Often, shoes that don’t fit properly may cause a lot of pain for your child. It’ll be harder for them and you (by extension) to get around, especially if you are in a busy urban area.
It’s been confirmed that most foot problems that surface during old age often start with ill-fitting shoes.
It would be best to consider various factors before buying your child some sneakers. For instance, they should fit your child and be made from breathable materials. Also, buying your sneakers from trusted and established brands like Golden Goose would be best. Finally, the brand should have a wide variety of kids sneakers to choose from.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the relevant tips for buying your kids a pair of sneakers.
Tips to help you buy your kid the right sneakers
1.1 Get their feet measured
It would be best if you got your child’s feet measured before buying them any pair of sneakers. You may be tempted to approximate their foot size by comparing it with their current shoes; however, there is a high chance that this won’t work.
The best way to go about it is by visiting the store, where an associate will use appropriate equipment to measure their feet’s length and width. This’ll provide more accurate results, making your kid more likely to feel comfortable wearing the shoes.
Note: Let them stand and put pressure on their feet to get the actual length since feet tend to bulge outwards when supporting a lot of weight.
1.2 Avoid buying shoes that are too big
One of the most common mistakes parents makes when buying shoes for their kids is buying shoes that are too big. Often, parents do this thinking their children’s feet will grow to fit the shoes, and the shoes will last longer.
However, the reality is that shoes that are too big for your child make them feel uncomfortable while walking and make them vulnerable to tripping or falling, leading to injury. Additionally, buying sneakers that are too big for your child won’t make them last longer. Instead, they’ll last a shorter time since your child will scuff them along the sidewalk.
1.3 Remember to check the toes
Ensuring that your kid’s sneakers have adequate space both in width and depth at the toe box (in the front of the shoe) reduces pressure on your child’s toes. It would be good to ensure your child can wiggle their toes freely without squishing or slipping them.
Ensure that you allow about 1 or 2 centimeters (about your thumb’s width) of space from your child’s longest toe to the shoe’s front. Anything more than three centimeters is too big, while anything less than 1 centimeter is too small.
1.4 Buy functional shoes over stylish shoes
Most children are energetic and enjoy various physical activities, including sports. Therefore, it’s proper for you to buy the appropriate shoes that provide them sufficient support. It would be best if you bought shoes with a rubber sole because they are more slip-resistant, which helps reduce the risk of falls.
You should also note that hard soles provide better support while those with a soft sole provide little support and minimize your child’s ability to control their foot motion. Additionally, you should purchase shoes made from breathable materials like canvas, mesh, or leather. The materials can help keep your child’s feet dry since they tend to sweat more than adults.
1.5 Replace the shoe if it doesn’t fit
Remember to check your child’s shoes regularly to see whether they’ve outgrown them. It would be best to replace their shoes regularly, preferably every three to four months. Your kid’s feet grow about half a size in three to four months. Therefore, they need more room to grow properly.
Waiting longer than three or four months could cause your child’s feet and toes to grow irregularly, especially if you do it over long periods. Additionally, your child may develop problems and injuries in their feet which could affect their walking style.
Summary
- Buy your child sneakers with some form of fastening system like velcro, laces, etc.
- Avoid slip-on or backless shoes because they may be uncomfortable for your child to walk in.
- Avoid children’s shoes that have some form of heel on them.
- Buy shoes with a patterned or textured sole for better grip when walking.
- Allow your child to choose what type of shoes they want from the group you’ve already preselected.
Conclusion
You should take the time to measure the shoes and ensure they are perfect for your kid. This is vital since your child doesn’t understand whether the shoes fit comfortably. Taking extra precautions will save you some time and money later on. Plus, your child will be more comfy
