The Essentials for Buying Toddler Shoes

When buying toddler shoes parents need to consider factors other than its fun colours and styles. Your baby is finally walking, and shoe shopping for your toddler is exciting and fun! You get to choose cute shoes that your child will finally be using. It is also during these years that you have to pay special care to your shopping choices.

Five Considerations when Buying Toddler Shoes

Aside from the cute design, parents should also consider the following factors when buying toddler shoes.

Construction

Is it the appropriate shoes for your toddler? Forget heels and strappy sandals. These shoes are probably the first pairs that your child will be walking and running on; thus, comfort is a top consideration. Choose for open toes, flats, and with comfortable and secure fastenings. The top portion of the shoes should be stable. Insoles are soft and cushioning, while outer soles should be flat and with traction.

Arch Support

Toddler bones are still soft and developing. Flat footedness is a condition where all parts of the sole press flat to the ground instead of forming a raised curve in the inner middle part of the feet. It is more likely to develop if arch support is lacking and with the constant use of improper shoes. Choose toddler shoes with proper arch support.

Material

Pick soft and comfortable materials that are gentle and non-abrasive to baby skin. Breathable materials like cloth, leather, canvas, and mesh are recommended. These materials will not restrict sweat and will dry easily. Rubber outer soles are best for toddler shoes as they provide cushioning and traction. Avoid plastic and synthetic materials.

Fit

It is best to fit the shoe on your child when buying shoes for them. Do not rely on shoe sizes as manufacturers measure and assign sizes differently. Toddler feet also have varying shapes – length, width, and thickness are different for each child. The shoe should fit snugly, not too tight, and not too big.  The rule of thumb is to allow about a centimetre of space between the longest toe and the inner shoe wall.

Fastenings

Fastenings are an important aspect of choosing the appropriate shoes for toddlers. They should be secure, supportive, and safe for the kids. Fastenings should be simple and easy to manage too. It is at this stage that you will start training your child to dress by himself, which includes putting on shoes. Choose fastenings that are child-friendly like Velcro, buttons, and laces.

Shape

Children’s shoes, especially that of toddlers are differently shaped. They are often wide and flat. This is to accommodate the shape of their young feet. The foremost function of toddlers’ shoes is to protect their feet as they start exploring. Avoid shoes that are too narrow, with pointed toes, or with uneven soles.

Conclusion

Only after you’ve satisfied these five considerations you can start picking the colours, the prints, and other cute details. Remember, your child’s feet are growing fast and changing shape during these months. Do not spend an excessive amount of money on something that will be rendered useless in a few months. Your child doesn’t need diamond studs or crocodile leather on their shoes. But don’t go cheap on your child’s shoes either. Cheap shoes don’t always have the level of craftsmanship and quality materials your child needs. The key is to pay for the quality, not for unnecessary extras.