Children spend a lot of time on their feet. Whether they're running, jumping or kicking a football, their feet need to be well protected and supported against the wear and tear of everyday life.

As such, choosing the right fitting shoes for your child is important for ensuring their feet are able to grow and develop properly while reducing the chances of suffering from foot problems later in life.






Common mistakes made when buying children's shoes

Picking fashionable or cheap shoes off the shelf is tempting, especially with the increase in outlets offering cut-price shoes. But this can be a false economy since cheaper shoes tend to be made from poor materials which fall apart faster and provide little support for children’s feet.

Cheaper shoe shops and supermarkets rarely provide a foot measuring service which can lead to parents purchasing incorrectly sized shoes. Squeezing feet into shoes too small, or buying them in a larger size so they'll grow into them can lead to foot deformities such as hammer toe. They’re also more likely to cause blisters and ingrown toenails.




How fast do children’s feet grow?

Children's feet grow rapidly during the first four years where their feet can increase by up to two sizes a year. After this time, they continue growing with the bones and ligaments fusing together until the age of 18. You may notice their feet tend to grow faster during the spring and summer months with barely any change in size during winter.

When to buy new shoes

As soon as a child starts walking they can be fitted for outdoor shoes. From then on, check their shoes every six to eight weeks until the age of four or five, to ensure their longest toe hasn’t reached the end. After this, check their shoes at least every three months. You can do this by pressing down on the toe end of the shoe while the child has their shoes on. You should be able to feel some space between the end of their toe and the end of the shoe. Alternatively, take out the insole and look to see where the imprints of their toes reach in comparison with the end of the sole. Also regularly check for wear and tear of heels, scuffed toes and the soles.

How to get the right fit

Getting the right fit is particularly important for avoiding foot problems. Therefore, whenever your child has outgrown a pair of shoes, take them along to a shoe shop which offers a foot measuring service by a qualified shoe fitter. As well as finding their correct shoe size, they can also spot irregularities such as different sized feet or whether they need a wider fitting shoe. Once you know their correct size, it will be easier choosing shoes in stores not offering the measuring service. But even so, sizes can vary between stores so always ask your child to walk around and check whether their shoes feel comfortable and their heels don’t slip. As a guide, new shoes should have at least half an inch (1-1.5cm) maximum space at the toe end. This allows room for natural growth and toe spread.



Choosing children's shoes

When buying children’s shoes, choose those with a breathable material where possible. This includes natural materials such as leather or canvas. Younger children especially should have shoes which remain securely fastened while playing. Velcro and buckles are ideal while they’re young and laces are suitable once children are able to tie them up. The soles should be sturdy with a broad base as this increases the level of support provided.

Buying children's footwear should be fun but it is important that their shoes fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes will be uncomfortable or painful and can lead to long term foot problems. By ensuring their feet are regularly measured throughout their childhood and choosing well made shoes providing proper support, can help your child's feet grow strong and healthy and able to carry them wherever life’s journey may take them.