How to choose the best shoes for growing feet

It’s very tempting to want to buy your little one an endless supply of super cute shoes. Who wants to argue with a small child over glitter, rainbows and cartoon characters anyway? What harm could it do!

But when it comes to our little one’s growing feet, there is so much more to consider. Because it is in these developing years that the foundations are set!

Understanding the growth and development of your child’s feet.

First up, it is important to remember that foot alignment begins in Utero and will develop exponentially within the first decade of their life. Their feet will then continue to grow right through to late adolescence.

65% of kids are wearing the wrong size school shoes

As per a study, roughly 65% of children have been recognized as wearing the mistaken shoe size, compared to 66% of our children spending their days in possibly destructive, sick fitting shoes. Duplicate that by how many hours they will spend from their perspective and you will see the reason why some will come out the opposite end with foot disfigurements and complexities.

If you visit a specialist shoe store like Shoes & Sox, your child’s feet will be measured (both in length and width) by The Fit Squad, along with observing things like narrow heels, high or low arches and any other specific features of your child’s unique feet. They will also stock established brands that are trusted for its engineering, support, and durability.

Choosing the right shoes is definitely not a ‘same size fits all’ approach, as that same size can look different based on their unique feet and be dependent on the brand. Just because they are a size 12 in one shoe, doesn’t mean they will be in another. The length and width is an important factor in this, whilst also ensuring there is enough space for growth – but not too big that the shoe is sloppy on the foot.

Shoes for zero to four years old

For pre-walkers, keep little feet free of tight-fitting jumpsuits, sleeping bags and socks, ensuring they have adequate toe wiggle room. Once your little one is standing and cruising, let them explore barefoot on non-slip, soft-based surfaces to encourage proprioception, balance and strength. Avoid slippery tiles and socks, as these will reduce your child’s confidence and stability. A soft enclosed shoe with a non-slip sole, plus a thick rug or carpet will give a softer landing and better grip.

Shoes for school-aged kids:

The demands placed on the feet significantly change once your child hits school age. They will be participating in structured exercise programs, playing on concrete play areas, carrying weighted school bags and potentially walking to and from school. This will mean that their requirements for shoes will change with a more structured shoe being recommended to provide adequate shock absorption, foot support and durability.

In addition, if your child is complaining of tired legs, is tripping regularly, is experiencing pain at night, during (or after any activity) then consulting with a podiatrist is recommended.

With your foresight, proactive approach and savvy shoe investment, your kids (and their feet) will thank you later.

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