How to choose children's shoes that will fit like a glove?

When it comes to choosing children's shoes, it's a task that often feels like a little adventure. As parents, you want shoes that are comfortable, promote healthy foot development, and can withstand the daily challenges that children's play brings.

But how do you find the right pair? Let's take a step-by-step look at it.

CHILDREN'S SHOES

Children's feet are prone to deformities

A child's foot develops and grows at an early age by up to 15 to 18 mm per year. Therefore, the bones of a young child's foot are cartilaginous, i.e. soft and easily deformed due to poor footwear or excessive strain. In addition, children's feet have a reduced sensitivity to pain, which is why children can sometimes walk in small shoes for long periods of time, but the later health effects are all the worse.


The right size: room for growth and movement

Do you remember when you were a child and your new shoes felt like they were squeezing you somewhere or, on the contrary, your foot seemed to fall out of them when you ran? The right size is absolutely crucial with children's shoes. A child's foot grows quickly and the ideal shoe should have what is called an oversize - the space between the toes and the toe of the shoe. This oversize should be 10 to 15 mm, which provides room for the foot to grow and the toes to move.

While it is imperative that the child tries the shoes on, it is not a good idea to rely solely on the child's assertion as to whether the shoes are pushing him or not. As we have already mentioned, children's feet have a reduced sensitivity to pain and pressure, so the child's statement may not be entirely relevant. Similarly, the method of shoe pressure in the toe area is not 100% reliable. In fact, children often reflexively curl their toes and so you will not feel the toe in the position where the child will have it when wearing it.

CHILDREN'S SHOES


Children's shoes must also have the right shape

Deformities occur naturally in small shoes, both in length and width. However, shoes that are too wide and in which the foot slides forward and hits the front wall are also inappropriate. Avoid shoes with a pointed front. The toe of the shoe should be roomy and round to provide enough room for the child's toes. Otherwise, deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, etc. will occur.

Regular check-up: the growing foot needs attention

"Mommy, these shoes are pushing me!" If you hear this phrase more often, it's time for a check-up. A child's foot grows incredibly fast, so shoes need to be replaced regularly. It is recommended that feet be measured every 6 to 8 weeks, especially for children under three years old. Older children grow a little slower, but it's still a good idea to check shoes every quarter of year.

CHILDREN'S SHOES


Use a special tape measure

We recommend measuring the shoe with a special extendable tape measure, which can measure both the child's foot and the inside of the particular shoe. This tape measure is available in our Skibi Kids stores. If you are unable to visit the shop, try removing the insole from the shoe, placing your child's foot on it and visually checking whether there is still the aforementioned 10-15 mm of space in front of the toes. Always measure the child's shoe size standing up.

The child should always try on both shoes and walk around the shop in them. When doing so, check that the shoes do not slip off the heel when walking - if they do, the shoes are too big.
The width of the shoe must match the circumference of the foot at the toe joints and is also very important for children to wear shoes correctly. A slender foot in shoes that are too wide will slip into the toe box when walking and damage the toes by pressure on the shoe. A narrow shoe, on the other hand, restricts circulation and deforms the forefoot.

CHILDREN'S SHOES


Children's shoes must be lightweight

When buying, of course, also pay attention to the weight of the shoes, which should be as low as possible. A child's joints are not yet ready for more stress, and it is said that a child takes an average of 20,000 steps a day.

Lace-up leather upper

In order for the shoe to hold the foot well, it is better to choose lace-up shoes or shoes with buckles or Velcro. For the smallest children, ankle boots are definitely preferable. The most suitable material for the upper of the shoe is natural leather, which adapts to the anatomical shape of the foot, is soft and breathable. Leather children's shoes thus ensure that they do not create an unfavourable climate conducive to the formation of mould, as is the case with uppers made of leather or synthetic materials.

Shoes for children with high quality cushioning

Children's feet are also more susceptible to shocks and contact with hard ground, so children's footwear must be equipped with sufficient cushioning. Soles made of styrofoam, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or polyurethane have good properties. High-quality insoles can also do a good job in this respect. Definitely avoid buying unbranded children's shoes of unknown origin in marketplaces without being sure that the footwear is actually health-safe.

If you are unsure about the right choice of children's shoes, we welcome you to our stores and Skibi, where our trained sales staff will be able to help and advise you.

CHILDREN'S SHOES

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