Choosing the right shoe size for children is an important task for parents, as proper footwear can affect a child's comfort, foot health, and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you select the right shoe size for your child.
Measure your child's foot regularly
Children's feet grow quickly, so it's important to measure their feet regularly to ensure they have the proper shoe size. You can do this by tracing the outline of their feet on a piece of paper and then measuring the length and width of the tracings. Alternatively, you can check out these methods. if you are buying from Two Little Feet, simply use our friendly printable size guide.
Consider the fit
A good fit should be snug but not tight, allowing enough room for the toes to wiggle freely. You should also make sure there is enough room in the shoe for a child's growing foot, usually about a thumb's width from the end of the longest toe to the front of the shoe. A quick and easy way to check is to have your child stand on the insole and see the available space.
Feet width and instep are as important as feet length, although being overlooked most of the time. Check for any red marks on the feet after wearing, or bumps on the side of the shoes when wearing. These are signs that the shoes may be too narrow or shallow for your child's feet.
Try shoes on at the end of the day
Children's feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day, so it's best to try shoes on at the end of the day when their feet are at their largest.
In addition, if your child wears socks, try shoes with the socks on.
Take into account the child's activity level
Different types of shoes are designed for different activities, so it's important to consider what type of activities your child will be doing in their shoes. For example, if they will be running and playing, you'll want to choose a pair of shoes with good support and cushioning.
Know when to get a new pair
Now that you know how to choose the right shoe size for your child, it's also important to know when to replace their shoes. Here are some signs that your child has outgrown their shoes:
The shoe feels tight
If your child's shoe is feeling tight, it may be time for a new pair. A tight pair of shoes usually can be detected by feeling the front of the shoes. If you can feel the toes right at the tip with no space, it's time to replace. Children's feet grow quickly, so it's important to make sure their shoes have enough room to accommodate their growing feet.
The shoe is worn out
If your child's shoes are worn out, they may no longer provide the proper support and cushioning they need. Look for signs of excessive wear on the soles, toes, and heels of the shoes.
Your child complains of discomfort
If your child is complaining of discomfort when wearing their shoes, it may be time for a new pair. Foot pain, blisters, and other types of discomfort can indicate that the shoes are no longer the right fit.
In conclusion, wearing the right fit ensures that your child will continue to love wearing footwear to protect their little feet when they are out and about. Your child will benefit from great comfort and heathy foot growth with a great pair of fitting shoes.
Use our smart Size Assistant to find out your child's Two Little Feet shoe size, based on their feet length!
Looking for more options?
For babies just starting to walk, check out this curated Wobbly Steps Collection for first walkers who are still walking with support.
If your child is walking steadily, we have curated a Steady Walking Kids Shoes and Sandals Collection.
Have an active running and jumping child at home? Look no further than our most supportive kids sneakers and children sandals for Active Running young ones!
Check out our range of children footwear: