It is always a great joy when babies finally walk and are big. But now it's time to be quick, because the little ones now need proper shoes, because especially for children's feet you need proper shoes that fit exactly and do not constrict or deform the child's foot too much. Whether summer sandals, first-walking shoes, winter boots or rubber boots – children's shoes must fit perfectly, so you should follow a few rules when buying.
7 tips for buying the right children's shoes
Rule no. 1 – Learning to walk is also possible without footwear
Although the misconception is still widespread that a toddler absolutely needs shoes to learn to walk, we know better today. Taking the first steps is actually much healthier barefoot. Why?
The shoe restricts the healthy child's foot quite a bit, the range of motion is limited and the children have difficulty keeping their balance. Better: let little runners run barefoot or in anti-slip socks for the first while. Sturdy footwear is only necessary when the child walks more confidently and also demands movement outside.
Rule no. 2 – Definitely pay attention to the size
It's not the eye measurement that counts here, but the information on the measuring device. Once this has been determined, the child must of course also try on the shoe and take a few test steps. This is really necessary because the size information of the shoes often varies. Who would have thought: around 90% of all children's shoes do not meet the standard, which means: the shoe can turn out larger or smaller.
Advantage: with many children's shoes, the insole can be removed. Simply “place!” the child's foot on the sole and check whether it fits perfectly. A good children's shoe always has a margin of 12-17 mm.
Rule no. 3 – The thumb test
Not all children can express themselves perfectly yet, so parents have to resort to other tricks when buying children's shoes. That's why this test helps: simply place your thumb on the tip of the shoe and try to feel the big toe by pressing. Note: test this method on both feet, as no two people have feet of the same size.
Rule no. 4: Use a foot template
In good shoe stores, there are foot templates that determine the exact foot size. Important: the child should not use this template while sitting, but should stand on the foot template. Now you can operate the slider and read off the exact size.
Rule no. 5 – Quality is everything
Yes, children's shoes have their price – but that should be worth it to all parents. Important: check the shoes thoroughly, pay attention to the material and also to the workmanship. It is primarily crucial that the shoes are flexible and pliable. This makes it easier for children to learn to walk. The sole should also be breathable and the material air-permeable. Depending on the age, you should also ensure that the children can put on and take off the shoes by themselves. If tying laces doesn't work yet, Velcro fasteners are useful.
Rule no. 6 – Are used children's shoes okay?
If the children's shoes still look good, are not completely worn out and all necessary functions are present, there is nothing against using already worn children's shoes. Pay attention to the outsole, the abrasion and holes – if everything is intact, nothing stands in the way of the purchase.
Rule no. 7 – Children's feet grow
We adults often only think about buying new shoes when the footwear is broken or worn out. But never forget that children's feet grow constantly – sometimes more, sometimes less. Therefore, it makes sense to check the foot size at regular intervals.
Extra tip: Finally, the children still have to put on their shoes correctly, mark only one shoe: for example with a Adhesive tape inside the shoe.
Also read: Washing children's hair made easy
Image by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
