Who doesn't love to see their kids looking stylish and sharp? We all appreciate a fun dress, a hip graphic tee and of course a fedora or beret to complete their unique look.
However, as much as I love clothes, there is one part of an outfit that can easily get overlooked, the shoes.
After being around kids shoes for the last 8 years, I have come to realize that getting the fit right is essential. I have learned there are several important elements to fit that can be easily overlooked. Unfortunately, there are many children shoe stores out there that don't provide the sufficient training to their employees to insure that they are fitting your child properly.
Here are some of my favorite tips that I have gathered over the years. Hopefully these will help you be sure that your child is walking out of the shoe store with most appropriate shoe for their age and the best possible fit.
· Wait until your child starts walking to buy them shoes. There is no need to jump start the process. In an ideal world we'd all go barefoot for the first 3 years. Unfortunately, since we all don't live on deserted beaches where there is no rubbage, I suggest wearing Nowalis at this stage of development. They are soft soled, comfortable and they won't kick off their feet.
· Once your child starts walking, make sure you put them in a shoe that is light weight and has a flexible sole. This combination will insure happy and healthy foot growth. Remember, baby and toddler feet sweat more than adult so it is especially important to put them in either natural or very breathable shoes during the early years.
· Every time you go to buy a pair of shoes, have your child fitted. Not all salespersons know how to measure correctly! (Amazing but true.) Having them fitted at different shoe stores will give you confirmation of the correct shoe size. In the first 3 years of their life, a child's foot averages a .5 inches of growth every 3 months. Your child will grow out of their shoes quickly so be proactive about monitoring their growth. At this young age, they are not always verbal enough to let you know that their shoes are too small or too tight.
· When trying on shoes, make sure your child always stands up right and puts both feet side by side. Sitting down or leaning to one side can dramatically change the fit of a shoe. Numerous children think their shoes don't fit properly until they are standing up straight... it's a miracle!
· Shoes should never be handed-down: just because they fit one child well, doesn't mean that they'll work for another, not to mention that it is not a hygienic practice.
· Always have your child try on both shoes. Feet come in different shapes and sizes, even when they belong to the same person. Different brands are sized very differently. Don’t’ assume just because a size 8 fits in one brand doesn’t necessarily mean it will translate to another brand.
· Be sure to have one great (not just good) pair of sneakers. These are the shoes that your child will wear everyday. Poor quality shoes will not be supportive or last long once your little playground romper starts bouncing around.
· Don't wait too long to get them to learn to tie their laces. The invasion of velcro in the kids shoe market has resulted in way too many youths avoiding the inevitable task of learning how to tie their shoe laces. Do not let this be your child! You had to learn at an early age and so should they. After a certain size, all the cool shoes have laces.
· A good pair of sandals is invaluable. I love Keens because they are all weather and all terrain.
· For older kids, if a shoe doesn't fit exactly, you can always go to your local drugstore and pick up some shoe inserts. (Flats for girls are notoriously hard to fit but can be easily adjusted with a little help from Dr. Scholls.) They are the easiest and cheapest way to make the minor adjustments that are sometimes necessary.
· Lastly, a quick jog, hop or skip around the shoe store will speak volumes. Right away you will be able to tell if your child is comfortable, the shoe is staying on and if they like, love or hate the shoe. No use in buying something they won't wear. Remember, no returning worn shoes.
If you have more questions on this subject, feel free to contact me at Honeys & Heroes or a call our favorite kids shoe store, 'gumshoe'. While this week's blog was in no way intended to be a plug for ‘gumshoe’, I do believe they are the best at what they do and will make sure your kids walk happy.
