Why are fitted shoes so important?

Children's feet, especially babies and toddlers, are very delicate and it's important that they are looked after right from the beginning.

Properly fitted shoes allow for unhindered development and allow the right amount of space and support to help the foot develop naturally. Did you know that a lot of children develop foot problems in later life as a result of wearing poorly fitted shoes, so it's vital that they wear the right shoes from the very beginning. You only get one pair of feet so make sure you look after them!

What makes a good pair of shoes?

It's really important to understand what makes a good shoe when you are looking to buy your child a new pair. Here are the key things to look out for:

Shoes designed especially for children's feet - designed to match the shape of a child's foot and include that all-important growing room. Remember, the nerve endings in babies and toddler’s feet haven’t fully developed and your child may not be able to tell you that their feet are sore or squashed - so they need footwear with lots of room to grow and regular measuring.
Shape of the shoes - children's shoes should be shaped like a foot. It sounds simple, but some designs can be too pointed or have a 'swung' design which can harm delicate feet.
A choice of fastenings - both buckle and riptape fastenings allow for precise adjustment to help shoes fit the feet properly. Slip on styles should only be considered for older children.
Breathable linings which allow perspiration to escape through the surface of the shoe, keeping feet fresh, dry and healthy.

Finding your Fit?

Our friends at Stride Rite have a great 'find your fit' video we recommend. Check that out here!

Download the Great Template!

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