Kids and their shoes

Each child is unique and their feet will develop in their own time.  Here are a few tips on selecting shoes for younger people.

Tips

  • Never put your child in shoes that are too big or too small, and make sure that all footwear including trainers are properly fitted.
  • Don't hand shoes down from one child to another - no two pairs of feet are ever the same shape or size.
  • Cut toenails straight across and not too short - don't curve them‚ because this can encourage ingrowing toenails.
  • Get socks that fit - if they're too tight they will cramp the foot and can even deform it in very young children and if they're too big they can bunch up and cause blisters.
  • Choose shoes with natural linings such as leather, and socks with a high natural fibre content to allow feet to breathe.
  • To keep shoes looking good‚ clean them regularly and apply a good quality polish to keep the leather soft and supple.
  • Try to get shoes that are designed for the purpose your child will use them for, otherwise they may not offer the support or wear you're expecting.
  • Getting children to use laces and buckles is an uphill struggle‚ but don't let them force their feet in and out of shoes without unfastening them. Sometimes Velcro fastenings can make life easier for everyone, and they make older children feel grown up because they are putting on their own shoes.