Kids Shoe Checklist
Children will often not tell you if their shoes are too small and may not feel discomfort. It is recommended that children have their feet measured regularly to prevent problems such as hammer toes, ingrown nails, corns, callouses and bunions. Foot problems, can be the result of poorly fitted shoes in childhood.
- Check the length, there should be a thumbs-width between the end of the shoe and the longest toe (Might not be the big toe!)
- The heel counter (back of the shoe) should be strong and stable.
- The shoe should bend where the foot bends, across the ball of the foot.
- The shoe should be flexible enough in the sole to allow natural flexion in the balls of the feet and not to stiff.
- The laces, straps or buckles should hold the heel firmly in the back of the shoe.
- Leather and materials that allow the foot to breathe are best.
- Shoes should not need to be broken-in they should fit correctly at the time of purchase and not cause rubbing or irritation.