We’re sure you're familiar with the struggles of buying shoes for growing feet. You blink and suddenly your child is contending with cramped toes and blisters and they’re in need of a new pair – yet again!
However, we believe that discovering that ideal fit should be a breeze. In fact, we think your children should feel comfortable and secure in their kicks all day, every day.
But you might be wondering exactly how kids’ shoes should fit. With our top tips, you’ll discover what to look out for in no time.
Our Kids’ Shoe Fitting Tips
With all the styles, shapes, and sizes out there, understanding exactly how kids’ shoes should fit can be confusing.
Essentially, you need to make sure they don’t cause your child any discomfort after the initial adjustment phase when they’re breaking them in. You will also want to check that they aren’t sliding off their feet, either.
To do this, you need to carefully consider the depth, width and length of the shoe.
Find the Right Depth for Shoes
The front section of the shoe (also known as the toe box) should be deep enough to fully accommodate your child’s foot as this can help to reduce the risk of discomfort.
As developing feet tend to grow quickly, it’s essential to look for a pair with enough room here.
To check this, press down onto the front of the footwear and ensure there is a finger’s width between where their big toe ends and the top of the shoe.
Achieve the Correct Shoe Width
When considering how tight kids’ shoes should be, you want to establish whether they properly fit the ball of the foot, as this is the widest part.
If your child’s footwear is too narrow, the sides of their feet can feel cramped, which may result in blisters. However, if they’re too big, they may end up rubbing or even falling off.
To test this, try pressing the edges of the shoe - if the foot is strained against the material, you may need to try a larger size. If they slide around when walking or have considerable gaps, a different fit could be more suitable.
Discover the Optimal Length
When it comes to the length, ideally, the back of the foot will fit comfortably in the heel cup and the toes shouldn’t feel cramped.
To test this, check whether there’s any significant gaping or pinching around the back of the shoe or watch to see if they slip off as your child walks around in them.
How to Choose the Right Shoe Size
After a day of running, jumping and playing, your child’s feet are likely to be slightly swollen, so it’s a good idea to go shoe shopping at the end of the day. That way, you’ll know their shoes will fit comfortably, whether they’re soaring around the school field or heading to a weekend sleepover.
If your child is between two measurements or has different-sized feet, opt for the larger pair. Remember, there could be times when they’re wearing socks and tights, so a little extra space may be needed.
However, you might want to pick up an insole to help their smaller foot feel more secure in the bigger shoe.
And there you have it - everything you need to know about how kids’ shoes should fit. Explore our range of kids’ shoes to kit your little ones out in fresh new footwear today.
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