When it comes to kids’ shoes, the fit is key. Not only must the shoes be comfortable and stylish, but they must also provide enough support for a child’s growing feet. But how do you ensure that kids’ shoes are the right size? Let’s break down what you should look for when choosing the perfect pair of shoes for your little one.
Measure the feet accurately
Before purchasing any shoes, measure your child’s feet accurately. Measure each foot individually and ensure you measure them in a standing position — this way, feet spread out slightly, and you get more accurate measurements.
One of the ways to get the measurements is to ask your kid to step on a piece of paper and outline the kid’s foot with a pen or a pencil. Then take a tape measure or a ruler and measure the size of the foot.
Don’t try to guess your kid’s shoe size — it could lead to uncomfortable or tight-fitting shoes.
Get exact measurements as often as possible — children’s feet grow quickly!
Choose shoes with room to grow
When selecting a pair of shoes, it’s important to remember that there should be room in the toes and heel of the shoe. You can test this by pressing on both areas — if they don’t buckle under pressure, they’re probably too small.
Generally speaking, make sure you leave 0.6-1 cm when trying on new shoes. This is optimal wiggle room for your child’s feet without shoes being too loose. In the case of winter models, the most optimal space is 1.5 cm.
If the kid has a wide foot, in the case of boots or sneakers (or any other closed shoes), we recommend taking a pair that is one size larger than the usual size.
If removing the insole is possible, it’s worth doing so instead of pressing on the nose of the shoe. Taking out the insole will give you a real picture of how much room there is to grow.
Check for comfortability
Comfort is key when picking out a pair of shoes for your kiddo. Have them try on all pairs of potential shoes before making a decision to test out each pair’s angles — comfortability-wise — before selecting one.
If they wear socks or tights while trying on their new kicks, ensure they wear them during future wearings since this will affect how snugly (or loosely) their chosen pair fits them.
Give your kid both shoes to wear and ask them to perform all the regular activities — walk, run, jump, stand still, squat. If the kid does them as usual, it’s a good sign that they feel comfortable in that pair of shoes.
Once you’ve chosen a pair of comfortable shoes with some space for growth, you can rest assured knowing that your child’s feet will stay healthy and happy!
To sum up
Purchasing a pair of comfortable and supportive footwear for your child doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With proper measurements and testing for comfortability, you can choose the perfect pair of kids’ shoes every time.
Whether online or in-store, remember these tips to find quality-fitting footwear without hassle. As long as you follow these steps and care when buying kids’ footwear, your little one will have happy and healthy feet!
Need help with choosing the right fit?
And now that you know how to pick the right size, check out our selection of shoes. The prices start from as low as 15€!
If you still need advice regarding which model or size to choose, you can always reach out to us via Facebook or Instagram, email us at info@lastenurk.com or come to our physical location in Tallinn, Kivila 34 studio.
