Children's Shoes - Footwear And Kids

Shopping for children's shoes

The purposes of shoes are to protect feet and to provide support. Shoes are unnecessary until a child begins to walk. But, improperly fitted shoes can hinder a child’s normal growth and comfort. If shoes are not comfortable, children often respond by taking them off whenever they can, leaving their feet unprotected. Therefore, it is important to shop carefully for shoes.

Save money on children's shoes by avoiding:

• black patent, bone, or colored shoes that show scuffs;
• slip-ons that break-down easily;
• styles with narrow straps that break easily;
• high heel lifts which are not practical and unsafe; and
• poor quality shoes that quickly lose their shape.

Shoes that promote safety and independence:

• don’t have long laces that can causetripping,
• do have non-skid soles on boots to preventfalls, and
• have Velcro® fasteners for young children.

Find the right size shoes

Every child is different, so it is impossible to predict exactly when larger shoes are needed. Children's shoe sizes vary from one brand to the next, so each pair of shoes must be fitted individually. Be sure that children always wear socks when trying on and checking fit of shoes. Children’s feet are growing rapidly, and are soft and pliable. Children's shoes tend to conform to the shape of the foot if made of canvas, leather, or other pliable materials. During the first year the feet grow to almost half of their adult size.

Children's shoe construction features

• Material—Firm, but pliable. Should breathe.
• Heels—Sturdy.Absorb sound and shock.
• Heel counter—Firm, springs back afterbeing pressed down. Holds heel in place.
• Shank—Firm, but flexible. Supports arch.
• Linings—Smooth. Covered seams, notrough edges. Absorbs perspiration.
• Welt—Holds upper to sole. Helps make shoe waterproof.
• Well-finished—No raw edges or bulky stitching. No exposed tacks.
• Sole—Firm, but flexible. Rough surface for toddlers.
• Stitching—Close, even. Strong thread.
• Last—Straight shape with top of shoe lined up with sole.
• Label—Required to list materials used.

Fitting points for comfortable children's shoes

• Length. 1/2to 3/4inch longer than longest toe. To test, press down with thumb.
• Width. Room for toes in natural position. Widest part of foot at widest part of shoe.To test, pinch a crease.
• Toe height. Toe box deep enough. High and wide enough. Should not touch toes.
• Length from heel to ball. Ball is widest part of foot. Ball of foot and arch base ofshoe should meet.
• Shank. Narrow part of shoe in front of heel. No excess puckers or wrinkleswhen walking.
• Instep. No pulling or straining at top of shoe. Bend foot. Check for gap atinstep area.
• Heel. Snug, no gaping. Should not cut into heel or rub on ankle bone.
• Sole. Flexible.

Signs of improper fit:

Improperly fitted children’s shoes may show one or more of the following.

• Tip of toe curled Heels worn on either the inside or outside edges
• Tip of toe excessively worn
• Shoes upper bulges over sole
• Shoes worn unevenly
• Toes have worn pockets in the lining
• Heels run over
• Heel counter broken down

Selecting special purpose children's shoes or sandals

As children develop special interests, they will want special shoes with cleats for baseball, special marching shoes for band, ballet slippers, and so on. Follow the same principles as outlined above in selecting the fit and materials for these shoes. In adolescence, girls may want to adopt higher heels for dress. Encourage them to practice walking in high-heels before attending public events. A sandal that is well-fitted allows freedom for the feet to develop naturally. Contrary to popular belief, they do not make the feetspread. Sandals for children, especially fo rplay, should have closed backs and widestraps for safety and greater durability. Straps on sandals should be adjustable.

Shoe care

Proper care of shoes will prolong their wear life. Polish leather children's shoes to protect them from dirt or wetness. If they do get wet, stuff them with paper and allow to dry at room tempera-ture. Re-heel when edges wear down. Canvas or other washable shoes will clean up better if washed before they become extremely soiled. Use a soft brush to scrub them with liquid detergent before machine washing. Remove laces and wash them separately for best soil removal.

Selecting sneakers

Sneakers, if of good quality, give greater freedom for the feet to develop. For normal feet, sneakers have a comfortable shape. They provide good resiliency, but canvas does not breathe and rubber soles may puncture. Sneakers should be kept clean, but they can shrink when washed. When shopping for sneakers look for:

• a good fit,
• heavy canvas with double stitched con-struction,
• arch support,
• rubber reinforcement at toe and heel,
• thick, resilient soles,
• reinforced heel counter, and
• ventilation vents.

Sneakers