How to Choose the Right Children’s Shoes for Healthy Foot Development
When selecting footwear for your child, it is important to consider several factors, including the child’s age and growth, and the presence of appropriate support features.
Why Infants Need Comfortable and Flexible Footwear
Keep your baby’s feet free from constriction. This will allow normal growth and enable them to kick freely, aiding development of leg and feet muscles. Avoid grow suits that are too tight around the feet. Wear socks for protection and warmth.
Key Considerations for First Walking Shoes
Shoes are not always necessary indoors when learning to walk but are useful for protection outdoors. Allowing babies to go barefoot or just wear socks aids normal foot growth and development.
Essential Footwear Tips for Toddlers and Growing Children
Footwear needs to be supportive and allow the foot to function properly. Refer to the Footwear Features section in this brochure.
The Importance of Correct Fit in Children’s Shoes
Children’s feet are soft and pliable making them prone to damage from abnormal pressure, such as shoes that are too small.
Feet should be measured, while the child is standing, each time a pair of shoes is purchased. Ideally there should be 1 cm between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, and adequate width and depth around the toes to allow movement.
Regularly check their shoe and sock size:
- Birth – 3 years: 1-3 monthly
- 3 years – 5 years: 4 monthly
- 5 years +: 6 monthly Footwear Features
Features to Look for in High-Quality Kids' Shoes
1. Fastening System:
Laces, Velcro, or buckle straps.
2. Heel Counter: Firm Support for Growing Feet
Should always be present; the area at the back of the shoe should be firm and not able to be pressed down.
3. Sole Flexibility: Proper Forefoot Bending
Shoe should bend where the toe flexes at the ball of the foot. Avoid shoes with extra thick soles or that bend in the middle.
4. Torsional Stability: Prevent Excessive Twisting
The ability of the shoe to twist from side to side. When gripping the shoe at the front and back, there should be minimal twist.
5. Material Matters: Leather vs. Synthetics
Rubber sole; leather uppers. Avoid synthetics.
6. Choosing the Right Shoe Shape: Straight and Semi-Lasted
The last is the shape of the sole of the shoe. When purchasing new footwear for your child, look for semi or straight lasted. Avoid curved lasts.
Concerned about your child’s foot health? Call us today at 08 7120 6063 or book your appointment online for expert advice and professional shoe fittings.