For many parents, choosing children’s shoes is hit-or-miss. Shopping for your kid’s shoes can be overwhelming because there are just too many choices in baby shoe stores. It can be tempting to go for the most fashionable pair, but fit and function should be the priority when choosing the best shoe for your child. You’ll also want to consider keeping your baby’s feet in good shape because wearing proper footwear is crucial for children whose feet are still growing and developing. Shoes should be chosen carefully to prevent foot deformities and allow healthy foot development.

Once you are clear on the shoe requirements for a particular stage of your child’s development, it makes shopping for shoes much easier to deal with. You may visit your favourite baby footwear boutique or explore by shopping online.

Anatomy of a Child's Shoe

There are many different components to a shoe and for parents, understanding the anatomy of a child’s shoe is the first step towards choosing the correct shoe for their child.

• Insole – A layer of material inserted into the bottom of the shoe. Insoles should have odour control and anti-bacterial properties. The anatomical insole should offer additional support and improve a child’s balance and posture.

• Lining – In quality shoes, the quarters are lined to enhance comfort and durability. Since the lining covers the inside of the shoe, it should allow the feet to breathe.

• Sole – The bottom layer of the shoe. Ideally the sole should be made of materials that are durable, flexible and slip-resistant.

• Toe Box – The area that the toes fit into. It should be wide so the toes can spread comfortably which allows balance, stability and promotes healthy foot development.

• Heel – The raised part under the rear of the shoe. It should provide shock absorption to the child’s feet.

Choosing Shoes for Your Child

There are any factors that a parent should consider when purchasing the right shoe for a child. The following factors should be taken into account when choosing the shoes for your child:

1. Child’s Age – It is important that the child’s age is addressed when choosing the correct shoe. There are different shoes for each stage of their foot development and age. Shoe requirements for infants and toddlers are very different. Infants have delicate feet and requires soft shoes while toddler shoes should have enough room for the toes to move comfortably.

2. Shoe Size – The first question when you’re buying kids’ shoes is what you need. It is important to check the size of a child’s growing feet. Shoe sizes tend to vary so your best bet is have your child’s feet measured. Sizing feet for shoes should be done at the end of the day when the feet are the most swelled from daily use.

3. Shoe Material – Children shoes should be made of breathable and flexible materials. It also needs to have anti-bacterial properties since a child’s feet is sweatier compared to an adult. The best material are the natural ones, such as leather or canvas. Avoid plastic and synthetic materials since they prevent the child’s feet from breathing and may create sores and blisters.

4. Shoe Structure – The structure is important to ensure the healthy development of the child’s growing feet. Because a child’s feet have small bones and soft tendons, they require a shoe that is flexible and sturdy. The fit of the shoe should be comfortable without falling off and should be suitable for all day use.

Remember, kids’ feet grow fast so choose shoes wisely. Cute to Boot is a baby footwear store that specialises in baby, toddler and children's shoes and accessories. We offer the best shoes and accessories for your children from renowned brands including Jack and Lily, Rileyroos, Livie and Luca, Tip Toey Joey, Australian Ugg Boots and our very own Cute to Boot shoes. Order a pair for your child today!