What you need to know about Children’s Shoes

_{As a parent we know children’s shoes are important because kids are still developing, growing and may be lacking coordination. Shoes can offer protection by providing cushioning against stomping, running or jumping and minimizing slippage.}

_{There are various factors involved in shopping for and choosing children’s shoes. It is not always as simple as going online or to the store and letting kids pick the coolest pair. Shoppers can consider a number of things before they purchase any type of shoes. These will help parents identify and choose footwear that effectively promotes healthy development and safety for their child.}

_{Buying Children’s Shoes}

_{When kids start exploring the outdoors they all require some foot protection, including infants. Babies do not necessarily need shoes but their feet still require warmth and protection from the elements. Toddlers and older children need real footwear before they can begin wandering and moving around on their own. Parents have several years of shoe shopping ahead of them and keeping some tips in mind will ease the process of buying appropriate children’s shoes.}

_{Checking Shoes Regularly}

_{Young children may not be able to verbalize the fact that the shoes are uncomfortable or feel too tight. Indicators like crying each time the shoes are put on or refusing to wear shoes are the signs that you need to look out for. Regardless of whether or not these signs are shown, parents should check on their kid’s shoes regularly because of their rapid growth. Small shoes can disrupt proper foot development.}

_{Measuring Shoe Size}

_{An effective way to measure a child’s shoe size is by tracing their feet’s outline onto a paper. This is easy because kinds tend to wiggle or move a lot when being directly measured. Tracing the feet will be fun and enjoyable for the child.}

_{With the outline, you can measure from the back to the longest toe and use a size chart to guide you on what the child should currently wear. It is important to ensure that there is adequate room for the child’s big toe to provide space for growth and movement.}

_{Supportive Shoes}

_{Kids have lower coordination levels than adults. Shoes that cannot be strapped will easily come off or trip the child. Kids also have a tendency to lose things and shoes such as sandals may be misplaced. They also provide minimal protection for children’s feet which is why when Charlie is wearing Crocs, Flip Flops and Sandals I always purchase extra arch support insoles to go inside these shoes and also my sandals as well.}

 _{Easy to Wear}

_{Younger and older children may not have the ability to tie their shoes. Parents can look for footwear that is easy to wear if their children to be able to put their shoes on. Shoes with loop or hook systems are easy to put on along with those that have stretchy laces, Velcro or do not need to be tied.} 

_{Traction and Soles}

• _{To help prevent falls and assist kids with lack of coordination, shoes that feature a sufficient amount of traction are important. Textured or patterned soles are ideal.}
• _{Flexible soles are worthwhile for young children because stiff soles can hinder proper growth.}
• _{Since flexible soles may not provide enough support or protection, choose soles according to the child’s activity level and age.}

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates