Tips for Buying and Fitting Shoes for Your Kids
When you shop for your child's shoes take your time and make it a fun occasion with your child not a chore.
Your Children's feet are important for your child's health and comfort. Everyone's shoes must feel good and fit on the foot properly or they could possibly cause foot problems or worse. The better your shoes feel the better you will feel and the more you will be able to do in a day, the same goes for your child. When you shop for your child's shoes take your time and make it a fun occasion with your child not a chore.
I have a child that is very difficult to buy shoes for. This is a common problem since children want a shoe that is pretty or has their favorite super hero on the side of the shoe. Unfortunately shoes that are the style your child wants are not necessarily a good shoe that is well constructed and comfortable on the foot. You may need to make a compromise with your child on the final selection but never buy a shoe that does not fit the child's foot properly.
Before you start to look at the shoe selection have the child's foot measured so you have a good idea of what size shoes to be looking for. You will also need to decide what type of shoe you want to buy like dress, hiking, athletic or Disney.
Before you let your child try on a shoe make sure it is made of a breathable material like cotton or leather. Plastic shoes don't let the foot breath and therefore they can make feet sweaty and uncomfortable. A sweaty foot is more apt to catch fungus or other diseases. Also feel the sides of the shoe for support and the bottom for a good arch support.
Once you have agreed on a supportive breathable shoe you can let the child try the shoe on. When the shoes are properly on the child's feet have the child stand up. The toes should not be touching the front of the shoe in fact you may want to have a fingertip of room on the front of the shoe since your child will be growing into the shoe. Watch your child's expression as they take the first few steps in the shoes. The child may get a look of discomfort on their face if the shoes are not fitting properly.
If the shoes pass the walking test take the shoe when it is on the child's foot and pull gently down on the heel. If the shoe moves more then a half inch they are probably too big and you could try on a smaller size. You should also move your thumb across the front top of the shoe from left to right. The shoe should feel snug but not too tight.
Buying shoes can be a trying time for children. You can help prevent anger and other problems by explaining what you want before you and your child even get into the shoe store. Let the child know what kinds of shoes are going to be at the store and what kind of shoes you are going to buy. The more information you tell the child the fewer problems you may have. For more shoe buying tips you can go to http://tips.become.com/Shoes-For-Kids.html.