Children need the ability to be barefoot — not only for the fun of it but to help develop their feet. Being barefoot provides sensory input to their feet, which helps stimulate neural or sensory pathways in the brain.
Most childrens shoes ought to come with a health warning. Stiff soles, rigid materials and narrow shoes limit movement and can cause foot problems.
Sole
As a child grows, their feet change shape, so regularly checking their shoes for fit is essential. Kids’ feet grow an inch each year, and a shoe that is too small can lead to blisters and other discomfort. Conversely, too-large shoes can be a tripping hazard and cause their feet to slip and rub.
When shopping for sneakers, look beyond the colour and style to find a shoe that fits properly. Trace your child’s feet on a piece of paper, or have them stand up with their back straight against a wall and use a marker to draw around their foot. Make sure to mark the size of each foot — it is common for one foot to be a little smaller than the other.
Once you have the measurements, have your kid try on the shoes. Let them walk around the store and see how they feel, particularly where their feet hit the ground. Look for a shoe with a rubber sole that provides cushioning and shock absorption. It is especially important for active kids.
The sole should also have good traction to prevent your child from slipping. Also, the shoe should be breathable because children’s feet sweat a lot. Look for leather or canvas upper, allowing the foot to breathe, or consider a new mesh material.
Press down on the front with your thumb when your child is wearing their shoes. There should be a pinky’s width of space between the end of their toe and the tip of the shoe. If there is no space, it’s time to remeasure their feet and get them some new shoes!
Many shoe brands offer various styles for young kids, including casual and athletic shoes. Popular brands include Nike, Adidas, Vans and Converse. You can easily find the perfect shoes for your child online or at a Famous Footwear store near you. Just be sure to measure your kids’ feet and compare them to the shoes’ size chart before you buy.
Uppers
The uppers of childrens shoes are usually made of leather, canvas, or newer mesh materials that let the feet breathe. Children’s feet sweat heavily, and shoes that don’t breathe can become hot and smelly. So look for breathable shoes that are lightweight and comfortable, and make sure the soles don’t rub against your child’s feet or toenails. Suede shoes are perfect because they are durable and easy to clean. You can use vinegar and rubbing alcohol to remove any stains.
Kids’ feet grow significantly, so it is essential to measure them professionally before buying shoes. The right shoe size is critical, as well as the correct width. Too-tight shoes can irritate the feet and cause blisters; too-loose shoes may slip and fall off.
Children’s shoes should fit snugly but shouldn’t be too tight. The outer sole should provide traction and flexibility, while the inner sole should be soft and absorbent to cushion and support the foot. The shoe’s heel should be slightly curved, as this provides better balance and helps the child walk more naturally.
Most children’s shoes have laces, although many styles don’t. Laces are a common choice because they’re easy to tie and allow the child to take their shoes off alone. Shoelaces are typically finished with aglets, which prevent the ends of the shoelaces from tearing through the upper material and causing blisters.
Parents should consider letting their children go barefoot in safe indoor and outdoor environments when possible. It allows their feet to feel the ground beneath them and develop strong ankles, flexibility, and the same mobility and foot strength they would have if they were walking barefoot. For example, the Froggie shoe line, launched last year in South Africa, is designed to allow a child to walk comfortably barefoot and has been approved by podiatrists.