Children's Shoes Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my child need shoes when he is crawling?
- Barefoot is best for babies who are crawling and in the early stages of learning to walk, so don’t be tempted to get shoes too early. Little feet are very delicate and toes need room to wiggle to allow them to develop naturally. However, to keep feet warm out-of-doors and to protect little toes against bumps and scrapes from hard floors, fitted pre-walkers are a good option. They allow plenty of room for feet to grow, but offer warmth and protection if needed.
- When does a child need their first pair of shoes?
- The simple answer is when the child is walking most of the day and wants to walk outside. At that time the child needs a pair of shoes to protect their feet. This can be between nine and 18 months. Never push your child to walk if they are not ready.
- Why are properly fitted shoes so important?
- Children’s feet tend to grow rapidly in the first 4 years of life, but can take up to 18 years for the foot’s bones muscles and ligaments to harden into adult form. Properly fitted shoes play a vital role in helping to safeguard the healthy development of your child’s feet. Shoes which don’t fit properly can cause sores or blisters and at worst may even lead to long-term foot problems. Experts estimate that 70% of adults suffer from foot health problems and that the majority of these problems are the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes in childhood. This is because when your child is very young the bones in his feet are made of soft spongy cartilage which can easily be pushed out of alignment by shoes (and even sleep-suits and socks) which don’t fit properly. The nerve endings in babies’ feet also take time to develop, so your child may not be able to let you know if his feet are sore or squashed by his shoes. At best, poorly fitted shoes won’t wear as well, so never settle for anything less than the perfect fit.
- How quickly will my child grow out of his shoes?
- Children’s shoes should be professionally checked for correct fit every 4-6 weeks for infants (0-3 years) 6-8 weeks (3-4 years) and 10-12 weeks thereafter. This is not to say your child will need new shoes each time their feet are measured, we will not sell a pair of shoes unless needed, and will be happy to measure and advise accordingly. Children’s feet grow erratically in fits and starts; during this period feet can grow by at least half a size, so it is wise to regularly visit your fitter for advice.
- Why does my child’s feet measure a different size in different shops?
- Fitting gauges all vary in calibration. Sizes and fittings vary dependent on style, country of origin and manufacturer. There is no standardisation of shoe sizing in the UK in the same way that clothing sizes differ between brands. We are aware of the different fittings between brands and are able to advise on what is most suitable for your child. What it says on the Fitting Gauge may not be the size or fitting you actually require, it is only a starting point.
- Is it ok to hand shoes down?
- Never hand shoes down, they take on the shape of the previous wearer, they will rub and not support in vital areas and can harbour infections.
- My child has one foot bigger than the other, is this normal?
- Most children have one foot bigger than the other, and their footwear should always be fitted to the larger foot.
- My child has very sweaty feet which shoes are best for him?
- Children’s feet sweat up to an egg-cup full of moisture each day, so look for shoes with leather uppers and with leather or breathable linings. Leather allows perspiration to escape through the surface of the shoe, helping to keep feet drier and healthier. Try to rotate your child’s footwear so that each pair of shoes has a regular airing. It’s also worth remembering that while trainers are great for playtime and sports, worn continuously they can become hot and damp, encouraging bacteria to thrive and leading to smelly feet and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.