Kids shoe guide: When does my child need new shoes?

Kids’ Shoes

When does my child need new shoes?
Kids’ feet grow fast. But when should you replace your child`s shoes? Simply when they are worn out? or when the shoes are too small? And since your kids shoes are obviously worn out (or you would’t be on our site 🙂 – go ahead and knoock yourself out!). Since kids’ feet are growing fast, the shoes will probably get too small before they are worn out. But how would you know? There should always be a gap/ room between kid’s toes and the shoe tip. The child should be able to wiggle his or her toes – also “the little toe”. The “toe space” should be minimum of 0,6 cm (1/4 inche). Can’t feel through shoe’s upper? Remove the soles from each shoe and place the child’s feet on top of them. You will then figure out whether the shoes are too small or not. Another tip? The shoe itself is usually about 5cms bigger than the childs actual foot. So you can usually measure the shoe and then subtract 5cms if you’re feeling like a bit of math exercise : ).

You should also make sure that your child`s shoes are wide enough. Indications of too narrow shoes: – The shoes are bulging at the sides (usually the outer sides of the shoes). – The child is complaining on pain in this area. – If you notice irritated areas at the outer side of the foot (take of the child’s socks and study both feet after he/she has worn the shoes for a while). See more about Shoe Width.

Never let a child wear shoes that are too small! Check their shoe size often (their feet grow fast!) Since children’s feet are developing, too small shoes can result in foot health problems. Many adult foot issues have their origins in poor-fitting shoes during childhood.

Children’s shoe size tips
* When buying new shoes, there should be a gap/ room (toe space) of approximately 1.25 cm – 1.9 cm between the longest toe and the end of the shoe (shoe tip).

* Always try on both shoes. Size can vary a bit from one foot to the other. Conventional wisdom holds that the left foot is bigger than the right foot.

* Ask the child to stand while trying trying shoes on. If they sit, you will get a wrong impression.

* Watch your child walking with the shoes on. Make sure that the heel doesn’t slip when he/she walks.

* Always try shoes with the type of socks you intend to use in the shoes. Try winter shoes with thicker winter socks, and summer shoes with thinner summer socks.

* Be careful with “almost right sized shoes”. One size too large is OK (but not recommended). Too small shoes are a “NO-GO!” Never buy “a slightly too small” pair of shoes, just to hope they will fit after a “breaking in period”. It will not happen!

* Ensure to buy shoes with laces, velcro or some other fastening system for children. Then it is possible to “adjust” shoes width, and it is also good for children’s foot health.

Buying children’s shoes online
The safest way to find a perfect-fitting pair shoes for your children’s feet is definitely to try them on in a shoe store. But it is far easier, and cheaper to shop kids’ shoes online – we know. And there are also more models to choose from online. So if you like “living on the edge” – simply shop your kids’ shoes online. But if you do, always remember…

* Which shoe brand are you shopping for? Shoe sizing can often vary a bit between different shoe brands. Check if you already have a pair of shoes from the same brand. If you do, it is likely that the whole range will be based on that size.
* Ensure to buy shoes with laces, velcro or some other fastening system for children. Then it is possible to “adjust” shoes width, and it is also good for children’s feet health.
* Which kind of socks will your children wear? Accommodate to wear i.e. thick socks in winter shoes. This might require approx. 1/4 inches (0,6 cm) larger size.
* Try the shoes on in your local store – and buy them online! Is it rude? Not at all! Competition is a health sign – also in the shoe business. You might tell your local retailer that you have seen the shoes cheaper online – and give her/him the opportunity to match this price. That’s fair.
* Check the online store’s return policy. It might be necessary to return the shoes if they don’t fit, so choose an online store with a liberal return policy (some have free return included).

Lastly, any online retailer worth their salt will have a guide with measurements so you can measure your childs foot and then check that it will fit.

Measure your child’s shoe size
Measure your child’s feet to find the right shoe size. How to measure? Simply see our Shoe Size Measuring Guide. It’s easy! Use measurements as a guideline when trying new shoes in store, or when shopping shoes online.

http://www.shoesize.com/kids/shoes/

Kid’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart/ Kid’s Shoe Size Converter
Are you living in South Africa, but found some cute girl’s shoes on Amazon or a European online shoe store? Or have you seen the coolest boy’s shoes in a Japanese eBay store? When shopping shoes online, you might need a shoe size conversion chart that you can put your trust in.