and draw around their feet first, then take the measurements from this.
First shoes should measure ½ inch from the toes for proper movement and fit.
If your child is not into shoe shopping, looking on the internet at various online shoe stores is ideal as there are many different sites to choose from. Head to these internet sites for a great source of different types and styles of children's' shoes some of which will have limited wear, such as dress shoes and playtime shoes. If you are clear about your child's shoe size or have measured them at home you can save a bundle at these discounters. However many of these stores don't have all sizes, narrow or wide shoes. But a child will always grow into them if you buy a size too big. If a heel is too wide but the rest of the shoe fits, try heel pads (available at some shoe shops and chemists). Although it may be difficult to resist you must wait until the shoes fit before they start wearing them.
Children's' shoes should have Velcro or laces, avoid backless, slip-on shoes and heels. Flat shoes are the best for children. Look for leather shoes or canvas shoes which allow the child's foot to keep cool and breathe, avoiding blisters. The soles should be flexible and sturdy enough to support the feet.
