There are shoes that fall in love at first sight, but when choosing we must take into account other factors beyond design, especially if it is children’s footwear. Children’s feet are very delicate and require special care, so not all shoes are appropriate for all ages.

In the case of babies, choosing the most suitable footwear is usually easier since they have not yet begun to walk. However, as children grow they need more specific footwear that allows them to carry out different activities with freedom and comfort. To make this task easier for you, we give you valuable advice on choosing children’s footwear .

Why is it important to choose appropriate footwear for children?

At birth, the child’s foot has many formed and defined structures, but they are still very fragile as they are mainly supported by cartilage. As the little one grows, his foot matures: the bones consolidate and occupy their functional position, while the rest of the structures that facilitate articulation and movement finish forming. At six years of age, the child’s foot is considered to have a structure similar to that of an adult, although in reality it is not until around the age of 18 or 19 that it reaches final maturity.

During this period, the choice of footwear is decisive for the proper development of the foot and the correct acquisition of walking. According to a study carried out by specialists from the National Institute of Pediatrics of Mexico, choosing inappropriate footwear could negatively affect the growth of the foot and the child’s motor development during walking. In fact, it is known that inappropriate footwear can also damage the correct formation of the knees and spine at an early age.

Much more than nice shoes

To avoid the risks caused by inappropriate shoes, it is important to prioritize comfort. Children’s shoes must adapt to the foot and be flexible enough to facilitate movement. Likewise, it must cushion the impacts when walking and distribute the pressure on the sole of the foot to avoid possible injuries. Therefore, before buying shoes for your children, make sure they meet these requirements:

1. Good fit to the foot

When you choose the right size shoes, you make sure that they fit the child’s foot well and facilitate movement. However, considering that the size can vary from one brand to another and that children’s feet grow very quickly, it is important to always try the shoes on children to verify the size. Measure the length and width keeping in mind that ideally there should be about 15mm between the big toe and the toe box and about 6mm from the widest part of the foot to the widest part of the shoe. If it is closed shoes, make sure that the fingers do not touch the top of the toe when walking and in no case should they touch the side edges.

2. Flexible sole with good grip

Another detail that you must take into account to choose good footwear for children is the sole. First make sure that the pattern provides good grip in both dry and wet conditions. How can you know? The sole must have an irregular and slightly pronounced pattern. Second, check that it is flexible enough to facilitate natural footing. To check this, hold the shoe by the heel and toe and fold it in half, then turn it in the opposite direction as if you were going to roll it up, if the sole gives easily it means that it is flexible. Third, choose a sole that is not too thick, but not too thin , and is sensitive enough to absorb shock from the ground when walking or running.

3. Great comfort and smooth finish

Footwear for children must be made with a thermal material that facilitates the perspiration of the foot, but at the same time protects it from the cold. Generally, natural fabrics like leather offer this advantage, but make sure of it anyway. Likewise, it is essential that the inner material of the footwear is soft to the touch and has no seams to avoid chafing. If it has seams, check that they are arranged in areas where they do not directly rub against the foot and that they have good finishes that do not damage the skin. If it is a closed shoe, check the reinforcement seams and the closure seams, while if the shoe is open, check that the closure strips are soft enough.

A type of shoe for every occasion

As children grow, they begin to need a type of shoe for each occasion. The increase in the practice of physical exercise makes them need more resistant shoes while a more active social life makes classic shoes indispensable. Whether they are girls’ or boys’ shoes , they have to adapt to the needs of each age and be suitable for each occasion.

For example, for the day to day of the little ones at school, it is recommended to bet on comfortable, flexible and light shoes. The ideal is that they are made with natural materials that facilitate the perspiration of the foot and that they have a reinforced toe to avoid injuries. On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid synthetic shoes as they will make the foot sweat excessively and can favor the formation of fungi. In these cases, boots for boys or sneakers for girls are an excellent option.

To go to the park to play or practice physical activity, opt for shoes with good cushioning in the sole and a better fit to the foot, such as sports shoes for girls or boys. These models are easy to carry and facilitate movements so that the little ones can run, jump and play with complete freedom.

For the most special occasions you can bet on a more classic style, such as ceremony shoes or bluchers. Always with the toe rounded on the sides and with an anatomical insole to reduce stress on the tread.