Choosing A Right Shoes And Sandals For Children 2021 Collection

  Which Shoes To Choose For Baby?

When baby ain't walking yet

The child who is not yet walking does not need to wear shoes. As a rule, before the age of 8 or 9 months (when some children start to stand up and want to take their first steps), shoes are only used to protect their feet from the cold or the sun, for example. .

It is therefore necessary to choose a very flexible shoe that does not prevent the feet from moving, such as leather slippers (eg: Robeez style slippers ). Getting your baby to wear such slippers gently accustoms him to having something on his feet.

When baby starts to walk

When baby begins to cling to furniture to move or when he begins to walk , it is advisable to leave him barefoot as often as possible to promote the proper development of his feet. Walking barefoot allows the small muscles in the foot to work. This develops the child's stability, balance, coordination and muscle strength. It is therefore not necessary to wear shoes inside the house for a baby who is learning to walk with https://cartfolder.com/.

Letting your child walk barefoot on different surfaces (eg: in the grass, in the sand, on a carpet, on mattresses, in the bed) also exercises his ability to perceive his body in space.

Of course, your baby needs shoes to protect his feet, for example when walking outside or in public places. In this case, his first shoes should be light, flexible and have a cushioned sole . They should also be snug around the heel to prevent his foot from moving inside his shoe when he walks.

Some studies have also shown that wearing shoes has certain benefits for toddlers. It gives them confidence and encourages them to take steps.

However, it is not necessary to buy him walking boots. Boots that go up to the ankle would not offer better support than low shoes.

Choosing a good pair of shoes for a 2 to 5 year old child

Around the age of 2, the child is more and more confident in his movements. He walks better and needs a comfortable shoe. Here's what to look for when choosing shoes for your little one:

• The shoe should be light;
• The sole should bend at the toes to promote the natural movement of the foot;
• The sole must be non-slip (eg: rubber) to prevent the child from slipping;
• The sole should be slightly thicker at the heel;
• The shoe should be made of a material that "breathes", such as leather or certain synthetic fabrics used in the manufacture of sneakers, to allow the foot to be well ventilated. Avoid synthetic materials, such as imitation leather, which do not allow sweat to escape the foot;
• Remember to run your fingers inside the shoe to check that no seams will irritate the foot over time.

What shoe size?

To choose the right size, take your child to shop with you. Here is the ideal technique for choosing the right size:

• Remove the false sole from the inside of the shoe;
• Put the false sole on the ground and ask your child to put his foot on it when he is standing. His toes must not extend beyond the sides of the sole in width;
• A space of about 1 cm should also be left between the longer toe and the tip of the sole to allow the foot to grow a little.

If the insole does not come off:

• Have your child put on the shoe and stand up. You should be able to place an index finger on the back of his heel. Your child should also be able to move their toes;
• Touch his toes through the shoe. If you feel that they are “pushing” on the sides of the shoe, it is a sign that his toes are too tight and that he needs a wider model;
• Have your toddler walk around the store to see if they find the shoes comfortable.

Can I give my child shoes already worn by another child?

It is possible to have your child wear used shoes, but they must still be in good condition. Too worn shoes should be avoided.

Before you put your child on used shoes, make sure that:

• the sole is not too worn and is still very non-slip. It should also not be worn unevenly (inward or outward) on the back of the shoe;
• the part of the shoe which holds the heel is not damaged. When there is a vertical seam on the back of the heel, it should be perpendicular to the floor;
• the false soles are in good condition. If not, replace them, provided that the other parts of the shoes are in good condition;
• the fastening system (lace or velcro) still works well to keep the foot in place. If the shoes are in good condition and only the velcro are damaged, they could be replaced;
• you have cleaned and disinfected the shoes , even if they come from a family member. Textile disinfectant spray can be used. This eliminates the fungi that are responsible for athlete's foot, bacteria that cause bad odors and viruses (eg: plantar warts).

When to change shoes? According to the Canadian Pediatric Society , before the age of 3, a child's feet grow an average of half a size every two or three months. After 3 years, they grow by one size per year. However, each child grows at their own pace. The best way to know when to change your child's shoes is to check regularly to see if their toes are at the end of the shoes.

Choosing shoes for school

The same tips mentioned above apply when it comes to choosing a shoe for a child who is starting school . You have to remember that he will be wearing his shoes all day to do a variety of activities. It is therefore better to favor a shoe made of fairly resistant materials and which holds the foot well, that is to say a shoe with a clip, laces or velcro.

Fashionable shoes like ballet flats and Converse shoes should be avoided . These shoes have flat soles and it is best to choose shoes with a bit thicker soles at the heel. This can help prevent heel pain and tendonitis.

Choosing good sandals for the summer

Favor good foot support

When the weather is hot, the child is fine in a sandal, provided it meets certain characteristics. A good sandal has:

• heel reinforcement, that is, the part of the sandal that surrounds the heel must be strong enough;
• an ankle tie and at least one tie in the front of the foot;
• a non-slip sole (eg: rubber).

Hybrid shoes made of synthetic fabrics (eg: Keen ), which are halfway between sandals and espadrilles, are a good choice of sandals. They allow the foot to be ventilated while offering good support thanks to a reinforcement in the heel and a non-slip sole. As the toe of these sandals is closed and often reinforced with rubber, this also protects the child's toes.

What about flip flops and Crocs ?

For their part, flip flops and Crocs- type sandals are to be avoided, as they do not hold the foot well in place. Without heel or ankle support, a child's toes must constantly flex to keep the foot stable.

In fact, when sandals don't have a handle on the back of the ankle, they're not good for the foot. Wearing it can cause discomfort, irritation, blisters or other injuries to the feet, such as pain in the heel, toes or ankles.

Flip-flops and Crocs- type sandals should therefore be worn as little as possible. It may be okay for a short walk to the beach or to the pool, but once there the child is best to walk barefoot.

When to consult a podiatrist?

The child is born with flat feet and his arch gradually forms as his feet grow. It is therefore not useful to go for a consultation for flat feet before the age of 3.

After 3 years, the child may still have flat feet without this being a cause for concern. Here are the signs that should prompt you to consult:

• He complains of pain in his legs;
• He often stumbles;
• He gets tired quickly when he walks;
• He regularly asks to be caught or to go in the stroller;
• His ankles and feet are turned inward.

To remember

• When baby begins to walk, it is advisable to leave him barefoot often.
• Baby's first shoes should be light and flexible. Boots are not necessary.
• For a child over 2 years old, choose a comfortable shoe with a non-slip sole that is slightly raised at the heel.
• For summer , shoes halfway between espadrilles and sandals allow the foot to be well ventilated, while being supported and protected.
• Flip flops and Crocs type sandals should be avoided as much as possible.