For growing children, it can feel like you are replacing their footwear every few months. The reality is that as children develop, their feet undergo stages of growth, each requiring a unique set of needs and requirements.
From baby booties for when they are learning to crawl, to lightweight and high-impact sneakers and kids sandals by Melissa to support their active lifestyles, purchasing the right shoes for your children throughout their growing years doesn't have to be a daunting task.
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The Importance of the Right Fit
When it comes to children's shoes, it is essential to get the appropriate fit for the developmental stage your child is in. Shoes that are too small can limit healthy foot development, lead to issues like tripping and ankle pain, and negatively impact proper sleep and overall growth.
Most footwear retailers recommend purchasing shoes that have some space for expansion and allow for additional movement. This ensures healthy foot development and supports physical movement and activities like running, jumping, and climbing.
However, it is vital to remember that children learn how to walk by gripping their toes on the ground, helping to build strength in their feet and arches. While at home and inside, many medical practitioners advise leaving children barefoot to support and promote natural development. Should the ground be uneven or rough, shoes can be worn for additional protection.
Should you have any medical concerns, it is crucial to consult with your child's doctor. Medical conditions like nail issues, flat feet, and bowed legs are rare but should be addressed as soon as possible.
Things to Consider
When purchasing shoes for your children, it is crucial to consider important factors that will influence how the shoe fits, how much it supports the foot, and its overall comfort and practicality.
Fit
When selecting kids' shoes, pay attention to width, length, and depth. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to various health issues like hammertoes, ingrown nails, bunions, blisters, and calluses.
Shoes with rounded toe boxes offer more space for movement compared to pointed or square shapes. Any removable insert should be taken out before judging whether the shoe fits correctly or not. If there is no removable insert, use your thumb to determine how much space is between the toes and the front of the shoe. Ensure the shoes have sufficient depth to prevent the top from pushing or rubbing against toes or the top of the foot.
Shoes should be comfortable from the moment you buy them. If they need to be 'broken in', that often means they are not appropriately designed or are not the correct fit for your child's foot.
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Construction
The standard shoe consists of four parts: the upper, the insole, the outer sole, and the heel. The upper part of the shoe should be made from leather, canvas, or newer mesh materials. Children's feet tend to sweat heavily, so it is essential to ensure this material is lightweight and breathable. Avoid artificial materials like plastic.
The insole must be made from absorbent materials and can be padded or unpadded, based on personal preference and what fits best. Unless your child has specific developmental issues that require it, it is not necessary to prioritize special arch support. All toddlers under the age of 16 months have flat feet and only fully develop their arch when they are 6-8 years old.
The outer sole provides traction, flexibility, and cushioning to the overall construction of the shoe. Avoid materials that are overly sticky or thick, which can increase the risk of stumbles, tripping, and falls.
Finally, toddlers do not need proper heels on their shoes. Flat outer soles make it easier to start walking, but until they are confident on their feet, they are unlikely to walk in environments that require added protection and support. Older children often wear shoes with heels, but they should not be higher than an inch, and should be made from rubber to prevent slippage.
General Considerations
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a few key considerations to follow when purchasing children's shoes. All footwear should be lightweight and practical to support natural movement with a stable support base. Materials like mesh and leather allow feet to breathe comfortably, promoting increased air flow.
All shoes should have a rubber sole to improve traction, helping to lower the risk of slipping and sliding. Stiff and compressive footwear could lead to foot and ankle weakness, deformity, or a loss of mobility. Finally, footwear should have good shock absorption with durable soles for high-impact physical activity and movement.
Shoe Recommendations
When purchasing shoes for children, you must consider their current stage of development and growth.
Pre-Walking
Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They need booties and pre-walking shoes that do not bind their feet with rigid support, but instead offer flexibility, protection, and warmth. Shoes at this stage should be shaped like the child's foot.
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Toddler
Toddler shoes should be lightweight, as kids tend to use a lot of energy when walking, especially while they are still learning to walk correctly. Leather or canvas tie shoes offer a more secure fit, ensuring maximum comfort and function. Toddlers can go barefoot in a protected environment, such as at home and indoors.
School-Age Children
For school-going children, style is as important as the shoe's fit. While they might want to fit in with the latest trends and what is popular with their friends, the main functions of any shoe they wear should be protection, support, and shock absorption. This can include sandals, hiking shoes, athletic sneakers, and boots. Selecting the right shoe for the right activity is crucial to prevent unwanted injury.
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