What Every Parent Should Consider When Buying Kids and Toddler Shoes

The mark of your baby’s transition to toddlerhood and with the whole new world to explore is his or her first step. It only means that purchasing proper footwear has become a paramount responsibility for you. As a parent, determining which kids shoes brands are best as starter footwear for your young ones is your sole responsibility. Thus, in purchasing the first footwear that your kid will wear, you must understand your priorities.

  1. Focus on something flexible. 

Flexibility is one factor that you must consider when buying your toddler’s first pair of shoes. To avoid impeding foot development, it is crucial that you avoid buying shoes that are too stiff. Plus, shoes that are lightweight and made from breathable and natural materials is what parents should seek.

  1. Avoid overspending on shoes.

Buying shoes for toddlers don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Parents should not feel that recommendations of good quality and developmentally appropriate shoes from an expert are necessary, especially if it bears a thousand-dollar price tag. Keep in mind that you can still provide your kids with proper shoes without breaking your budget.

  1. Consider professional fitting.

In an ideal world, whenever parents purchase a new pair of shoes, having the child’s foot measured is necessary. Children still have flat feet until their arches develop at about age four. That can significantly affect the way shoes fit. Whenever possible, try to have your child’s feet measured and shoes provided by a professional.

  1. Your pinky is the next best thing.

You can use your pinky finger to check for fit if you are unable to get your child shoes professionally fitted. You should not use your thumb to gauge how much space your child has in the toe box of the shoes contrary to popular belief. If there is a pinky’s width space between the tips of the child’s toes and the shoe’s toes, then it is well-fitted. Also, take time to check your child’s feet for red marks or indents after the first few times of wearing. If there are any that won’t go away after several minutes, the shoes are probably uncomfortable and aren’t a good fit for your child’s feet.

  1. Consider changing shoes when your kid starts running or playing more frequently.

Keep in mind that you must only provide your child with a very flexible shoe until they start playing and running a lot. It usually happens around the age of four or five. Your child’s arch begins forming about this time.

Lastly, we believe that there is no problem with used and hand-me-down shoes even if some experts don’t recommend them. It is okay for toddlers to wear second-hand kids shoes brands that are still in good shape and fit.