Children’s feet, particularly toddlers and babies, are very delicate. Basically, they must be looked after from the very start they learn to walk and will be in need of the ideal pair of shoes.
Properly fitted kid’s trainers with the right amount of support and space help in the proper development of the child’s feet. Unfortunately, more children are suffering from foot problems as a result of wearing poorly fitted shoes as they are growing up.
That said, it’s vital to know the factors to consider in choosing and buying a pair of trainers for your little one.
Facts on Growing Feet
Before learning what to look for when buying boys’ and girls trainers, you first need to know how kids’ feet develop to understand why their shoes are different from adults.
Babies are born with only 22 bones on their feet. On the other hand, adults have 26 bones. That explains that the four missing bones will slowly develop as your kid’s feet grow to their full length.
The development stage of their feet will also determine what type of shoes they’ll need as they grow up.
If you’re buying a pair of kid’s trainers for your child anytime soon, here are some factors to consider:
- Specially Designed For Kids’ Feet
This is the most important factor you need to consider. You should buy shoes that are specially designed for your kid’s growing feet with consideration of the inevitable growing room allowance.
You need to choose a pair of shoes that are rounded since they haven’t started to strengthen their feet muscles for balance. As their feet continue to grow, their heels will also become less rounded and develop a more distinct arch. So, always go for rounded, roomy shoes and avoid pointed ones to prevent harming their delicate feet.
- Quality, Durability, and Breathability
The quality of a kid’s trainers will make all the difference in their comfort and health. Buying a quality pair will always be more beneficial for your kid’s foot health than buying several low-quality ones that don’t have the proper support that your child needs to improve their balance.
You should also opt for shoes with breathable linings, allowing air to circulate and reduce sweat and moisture. This keeps your little one’s feet dry, fresh and healthy, especially when they play outdoors as part of their afternoon routine.
In general, leather is the most highly recommended material for kids’ trainers due to its quality, durability, and breathability. But, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, shoes made of canvas material are a great alternative that you can go for.
- Flexibility and Support
Flexibility is a critical factor when choosing kids’ trainers due to their growing feet. A good pair of shoes should be able to conform to the natural movements of their feet without inhibiting them.
That said, unlike adult shoes, kid’s shoes don’t generally need arch support. Since their feet are still developing, most children have ‘flat feet’ during their first few years. So, the support they need is with their ankle and heel.
An enclosed heel should be firm enough that when squeezed together, its sides should not meet.
A good pair of kid’s trainer shoes should be flexible for walking and running, but also thick enough to protect against injuries.
- The Right Fit
Your child’s feet can grow and change immediately, so it’s recommended that you check if their trainers still fit every few months.
However, some parents prefer buying shoes that are too big for their child, for practical reasons that it would be a waste of money to buy kids trainers every few months because it only takes a few weeks for the child’s feet to grow. But buying larger shoes for your little one can do more harm than good. Your child may develop blisters or they can suffer an accident if they stumble because they’re not comfortable with the fit of their shoes.
Thus, choosing the right fit is crucial. The best way to check if it’s the right fit for your child is by pressing about a finger’s width, between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Ease In Fastening
Another thing you need to consider is how the trainers will be fastened. For younger kids, it’s ideal to have Velcro or buckle shoe closures that allow for quick and precise adjustment to ensure that the shoes fit their feet properly.
Meanwhile, slip-on styles, as well as those with laces, should only be considered for older kids.
Take Away
When it comes to buying kid’s trainers for your little one, you shouldn’t skimp on proper fitting and support. Your utmost priority should be your child’s comfort while wearing them.
At the end of the day, the best trainers for your child are ones that fit well and are functional. That said, there are still fashionable kid’s shoes that do fit the rules in this guide so your little one can wear shoes that are both good for their developing and growing feet while looking good too!
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