How to Buy Kid Sneakers

Every child needs a trusty pair of sneakers that will hold up on the playground, actually stay on his feet, and (if you’re lucky) look somewhat presentable for school. Here are some tips on outfitting your child with sporty shoes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Go to a children’s specialty store. They will have experience in measuring and fitting little feet, and perhaps even have toys, games, aquariums or other distractions.
2. Bring the type of socks your child wears with his sneakers.
3. Have your child’s feet measured.
4. Look for soles that are thick enough to protect on rocky surfaces, but flexible enough that his foot won’t need to work overtime.
5. Remember that canvas and mesh shoes are especially breathable, and leather is easiest to clean.
6. Look for textured tread on the sole, which provides traction on slippery terrain.
7. Ask your child to walk, run and jump around the store so you can watch for awkwardness or ill-fitting shoes. (Don’t be shy—this is why you came to the kids-only store.) Make sure he isn’t tripping over a rubbery toe or slipping his heel out of the shoe.
8. Resist the urge to buy a much larger size. Because kids do so much in their sneakers, these everyday shoes should fit well. There should be one thumbnail of space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe.
9. Laces or Velcro? Velcro makes it easy for kids to dress themselves, but the downside is that they may relish the ability to take off their shoes at inappropriate times. At some point, however, your child must learn to tie his own shoes—focus on that goal the next time you are struggling to tie the laces on a moving target.