How to Choose Children's Shoes

Kids go through enough shoes that you may want to consider a 401(k) plan just for their feet. Toddler's feet can grow an entire size or more every three months, and rough-and-tumble play takes its toll. Shopping for kids' shoes, though, doesn't need to be daunting. The key is to keep up with growth spurts by having your child's feet properly measured on a regular basis.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Shopping for the first pair

1. Wait to buy shoes until your child starts to walk. Research suggests that children develop healthy, well-developed feet when they learn to walk barefoot. Keep their feet toasty and unrestricted with soft booties or warm skid-free socks. Robeez (robeez.com) makes thin but warm leather moccasins in a range of colors and sizes that actually stay on little crawlers' feet.

2. When it's time for your baby's first pair of shoes, take your well rested, recently fed child to a quality children's shoe store that stock brands such as Stride Rite and Elefanten. The best stores have patient and knowledgeable salespeople who are expert at fitting children's feet.

3. Have the salesperson measure the length and width of both of the child's feet. Many babies have an extra wide foot and may need a special size.

4. Make sure the shoes aren't too big, which can cause a baby to trip. First shoes should be soft and pliable to let new walkers feel the ground.

As they grow

5. Have your child's feet measured on a regular basis at a shoe store that specializes in children's shoes. Kids grow fast, and shoe sizes can change from month to month. Really good salespeople can spot evasive maneuvers like scrunched up toes, and know how to woo a reluctant tot out of a parent's lap. Toys and play areas are added bonuses.

6. Head to discount stores, such as Payless ShoeSource, Target and Kmart, which are also great sources for shoes that get limited wear, such as dress shoes. If you're clear about your child's shoe size, you can save a bundle at these discounters. However, many of these stores don't carry wide or narrow shoes.

7. Have your child try both shoes on. Shoes vary in fit, even within the same brand. Toes should have a 1/2-inch (1-cm) clearance, but not much more. Getting one size larger than their foot is typical. Watch your child walk and make sure that the heels don't slip out. If a heel is too wide but the rest of the shoe fits, try heel pads (available at some shoe stores and drugstores).

8. Invest in a good pair of sneakers that your child can wear every day. This pair will take a pounding, so look for quality. Leather holds up better than vinyl, and stitching lasts longer than glue.

9. Take advantage of Velcro fasteners. At some point, though, all kids need to learn to tie shoelaces, so get your preschool-age child at least one pair that ties.

10. For summer months or warm climates, purchase cheap canvas sneakers for playing in the sand box, jumping in puddles or going in the creek. Velcro-strapped sandals are great for tender feet that want to have wet summertime fun.

11. Buy rain and winter boots a size or two bigger. Kids can wear heavier or even doubled socks. Most retailers won't restock boots, even if they sell out of a size, until the following year's season. Be aware that most rain boots don't come in wide sizes; you may have to go up in size to get them wide enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Some shoe stores such as Stride Rite offer warranties. If the shoes wear out before your kids outgrow them, they will replace them. Be sure to keep receipts.
• Shoes with lights are a huge hit with little kids and are found on both quality and discount brands.
• Outlets and discounters like Marshall's, Ross and T.J. Maxx often sell brand-name shoes. The selection of sizes and styles may be limited, though.
• If your child wears orthotics, bring them with you when trying on shoes.
• Examine young children's feet regularly for red spots or blisters, evidence that their shoes don't fit right.
• Don't buy shoes more than one size too big for your toddler. You don't want your child to trip, and often he or she will wear them out before they actually grow into them.

on 11/22/2005 I owe a chain of European Children's Shoe stores in USA and I am considered an expert on children's shoe fitting and buying. The ABC of a good first walker shoe is:

1. Buy shoes that are made out of natural leather. It is flexible and super soft.

2. Shoes for children have to have breathable leather innersoles. Their feet sweat twice as much as an adult.

3. A child's first shoes should be properly measured - 1/2 inch from the toes for a proper fit and movement.