Children's footwear guide



Choosing the right shoes is one of the most important steps a parent can make to enhance their child's growth and development. From the moment they start walking, our children's feet require the right protection and comfort.

Follow our steps to choosing the right shoes for your child -

Advice for parents of babies and toddlers

  • Babies feet are incredibly soft and flexible, this is because the bones have not yet developed and instead contain cartilage and lots of fatty padding. Shoes aren't needed at this stage, so don't be tempted by the range of cute baby shoes around, they just aren't necessary before a baby starts to walk and can endanger the growth and development of your babies feet.
  • As your baby starts to crawl and move around, you will naturally want to protect their feet from bumps and scrapes. However, try and keep them barefoot as much as possible as this will help soft tissue growth and muscle development.
Some retailers sell special 'crawling' shoes with lightweight flexible soles which can protect your baby's feet from knocks and scrapes, but they don't need to wear them all of the time. Give their feet the chance to grow and develop naturally. If you do buy 'crawling' shoes at this stage, always go to a trained shoe fitter.

Toddlers

  • When babies are walking unaided for most of the day, inside and out, it's time to invest in their first pair of shoes. First shoes need to be lightweight and really flexible with all round grip to prevent slipping and stumbling with those first unsteady steps. At this stage though, shoes only really need to be worn outside.

Young children

From the age of 3 years, children are able to walk much more confidently, and by the age of 5 years their walking style resembles that of an adult.

Advice for all parents

  • When you buy shoes, always have your child's feet measured by a qualified fitter. Shoes should be about 1cm beyond the longest toe and wide enough for all the toes to lie flat.
  • Shoes with a lace, buckle or Velcro fastening will hold the heel in place and stop the foot slipping forward and damaging the toes. If the heel of a shoe slips off when you child stands on tiptoe, it doesn't fit.
  • Buy footwear made of natural materials for example leather, cotton or canvas, as these materials allow the feet to 'breathe'. Synthetic materials can make the feet sweat and increase the risk of your child developing Athlete's foot and blisters.
  • Have your child's feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Children under four should have their feet measured every 6-8 weeks. Those over four should have them measured every 10-12 weeks.
  • Don't keep shoes for 'best' as your child may outgrow these without having proper wear
  • Never rely on asking your child 'do they feel comfortable?' Children's bones are soft and distortion and cramping can be present without your child feeling it.
  • Never buy secondhand shoes or hand shoes down as no two pairs of feet are the same.
  • Trainers are good shoes to wear, but not all the time. Make sure they are properly fitted and limit the time your child spends in them. Your child should be wearing normal, good fitting shoes as well.
  • Sandals are good for the summer, allowing the feet to breathe.