Unless your child starts to complain that they’re uncomfortable with their shoes, parents like you may not even have an idea that it’s already time for a quick shopping trip. Then, when that time finally comes, you’ll be overwhelmed with the variety of shoes you’ll see. Department stores have aisles and aisles of shoes with all sorts of styles, designs, and colors, making the decision even more complicated.
Buying new shoes for your child, as it is with shopping, is always exciting. However, it can also be quite stressful to give in to all the whims of your child. More than the style, you have to factor in comfort among other factors. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to deal with a cranky child who refuses to put their new pair of shoes on.
Fret no more, as this post offers you a few tips on how you can walk away with the best pair of shoes for your child. Keep on reading to learn more.
Focus on Good Quality Over Quantity
As parents, you may have the urge to buy your kids loads of shoes to match varying outfits. This desire can also be supported by kids shoe brands that aren’t pricey. There are so many cheaper alternatives out there that can easily draw the attention of parents on a budget.
This may make a lot of sense, but affordable shoes shouldn’t also mean lower quality. One of the top deciding factors for you to choose the best pair is always the quality. Don’t shy away from established brands, as they’re present in almost all department stores. For instance, Puma kids shoes are available everywhere, if such becomes your tried and tested brands for your kids.
Kids’ feet are still growing and developing, so you wouldn’t want to squeeze them through a pair that’s not of top-notch quality.
Moreover, children’s feet may grow fast, but perhaps still not as fast as the wear and tear they can have on shoes. Particularly if you have young kids, they’ll be running around a lot and playing, situations of which can easily damage shoes. Good ones should last through heavy use, ready for replacement only when the pair doesn’t fit anymore.
Seek the Help of the Sales Associate
Sales associates are there for a reason and not just to follow you around when you shop. They’re trained to help shoppers find what they’re looking for.
If you’re still confused about how to narrow down your options of the five pairs you have in your hands, ask for their help. They can provide valuable insights into comparing your choices, so you don’t wind up with a regrettable decision.
More often than not, the sales associate will have a tape measure to have the exact measurement of your child’s feet. This comes in handy especially when your child refuses to fit all the pairs you’re choosing from. Furthermore, having that exact measurement helps particularly when making adjustments for socks and feet growth, so you don’t have to shop for new shoes too soon in the near future.
Skip the Flat Shoes
While they may be stylish, podiatrists actually don’t recommend flat shoes that much for very young children with developing feet. In fact, it may be a good idea also to consult a podiatrist first to see if your child has any special needs as regards their feet, so you can find the right specifications of the shoe they need.
For example, some kids may have arches that are too high or too low. Be very intentional and thorough with shoe shopping, so you can find the pair that meets that need. Moreover, addressing any foot issues early on can be key in early treatment while they’re young, to prevent further problems down the road.
Choose Lightweight and Flexible Shoes
Given the rowdy nature of children, it’s a must to have shoes that are also not too stiff. Opt for shoes that are lightweight and flexible, so that the shoes can bend and move according to their feet’s movement. With shoes like that, your child’s feet don’t feel constrained for a long period.
While the rest of the shoe has to be lightweight and flexible, the sole has to be strong enough to provide stable support. This is needed so that the foot’s sole isn’t doing all the hard work when walking, running, and moving around in playgrounds, at school, or wherever they may be.
Shoe Shopping for Kids Need Not Be Complicated
Depending on how fast your child’s feet are growing, they may need to have new shoes at least once every three to four months. If you have multiple kids, that means you’ll be shoe shopping for quite a lot of pairs the entire year. The more active your child is, the faster this time frame also becomes. Hence the need for parents to learn how to find the best pair of shoes, style notwithstanding. Above all else, prioritize comfort.
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