Shoes for Kids
From LoveToKnow Kids
Shoes for kids need to be functional as well as fashionable. Parents need to balance good fit, durability, and family budgets with fashion requirements. Kids’ shoes are available at a wide range of prices, quality, and styles.
Baby and Toddler Shoes
Shoes become necessary when your baby starts walking on hard surfaces or outside in areas where puncture wounds and cuts are likely. Baby shoes do not have to be expensive, but they should fit well. There should be at least one-half inch between the end of baby’s toes and the toe of the shoe. The width of the shoe should allow the foot to slide into the shoe comfortably and little toes should not be squeezed. If you are not comfortable determining fit, visit to a high-end kids’ shoe store like Striderite to have your child’s feet measured by a trained professional.
Cloth sneakers, sturdy sandals, and soft leather oxfords or strappy shoes (Mary Janes) are appropriate for babies and toddlers, but make sure the shoes have sturdy non-slip soles. High top shoes are no longer considered necessary, and some child health experts believe they constrict movement of the food and ankles.
Baby and toddler shoes can lace or fasten with Velcro®. To make sure shoes stay on, laces should be double-tied or held in place with lace locks. Most toddlers quickly become expert at opening and closing Velcro® fasteners. The good news is that they can fasten their own shoes; the bad news is that they can easily remove their shoes.
Babies and toddlers outgrow their shoes at a dismayingly fast rate. Check the fit every few weeks. This rapid growth is the primary reasons that parents are encouraged not to invest in expensive shoes.
Pre-Teen Kids’ Shoes
Pre-teen kids’ are active physically and can be hard on shoes. Many of them will develop strong opinions about the styles and brands of their shoes, especially as they approach the teen years. Sneakers and athletic shoes are very popular with this age group. Boys and girls wear both low and high-top shoes. Unfortunately, older kids often want pricey shoes with popular labels or logos. If family budgets allow, many parents choose to succumb to peer pressure and buy the desire shoes, knowing that they are a fashion statement, as well as a necessity. In addition, hiking boots are popular with both sexes, and girls wear sandals in warm weather.
Growth slows down a bit in school-aged kids, but it is still important for parents to check fit regularly. The half-inch “rule of thumb” also stands with growing pre-teens. Fortunately, kids this age can give parents more information on how the fit feels. However, if a parent waits until a child complains that shoes are too tight, the shoe has likely been too small for a while. In this age group, boys, in particular, may actually wear out their shoes before they outgrow them.
Dress Shoes for Kids
Kids need dress shoes for special occasions. If a family goes to church or temple regularly, investment in dress shoes is less painful, because the shoes will be worn often. However, when shoes are purchased for a special event, such as a wedding, shoes may be worn only once or twice before they are outgrown. If budgets are tight, parents can sometimes compromise by buying plain black athletic shoes for boys and sturdy Mary Janes, which can also be worn for school, for girls.
Specialty Shoes
School-aged kids also need shoes for a variety of activities and sports, such as baseball, soccer, football, basketball, soft dance slippers, and toe shoes. The type of shoe for sports or dance are normally specified by the sports organization or dance program. Specialty shoes are normally purchased at sporting goods or dance supply stores. Water shoes, which can be purchased at a variety of locations, are also desirable for the beach and the pool.
Synthetics or Leather?
In general, leather or cloth uppers in shoes for kids allow little to breathe better than do vinyl uppers. Without appropriate ventilation, kids’ feet will become very warm and sweat profusely. In addition to the fungi and other microbes that can incubate inside the shoe, the child will develop stinky feet. Leather uppers in sandals are also desirable, but not essential because air can circulate inside the shoe.
Where to Buy Kids’ Shoes
While kids’ shoes can be purchased online, it is usually best to buy shoes at retail where they can be tried on. If you buy shoes from catalog or online stores, make sure the have a generous return policy in case the shoes do not fit properly.
Chain discount stores like K-Mart, Walmart, and Target carry children's shoes, including name brands. They often have knock-offs of the most popular styles at modest prices. Shoe chains like Payless sell shoes online and in retail stores; they too copy the latest styles at affordable prices. Department stores and high-end shoe chains, such as Striderite may offer a wider range of sizes and widths and will be able to measure your child’s foot accurately. They also may be prepared to address minor foot problems with shoe recommendations.
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