When it comes to buying kids shoes, it can be a daunting task. With all the different brands, styles, and sizes available, how do you know which ones are right for your child? In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide to buying kids shoes that will make the process much easier! We will discuss important factors to consider when making a purchase, as well as some of the best brands and styles available.
Many kids always seem to be on their feet and never run out of energy! While this is brilliant for their development in many ways, it is also important that the body is supported so they are able to do these activities comfortably.
This can include a healthy diet, plenty of water, but also factors such as supportive shoe wear need to be taken into consideration.
When buying kids shoes, it is important to consider the child’s age, activity level, and foot type. For toddlers and young children, you will want to choose a shoe that is both comfortable and easy to put on/take off. Shoes with laces are not ideal for very young children, as they can be difficult to tie correctly and can come undone easily. Velcro straps are a good option for toddlers, as they are easy to fasten and unfasten. For older children, you will need to take into account the child’s activity level.
If they participate in a lot of physical activities, such as running and jumping, you will want to choose a shoe that is supportive and durable. If your child is more sedentary, then a pair of sneakers or sandals that are lightweight and breathable may be appropriate. You will also want to make sure the kids shoes you purchase have good arch support for growing feet!
Shoes are vital to supporting the body, and a wrong fitting or uncomfortable pair can cause some real damage, which is why it is important that you get it right the first time.
Especially as children might not notice that they are wearing footwear that are causing them issues!
So, with that being said, let us get into it!
Why Do Shoes Have to Fit Well?
As an adult, there is a good chance you have already experienced an ill-fitting shoe, and it does not take long for that to become your sole focus. Whether your arches are in pain, the balls of your feet feel like they are on fire, or your toes and the sides of your feet are pressing right up against the inside of the shoe, these can all be very uncomfortable and also detrimental to your body’s alignment.
If someone continues to wear ill-fitting shoes, then this can cause long-term consequences that can be detrimental to children, especially when their feet are still growing.
The Right Shoes for The Right Time
Not only will your children need a new pair of shoes every year (or even sooner than that if they are growing up particularly fast!), but they will also need shoes for different occasions, much like adults.
School shoes are an important addition to any wardrobe, along with a pair of sports trainers, wellies, and ‘everyday’ shoes which can be worn for the more dress-up events.
The younger your child is, the less money you should splash out on their shoes, purely because they will grow out of them in what will seem like a heartbeat. That being said, it is important that you do get high-quality shoes for them so they are supportive and will not cause damage. Do some research to find a trusted brand such as Veja Kids and choose some great, affordable shoes that will stand the test of time (well, until your kids go up a size).
Shape and Fitting
For younger children, it is best that you have a shoe that is designed in a shape closest to the natural foot. This allows them to have as close to natural movement as possible. It is also important to consider the fastening that comes with the shoes, as laces can be too advanced for very young children, and slip-on shoes should also be saved for older kids. Buckles and rip tape are usually the best choices of shoe fastenings, as they allow children to adjust their shoes as and when necessary to get the best fit. It is also worth choosing a breathable material as well, as children tend to move around a lot!