What to consider when buying children’s shoes
Buying children’s shoes isn’t like buying shoes for yourself. Little feet grow fast, and kids are more likely to need weather-specific footwear than grown-ups - unless you also enjoy playing in puddles!
Your primary considerations will be choosing the right size and the weather conditions. In winter, boots with leather uppers are great and very durable, qualities needed to withstand the elements. Other options include rain booties or boots with a Gore-Tex membrane, both of which you can rely on to stay waterproof. Make sure the boots you choose have good traction on the bottom (otherwise known as ‘tread’) to prevent slipping.
In summer, open shoes like sandals should still have a solid heel cap and non-slip rubber soles to fit well and have a firm footing on different surfaces. With classic shoes, canvas and cotton uppers are natural fibers that allow the feet to breathe, unlike synthetic or plastic uppers that can cause feet to rub and become sweaty. The same applies to socks, which are always comfiest and most moisture-wicking in a natural fiber like cotton.
How to measure your child’s feet
Although the foot's structure is fully developed by the time your child reaches two years old, the bones don’t fully develop and harden until they are around 18 years old. Shoes that don’t fit well might lead to long-term problems, so it’s essential to measure your child’s feet before buying.
The younger children are, the faster their feet grow:
1-2 years old c. 20mm/year
2-3 years old c. 15mm/year
3-11 years old c. 10mm/year
Keep this in mind and always add approximately 1-1.5cm to the length of the foot. We’ll go into this in more detail below.
Step 1: Measure
The easiest way to measure a child’s foot is by taping a piece of paper to the floor in front of a wall and placing the foot on the paper. The heel should be up against the wall to get the most accurate measurement. For teeny ones, you can ask another grown up to hold them steady as you hold the foot down. With the foot flat on the paper, draw around its edge.
For the length, measure from the back of the heel to the top of the big toe. For the width, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the foot. Make a note of the numbers in millimeters (mm). Repeat with the other foot as they might be slightly different sizes.
Step Two: The children’s shoe size chart is your friend
Always use a shoe size chart to find the perfect fit. Where appropriate, reference the children’s shoe size conversion chart to ensure you’re picking the correct size.
Both feet are not necessarily the same as two feet can grow differently. If your child is between sizes, it’s always recommended to go with the larger foot. Having a shoe that’s a size too big is better than a size too small.
The room you leave for growth with different shoes also varies slightly.
Open sandals: c. 10mm Closed sandals: c. 10-15mm Walking shoes: c. 10-15mm Thin-lined autumn/spring boots: c. 10-15mm Boots with warm lining: c. 15-20mm Rain booties (e.g. Wellington boots): c. 15-20mm
Step three: Shop!
Whether you’re wandering around the shops together or buying online, involve your child in the decision. They may or may not give a hoot about the shoes they wear, but involving them can get them more excited about their new pair of shoes and avoid any meltdowns further down the line.
Step four: Check the fit
Sit your little one down to check the fit with the shoes on. Start by holding the ankle with one hand and the back of the shoe with the other. Pull down lightly on the shoe to check it doesn’t slip off the foot. Repeat with the other foot.
Ask them to stand up and use your fingers to feel around the top edge of both shoes. They shouldn’t feel too tight or have gaps at the sides. Also, check there isn’t a big gap between the heel and the shoe.
If you’ve followed the advice to buy shoes with room for growth, there should be a thumb’s width of space between the top of the shoes and the edge of the toes.
You can check the width by using your thumb to apply gentle pressure and rubbing it across the top of the shoes. The material should move slightly but not enough for a ridge to form. If there is no movement, then the shoe is too narrow. If they have cutaway details, run your finger around the inside edges to check the width. The shoe should feel neither too tight nor too loose.
The shoe shouldn’t touch the ankle bone as this can cause rubbing and discomfort. Feel for bulges, too - these can often be seen just by looking, but it’s also possible to feel if there is pressure in certain spots.
Finally, ask them to do a little catwalk show for you. The shoe shouldn’t slip at the heels, and they shouldn’t walk any differently to normal.
Five children’s footwear brands to explore now
Kavat: Established in 1945, Swedish brand Kavat creates durable, high-quality footwear for kids and babies. With a focus on sustainability and design, the brand has over 50 styles certified with the EU Ecolabel.
Golden Goose: Golden Goose was created in 2000 by the Italian creative duo, Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo. The pair's popular designs have become known across the globe for their characteristic, detailed and, above all, comfortable sneakers. Let yourself be inspired by a playful and carefully selected assortment.
NIKE: Founded in 1972, Nike is a globally renowned brand specializing in sports apparel and shoes. Look out for colorful sneakers, breathable tracksuits and bold tees with the signature “Just do it” slogan. From baby to teen, at Babyshop you can find NIKE’s specialist sportswear and casualwear for your little athlete.
Reima: Founded in 1944 in Finland, Reima’s mission is to encourage children to discover the joy of movement by providing them with functional and durable clothing. Reima’s boots and sneakers, coveralls and jackets, and swimwear and UV-clothing are some of the ways Reima has your child covered.
Bisgaard: Bisgaard was founded in 2005 in Denmark by Marianne Bisgaard and Henrik Thomsen. Bisgaard creates children’s and women’s shoes using a careful, passionate blend of understated Danish design and the experience of highly skilled, hand-made craftsmanship. The quality and attention to care shines through in all their sandals, boots, sneakers, and other types of footwear the brand makes.