As women, we see shoe shopping as a form of therapy. Kids see it as a form of torture. Here’s how to make sure your squirmy, are-we-done-yet shoppers get footwear that fits. We swoon over sandals, pine for a new pair of pumps and gladly skip lunch to attend a to-die-for shoe sale. But our kids, not so much. Even though they need new footwear every few months (lucky little creatures), they just don’t grasp the sheer delight that can be found in the shoe department. Still, it must be done—and properly, as the right fit is critical for growing feet. Here are five key pointers for the next time you shop for your children’s shoes.
Little feet grow fast.
On average, a young child (age 1 to 4) needs the next shoe size every three months, says Mardi Larson, a spokesperson for Payless ShoeSource, which sells one of every seven pairs of kids’ shoes in the United States. Check older kids for fit every four to five months.
When it’s time, it’s time.
To check shoe fit at home, press down between the longest toe and the shoe’s tip when your child is standing on both feet, recommends Laurence J. Lowy, DPM, a professor of pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. If there’s less than a thumb-width of space, it’s time to go shopping. Other indicators of ill fit: The little toe is pushing against the inside of the shoe; feet show redness, indentation marks or other signs of irritation; or your child always wants to take off her shoes, says Stride Rite marketing director Rachel Panetta.
The right shoes measure up.
Once at the store, have your child’s feet measured with a Brannock Device, says Larson. It computes proper shoe size from length, width and arch measurements of both feet. It may be tempting to opt for a size larger to last longer, but don’t, says Dr. Lowy: “The larger the shoe, the more the foot can flounder around, which can lead to blisters and tripping.”
Flexibility trumps material.
“Most kids will do very well with a flexible sneaker that has a flat bottom that doesn’t rock,” advises Dr. Lowy. A flexible shoe allows for the foot’s natural side-to-side and up-and-down movement so a child can walk and run with ease. A flat rubber bottom with minimal raise in the heel promotes balance and traction. Everything else is secondary, Dr. Lowy says, adding that man-made materials are fine unless a child’s feet sweat a lot or there are allergic reactions to certain chemicals. They’re also generally more economical, suggests Larson. But companies that make and sell leather and cotton shoes say these offer a bonus: “Natural materials breathe, so they help wick away moisture and prevent irritation caused by sweat,” says Jean Damas, manager of a Naturino shoe store in New York City.
Kids should be on board.
Many children get cranky when trying on shoes. How to avoid meltdowns? “I make sure a child is relaxed and unafraid by distracting her, making funny faces and noises and basically getting her to trust me,” says Damas. An experienced salesperson knows how to make shoe fitting more fun, adds Panetta. This can be a big plus for moms. Also helpful: “a store that offers a variety of kid-friendly styles and closures—like light-up shoes and easy-on-off straps,” says Jennifer Clay, vice president of corporate communications for Skechers. You might let your child pick the shoe color and, when she’s older, the style, but she needs to understand that when it comes to the final say, Mom trumps kid.
Do’s and Don’ts
We swoon over sandals, pine
Such an interesting and