Choosing shoes for children will be very different from choosing shoes for adults. This is because children grow very quickly and need to change shoes every 3-4 months.

Most early toddlers, under 16 months of age, grow more than half a foot size in 2 months. Toddlers from 16 to 24 months of age grow an average of half a foot size every 3 months.

Children aged 2 to 3 years grow about half a foot size every 4 months, and children over 3 years of age experience an increase of half a foot size every 4-6 months.

When choosing shoes for children, parents need to consider:

How do the shoes fit?
How are the shoes made?
Does the type of shoe match your child's age?

Parents don't need to be confused. Brandly has summarized the following ways to choose the right shoes for children.

3 Simple Ways to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Child

1. Suitability

Pay attention to the length, width, and depth of the shoe when adjusting children's shoes. Ill-fitting children's shoes can cause toe problems, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, blisters or calluses, and bunions.

If the shoe has removable inserts, take them out and have your child stand in them to get a better idea of ​​how much room there is. With your child's heel on the back of the insert, there should be about a half-inch of space between your child's toes and the front of the insert.

If the inserts are not removable, have your child put on the shoe and press down on the front. You should be able to fit your fingertip between your child's toes and the front of the shoe.

Remember, shoes should be comfortable from the start. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, if a new shoe needs to be "tried on," it is either not designed properly or does not fit your child's feet properly.

2. Construction

A shoe is made up of four parts: the upper, the insole, the outsole, and the heel.

Upper

The upper of a child's shoe can be made of leather, canvas, or the newer mesh material. Since children’s feet sweat a lot, the uppers of their shoes should be made of a breathable material, such as mesh or canvas. Avoid man-made materials, such as plastic.

Insoles

Make sure the insoles are made of a breathable material. Most children do not need special arch supports. All toddlers under 16 months have flat feet and do not fully develop their arches until they are 6-8 years old.

Outsoles

The outsoles provide traction, cushioning, and support for the shoe. Avoid outsoles that are too sticky or thick, as this can cause slips and falls.

Heels

Toddlers do not need heels. Flat outsoles make it easier for them to start walking. Older children can wear heels, but they should not be too high (more than an inch), as high heels can cause the foot to slide forward and pinch the toes inside the shoe.

3. Child’s Age

Pre-Walking Shoes

A baby who is just crawling does not need shoes. They just need boots, warm, wide socks to keep their feet warm, or pre-walking shoes that don’t bind their feet. Shoes should be flexible rather than stiff.

Toddler Shoes

Shoes for toddlers, ages 9 months to 3 years, should allow their feet to breathe because their feet sweat a lot. Avoid synthetic materials that don’t breathe.

School-Age Shoes

Shoe style and fit are important for school-age children. At this age, they can choose from a variety of options.

Look for affordable, flexible, well-ventilated shoes that provide plenty of room for growth. If you have trouble finding shoes that fit properly, or if your child has calluses, sores, or other foot problems, consult a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon.

Final Thoughts

Choosing shoes for kids may seem difficult, but it is important for the development of the child. Brandly.pk provides children's shoes, making it easier for you to shop without having to leave the house.