1) Get your feet measured by a qualified fitter
Feel free to inquire about the qualifications of the staff in the shoe shop and have them measure the size of both feet. One foot may not be the same size as the other, and the larger foot will determine the size of the footwear you need.
2) A fitting gauge is but a guide
The calibration of fitting gauges will vary from one to the other. As such, the size and fitting based on these gauges will differ based on country of origin, the style, and manufacturer, among other things. Since shoe size standardization is not universal, you will need a shoe fitter so that you get footwear that suits the shape and size of child’s feet. Therefore, the reading on the fitting gauge may not necessarily be what the kid requires.
3) Stand when getting measured
While it is common for people to have their feet measured when they are seated, the best and most accurate reading is when standing since the feet will spread to support the body weight.
4) Buy footwear made of natural materials
The best materials for shoes are natural fabrics such as leather and even cotton because they breathe and conform to the shape of your feet. Artificial materials, such as plastic make the feet to sweat because they do not give room for them to breathe. It leads to smell feet, abrasions, and even fungal infections. But there are artificial materials treated with chemicals to that they can breathe. Such fabrics include Smypatex and Goretex, which are most used are linings and leisurewear. Take a look at the range of shoes available at Brooks.
5) Look after your shoes
Take care of the shoes, and they will serve your children for a long while. Clean and polish them to repel water and preserve their dexterity.
6) Consider any particular health and physical issues
Take the example of diabetics; they need to take extra care of their eyes and feet. Such a requirement means that they need shoes that will keep their feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
The hosiery of the footwear should be firm but not tight.
7) The Right Shoe For The Right Occasion
You should always think of the occasion you are to attend when determining the shoes to wear. You not only need to pick shoes that complement the outfits for the day, but footwear that allows the feet to breathe and be comfortable when walking, standing, or seated. A great example of such footwear is the famous Nike Dunk Low model. These skate-inspired kicks feature a durable leather and synthetic upper, comfortable EVA sock liner, and rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction. They also have a padded collar and tongue for added comfort, as well as a perforated toe box for breathability.
8) First pair of shoes for your child
While you may want to get a cute pair for your baby even before they start walking, ideally, you should buy him or her the first pair when they begin to walk, for the most part, unaided. You need to protect his or her little feet. You should encourage your little one to walk instead of pushing him or her to start walking. In most cases, babies will begin to show an interest in being up and about between the ages of seven months and two years.
9) Look for shoes available in different fittings
The footwear you buy for your baby should conform to the shape of his or her feet. The pair should be slim at the heel and wide at the front. Conversely, you need to get different pairs with a variety of width fittings so that your child’s feet are comfortable in them as can also have room to grow.
10) Children’s shoes should be adjustable
Pick shoes that are adjustable using a strap, lace, or Velcro fasting that runs across the instep. It will not place any restrictions when making any adjustments so that the shoes fit better. The pair should also have enough room for the feet to expand and breathe when they get hot.
11) “Do they feel comfortable?”
The shoe fitter may ask this question with good intentions, but it should not be something that you rely on to determine if you are getting the perfect pair of shoes. Cramping and distortion may be present at that moment, yet you will not feel any pain or discomfort. Children often do this; they will be quick to say the shoes are comfortable just because they like them. Let the fitter check and confirm the fit is perfect, and you can even get a second opinion from the shop supervisor.
12) Have the fit professionally checked regularly
Keep in mind that children’s feet grow erratically, but as much as half a size in a few weeks. As such, you should have the children’s shoes checked regularly to ensure the fit is correct. You should do this every 3 – 6 weeks for an infant (under 3 years), after every 2 months for a child aged 3 – 4 years, and then every 4 – 6 months after that. The idea is not to have your child get a new pair every time the feet get measured. The objective is for you to know the ideal shoe size and be advised accordingly.
13) Avoid handing shoes down
Footwear that has been worn for some time will take the shape of the feet of the wearer. As such, hand-downs will at time rub, provide inadequate support, or even harbor infections.
14) Monitor your child’s sock drawer
You should check your children’s sock drawers to see which pairs of socks are torn, or have outgrown so that you can discard them. Also, check the socks when washing them. When buying new pairs of socks, make sure that you get the best quality, which will mostly be made of wool or cotton since these breathe and stretch. And remember to check the toe seams for any casting-off knots that can rub against the toes.
15) No one style of footwear meets every need.
Shoes are designed based on different sizes, styles, and comfort based on factors such as purpose or area of application. What you wear as formal wear will not suffice for sports. Even so, the footwear should be structured to offer support and feel comfortable. Remember, you should pick the right shoe for the right occasion.
16) Back-to-School
The kids’ feet are about to sweat and expand; thus, they may blister if the children wear shoes that are the wrong fit. That is why back-to-school time is synonymous with cases of foot blisters. Wearing new shoes when going back to school will probably have the kid’s feet rubbing against the shoes. You can prevent this by allowing them to wear and break in their new shoes while at home before schools open. Also, let them wear their shoes with quality socks.
