Buying Shoes for Children

Children like to wear shoes that are similar to those their friends wear, while parents sometimes consider price to be the most important factor.

The most important consideration should be fit. Many adult foot problems can be traced to improperly fitted shoes that forced the feet out of shape when they were developing.

Careful fit, good design, and quality workmanship are the features parents need to consider when selecting and buying shoes for children. It pays in the long run to buy the best shoes your can afford for your children.

Baby Shoes

Until your baby can stand alone, he or she does not need to be wearing shoes. Soft, roomy socks and booties that allow for plenty of movement may be used to provide warmth. A baby's foot is very p liable and is still developing. Anything too tight or rigid can alter its natural course of development and may cause permanent damage. Never force your child to stand or walk. The child will stand and walk when the nervous system, bones, muscles, and tendons are developed enough to do so.

When your baby does begin standing unaided, buy shoes that will protect the feet and provide a firm and stable standing base. The first shoe, often called a pre-walker, should have a soft, flexible, full-cut leather upper and a 1/8 inch flexible sole.

Once your child begins walking, a sturdier shoe is needed. Check with your child's doctor for shoe style recommendations.

Growth

Children's feet grow rapidly. Since improperly fitted shoes can hinder a child's normal growth and comfort, check feet and shoes regularly for signs of improper fit. The American Foot Care Institute has provided a general guide for foot growth:

Signs of improper fit:

• toe of shoes are curled or excessively worn
• soles are worn unevenly
• heels are run over
• upper part of shoe bulges over the sole
• heel counter is broken down
• child's toes have worn pockets into the shoe lining
• child complains of hurting feet or legs
• child has corns, calluses, or blisters on feet.

Proper Fit

Shoes that fit correctly are comfortable from the start and do not need "breaking in." Consider these points when your child is being fitted:

Length:

1/2 to 3/4 inch longer than the longest toe. Have your child stand straight so each foot equally supports the body weight. Press the end of each shoe with your thumb to test for adequate length.

Width:

Each toe should have room to assume a natural position on the sole of the shoe. Widest part of the shoe should fall at the widest part of the foot. As your child stands in the new shoes, you should be able to pinch a small crease in the leather between your thumb and forefinger.

Toe Height:

The toe of the shoe should be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the foot without pressing down on the toes or pinching them.

Length from Heel to Ball:

The main support of the foot is across the ball or widest part of the foot. If the shoe is correctly fitted, the ball joint of the foot and the arch above the shoe meet at the same point. The arch of the foot rests comfortably on the full length of the shoe shank (shank is the narrow part of the shoe in front of the heel). To check the heel-to-ball length, have the child walk across the room. Make sure there are no excess puckers or wrinkles in the shoe near the ball of the foot.

Instep:

The instep should be full enough to permit freedom of movement. If the instep is the proper width, the shoe will not pull or strain across the top of shoe or lacings.

Heel:

The heel should be snug enough to hold the foot without being tight. You should not be able to insert a finger between the heel and the back of the shoe. Check to see that the back of the shoe does not cut into the heel of the foot. The side of the shoe should not rub on the ankle bone.

Shape of Shoe:

The shape of the sole should conform to the shape of the foot. Most children's feet are straight and should have a shoe with a straight shape. Compare the soles of the shoe to the shape of the child's foot. Check to be sure the soles are straight and do not flare in or out.

Quality Construction

Next to fit, the construction of the shoe is most important. Price is not necessarily an indication of quality. Examine a shoe carefully for these characteristics to make sure you are getting a good quality shoe:

• firm but pliable
• close, even stitching with strong thread
• well finished and even edges
• smooth linings with covered seams
• absorbent linings
• firm counters that spring back into shape when pressed down
• no exposed staples or tacks
• firm, flexible soles
• free of rough spots, uneven color, and loose threads
• materials used are listed.

Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes or "tennis shoes" seem to be the popular choice among older children and teenagers. If they are of good quality, they provide good resilience and give freedom for the feet to develop.

When shopping for athletic shoes, look for the following characteristics:

• a good fit
• heavy canvas or leather
• good construction with double stitching
• an adequate arch support
• rubber reinforcement at toe and heel
• a thick, resilient sole
• reinforced heel counters
• ventilation vents

Sandals

In the hot summer months children naturally want to wear sandals. Contrary to popular belief, they do not make the feet spread. Sandals are good for children, especially for play, because they allow freedom for the feet to develop naturally. However, choose sandals with closed backs and wide straps for safety and greater durability. Also make sure the straps are adjustable to allow for growth.

Care

Proper care of shoes will prolong their wear life. Teach children at an early age to care for their shoes by polishing them and keeping them clean.

Socks

Socks are worn for warmth, to absorb perspiration, and to help prevent friction or rubbing by the shoes. Socks that are too small can be just as bad for the feet as shoes that are too small. When buying socks, be sure they are one-half inch longer than the longest toe. Cotton, cotton blend, and wool socks are the most comfortable types because they readily absorb perspiration from the feet, keeping the feet drier and more comfortable than synthetic socks that do not allow moisture to evaporate.

Publication 1403
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director