Kids' Shoes: How to find the perfect fit
Depending on their age, children's feet can grow up to two centimetres a year. At the same time, they are one of the most important foundations for your little one's healthy development. This places high demands on the perfect pair of kids' shoes. How do you find the optimal fit and what can you do to get the maximum wear out of a pair of shoes? Here are some big tips for little soles.
Measure, don't guess
From their first crawl to playing in the garden, it's essential that children's feet can develop healthily. That's why choosing the right kids' shoes is so important. A baby's feet grow the fastest, but even at around eleven years old, children's feet still grow by about one centimetre per year. It's therefore important that you regularly check the fit of their kids' shoes. For the little ones, you should check every two months, for older children every three, and from the age of six, about every six months. Always do this in the afternoon, as feet tend to swell during the day. To measure their feet, your children should be standing. Always measure from the heel to the longest toe – on both feet, as sizes can differ. If you don't have a measuring tape to hand, mark the length of the feet on a piece of paper and then measure it with a ruler.
The perfect kids' shoes for any adventure
Walking barefoot is the healthiest way to go, and the best shoes for your child should come as close to that feeling as possible, whether for winter or summer. This is best achieved with a flexible sole that allows the foot to roll naturally. Boots or trainers should support the ankle to prevent any mishaps during unsteady steps or sudden movements. Also, look for a lightweight design so your child can lift their feet with ease. Furthermore, opt for a roomy toe box that gives the front of the foot space to spread out. Your child will quickly know if they're a good fit: let them walk around in the shoes for a test run before you decide on a pair.
Children's shoes that grow with them?
While there isn't much you can do to extend the life of children's shoes, you can certainly get a few more months out of them. Ideally, children's shoes should be about 1.2 to 1.7 centimetres longer than their feet. If you opt for the maximum value, you'll have more time before you need to buy a new pair. Insoles can help make shoes that are a bit too big feel smaller. But don't overdo it. A good fit is essential! For shoes that are a little too tight, stretching sprays can make the material more elastic and the shoe more comfortable again. However, this is only a temporary solution until it's time to buy new shoes.
