How to Buy Shoes for Jewish Children

Religious Jews put more thought than the average buyer when buying shoes for their children.

Religious Jewish parents who go shoe shopping for their children must take their community's norms into account when making their selection. Many communities have style and color restrictions that parents may wish to respect.

Color

For many religious Jews, the color red signifies boldness and immodesty. For this reason, they avoid red clothing and red shoes when dressing themselves and their children. Depending on the community, some people will also choose to avoid hues of red, including pink and orange.

Style

Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic Jews will not leave the house with their legs and feet uncovered. Both men and women will not walk outside without socks and shoes, even in the hottest weather, and in some sects this includes thick non-see-through fibers. When shopping for shoes, these Jewish parents will want to ensure that the shoe size will fit over the socks that their children will wear. In addition, a sandal style must allow the wearer to wear socks under the sandal.

Durability

Religious Jewish families frequently have more children than the traditional American family. In some communities, six children per family constitute the norm and many families have more children. Often, religious families will consider shoes' durability during the purchase process, as the parents expect that the shoes will pass down from child to child.

References

• Being Jewish: How to Dress
• Simple to Remember: Never too Many
• Jewish Customs and Myths: Dress