Does your child have narrow feet? Perhaps in combination with a high instep? Or very wide feet? Does your child need extra support in his shoes? Or shoes that prevent sweaty feet? Which shoes do you buy? And from what age? Which brands provide a secure fit, a good connection and also look attractive? Finding a good, beautiful and affordable children’s shoe is not as easy as it seems. Tips, tricks and lots of information about brands, children’s feet and shoes, something every parent needs.
When do you buy the first real children’s shoe?
It is recommended that your child walk around barefoot or in socks as long as possible. Vulnerable children’s feet can develop well in this way, because their freedom of movement is not hindered. When a child starts wearing shoes too early, the feet can be pushed into a certain shape and position. After all, a shoe is for protection and not to shape the feet. When your child can really walk, you can look at the first real shoes. It is best to have your child’s foot measured when purchasing each children’s shoe, so that you can be sure that you are purchasing the correct size and model.
The narrow foot
If your child has a narrow foot, it is often difficult to find a shoe that fits properly. The shoes are often too large in width, which means that the foot does not stay properly in place when walking and walking. This can cause all kinds of discomforts such as blisters and wounds. The biggest problem, however, is the position your child adopts with a wide shoe. Because the shoe automatically comes loose from the foot with every step, your child will try to keep the shoe in place by putting the foot in a pinch position. This causes incorrect movement of the feet and constant tension. When a child walks like this over the long term, this can have consequences for later posture, but also for bones, muscles and joints. Sometimes a leather insole is a good solution, because it allows the foot to sit a little higher in the shoe. A good lace-up shoe or very sturdy Velcro straps are ideal for narrow feet because you can put them on easily, but it is best to seek advice from a good (children’s) shoe store.
A number of brands have children’s shoes especially for narrow feet
- Brackets
- Replay
- Mod8
- Gattino
- Redzz
- Rondinella
- Hip
- Pom d’Api
- Gallucci
- Shoesme
The wide foot
Even if your child has a wide foot, it is often extra difficult to find the right shoe. If you buy a shoe that is not wide enough, the foot will automatically be too tight in the shoe. This means your child will not have the freedom of movement he or she needs in his or her shoe. This pushes the foot into a certain position, which has consequences for the growth and position of the foot. A shoe that is too tight also causes your child to adopt an incorrect walking position. This can also cause later problems with posture, back, bones, muscles and joints. Here too, visit a good shoe store for advice, so that you not only get the right width, but also the right size. If you have wide feet, it is best not to choose shoes without a closure, because the foot cannot easily get into them.
A number of brands have children’s shoes especially for wide feet
- Braqeez
- Bunnies
- Zecchino d’Ore
- Bo Bell
- Clarks
- Kickers
- Ricosta, the pepino series
- Geox
- Ecco
The high instep
Children’s feet with a high instep are often accompanied by wide or sometimes very narrow feet. A high instep is often accompanied by a hollow foot. As the name suggests, your foot is quite hollow, only the heel and forefoot touch the ground. As a result, the sole of the foot is often tense and the toes tend to be in a claw or pinch position. It is important to choose the right size and model to prevent later problems with posture, bones, muscles and joints. A boot is often not useful for a high instep, because it is often difficult to get into it. When the baby does get into it, there is a good chance that the boot will rub and irritate the instep. Get good advice from a shoe store, there are boots that have been specially developed for feet with a high instep.
A number of brands have children’s shoes especially for the high instep
- Ecco
- Hush Puppies
- Track style
- LittleDavid
- Bardossa
- Clic
- Petit Shoes
Sweaty feet
When children suffer from excessive sweat production on their feet, it is extra important to choose a shoe that breathes well. The risk of athlete’s foot and bacteria is much greater in these children and is only exacerbated when air cannot flow into the shoe. To prevent and reduce sweaty feet, it is important to wear good quality shoes and socks. Faux leather increases sweat production and provides an optimal climate for fungi and bacteria. Genuine leather, on the other hand, significantly reduces sweat production.
A number of brands have children’s shoes especially for sweaty feet
- Geox (the shoe that breathes)
- Lepi
- Zecchino d’Ore
- Twins
- Red Rag
Some extra tips when buying a good shoe for your child
- It is best to check every three months whether a shoe still fits properly.
- When you go to buy shoes for your child, be sure to take him or her more. Feet can be measured immediately so you always have the right size.
- Shoes mold to a foot, a previously worn shoe is no longer as flexible. The shoe will no longer adapt well to your child’s foot.
- It is best to only buy a shoe when your child can actually walk.
- For children up to two years old, it is best to choose a closed shoe or sandal with a closed heel.
- Choose a flat, flexible, yet sturdy sole.
- When trying on shoes, make sure your child always wears a sock.
