Bethel Back-to-School Shopping: Taking the Pain Out of Shoe Shopping

Written by Hawley Lane Shoes

Unlike many adults, kids don’t really enjoy shopping for shoes. But at the rate they outgrow them, trying shoes on is absolutely essential for growing feet. Here are some tips that will help you be certain that your children’s shoes fit properly, and remove some of the nightmare elements to shopping for kids’ shoes.

When To Buy New Shoes For Your Child

Unless your child complains that they are uncomfortable, you may not know when it is time for a new pair of shoes. It’s a good idea to periodically check your children’s shoes to make sure that what they’re wearing is still working for them. Look for particularly worn areas or stressed seams. If the sides are bulging or wearing out more quickly than the rest of the shoe, they may not be wide enough. Toes that bend upwards are also a sign of shoes that don’t fit properly. Worn out toes or heels can also mean its’s time for a new pair of shoes.

Shopping Tips for Children’s Shoes

If your child typically dislikes shoe shopping, look for a store that specializes in children’s footwear. The staff should be well-versed in how to deal with the reluctant shoe shopper. Soles should be sturdy and thick enough to protect the feet from pain and injury, but also needs to be flexible so that it will bend with the foot. Once you’ve found shoes that fit are appropiately designed for your child’s feet, allow your children some input as to which shoes they would like. Involving your child may make them more eager to go shoe shopping.

Getting the Right Fit in Kids’ Shoes

Have your children’s feet measured when buying shoes. Feet should be measured while standing, and always have both feet measured. Since one foot is usually larger than the other, buy shoes to accommodate the larger of the two feet. When your child is wearing the shoes, and their feet are fully extended (watch for toe crunching!), there should be a bit of room between the edge of the shoe toe and the edge of your child’s toes about a half inch.

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