Time, Fit, Decision – How to Plan Shoe Shopping for Kids

Whether your child is toddling down the sidewalk or running ahead to get to their soccer game, they will need a decent pair of shoes this winter. Perhaps you are a lucky Mom whose little girl sat happily playing whilst you tried on stylish women’s sandalsthis summer, but the reality for many parents is that shoe shopping for kids is a living nightmare. Here are some tantrum-avoiding tips whilst ensuring that shoes actually fit!

Pick the Best Time of Day

Ideally you want to go shopping in the afternoon as feet swell during the day, so plan a time that suits your child’s moods and meal times. Perhaps have a treat in your handbag and explain to them that you they need shoes to do their [insert favourite activity]. You will need plenty of time to check the fit so make it as stress-free as possible. A dedicated child-friendly store will have staff specially trained in dealing with children, so although the shoes might be more expensive, the service will be better.

The Fit

Whether your budget allows for a dedicated foot store or not, this is the place to start as they will correctly measure your child’s feet. If one foot is bigger than the other, opt for the bigger size. It’s tempting to go up a shoe size, after all they grow out of them so quickly, but this is a bad idea as the heel needs to fit snugly and shoes that are too big can cause a child to trip and develop foot problems. Once you have the size, think about warmth, material, and design.

In the winter, fur-lined boots are available for both boys and girls. Wellies are practical for the autumn and spring but in the winter you want to keep their toes warm, especially if you are prone to snow in your area.

Look for shoes that are made from natural materials that help your child’s feet to breathe. The sole should be sturdy and thick enough to protect the feet, yet also flexible to bend with the foot and ideally have grooves in to help with traction. Never opt for heels as these can seriously damage a child’s growing foot, plus the shoe should have a fastening device like Velcro, laces or a buckle to hold the foot in place.

The Decision

So far, so good, you’ve lined up a few possible pairs and now it’s time to make a decision. It’s at this point that it can all go wrong and the tantrums start. However, let your child have some input or even make the final decision. If they get to choose a colour or style it’s certainly going to help them feel involved. If all else fails, then get the treat out of the handbag.