Buying Kids Shoes

Going to a children’s specific shoe shop can be worth its weight in gold, as these people know baby, toddler and children’s shoes inside and out. 

Baby – at six months your baby’s foot is actually still mostly cartilage. Any onesies or growing suits should leave plenty of foot room so your baby is free to move their feet, and their little muscles start to work. 

Toddler – walking can start anywhere from around ten months to two years. As your child learns to walk, do away with shoes when they’re inside as this helps the foot to grow naturally and toes learn how to move/grasp. Walking with pronounced inward or outward pointing toes is quite normal at this age, but if it persists then consider seeing a podiatrist. 

Kids – by about the age of three is when your child’s final foot bone will start to form. Up until this age you should probably check your child’s foot growth every one to three months, and make sure socks and footwear are adapting accordingly. Between the ages of five to 12, foot growth is approximately 9mm per annum. 

Buying first shoes – make sure both feet are measured and aim for a shoe that fits the foot’s natural shape. Toes should be able to move freely and not be squashed. Allow for about 10mm between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe, as this will accommodate their speedy growth! The trap of getting value for money by buying a much bigger shoe (that therefore lasts longer) is only going to contribute to problems later – your child needs the structure and support that is right for their exact foot size. 

Types of shoes – you thought Carrie had plenty of shoe choice! When it comes to kids’ shoes, there are a multitude of types.  They can also be made from a variety of materials but leather shoes are recommended as they are breathable and long-wearing.

Specific school shoe tips – the wrong shoes on growing feet can lead to numerous health problems, including lower back conditions and postural issues, not to mention discomfort when playing school sports or just hanging around the school yard.  According to the Australasian Podiatry Council the ideal school shoe should: 

• Never bend in the middle

• Be able to bend at the toe 

• Not be able to twist or ‘ring out’ 

• Not be able to push in the heel cup 

Caring for children’s feet – warts can actually be more of a problem for children than for adults, and have the ability to form clusters, which can be especially painful if on the sole of the foot. Keep an eye open for this, any hard lumps or bumps or sensitive skin and visit a podiatrist if symptoms persist. 

Australian shoe size guide 

The following is a guide only: