Even though barefoot walking may be acceptable in certain instances, children usually need well-fitted shoes that provide balance and mobility support. Soft leather footwear that’s both comfortable and washable should be ideal.
Kids who can put on their shoes independently develop a greater sense of independence and responsibility. Look for SpendlessNZ shoes with laces that can be tightened or loosened easily and hook-and-loop straps to make donning footwear effortless for them.
Sole
The sole of a shoe connects directly with the ground, providing traction, comfort and protection against shock. Sneaker soles, typically made of rubber, can come in white, black or even more colourful options for kids’ sneaker soles. As kids’ feet develop over time, they tend to develop arches more rapidly as well as become more active, meaning their sneakers need to meet these demands without wearing out quickly or cracking under pressure from overuse – keep an eye on their condition to know when replacing is necessary – signs such as tread smoothing or cracking in treading treads as these could negatively impact gait as a means for tracking this way can save time when replacing shoes when necessary!
As important as heel and arch support is for kids’ feet, their toes also need plenty of space to wiggle and stretch out. A good way to assess this is having your child stand in their shoes and press their thumb against the front of each shoe – there should be enough space for it without hitting any toes; tight shoes may cause blisters or limit movement.
When shopping for kids shoes, width should also be taken into account. When trying on shoes for the first time with socks on, always measure both width and length to make sure they fit comfortably. Sometimes SpendlessNZ shoes of the same size in heel and toe box but too narrow to allow proper foot function may need an aftermarket insole for width increase.
Make note that children’s feet grow half a size every two months into their teens, so be sure to measure their feet regularly and not buy shoes that are too big – this could cause blisters and alter their walking or running stride. Most kids’ shoes come equipped with removable insoles so that you can slip an aftermarket one in for added support; this will keep their feet healthy as they continue to develop!
Upper Part
Kids shoes should allow their feet to move freely while having an optimal fit. Aim for shoes with wide toe boxes, soft rounded edges and breathable materials as children’s feet sweat heavily during walking for extended periods. Comfort should also be key; tight-fitting shoes that cause blisters should be avoided, along with overly stiff uppers that hinder natural foot motion while walking.
An improperly fitting shoe will rub against the side of your toes, while one that’s too large may be too loose and not fit well at the front. To test for proper fit, have your child wear both shoes together while standing up straight. Sliding your thumb around each opening on both shoes to check if there is room to move yet snug enough that they won’t slip off is another way of testing for appropriateness.
Shoes for children must provide proper support and enable them to learn to walk properly, not simply protect them from falling over or hurting themselves. SpendlessNZ shoes that do not offer adequate support or are poorly designed may lead to overpronation – when feet roll inward while walking – and cause knee, hip or back pain in children.
The outer portion of a shoe, known as its upper, may be constructed of leather, canvas, or another natural material. Make sure the material allows airflow so that your kid’s feet can move without becoming hot or uncomfortable; additionally, there should be closures that secure them securely without needing extra effort from them to stay on.
Kids’ feet grow quickly, so their footwear must allow for free movement with plenty of toe box room. The ideal shoes for kids should never require breaking in; rather, they should feel comfortable from day one of wearing. Stride Rite’s SRtech collection of shoes features sensory pods to develop proprioception and encourage healthy walking patterns while still being long-term investments with an attractive price point.