Shoe shopping made simple

If you find shoe shopping with your little one a nightmare, then don't worry. We've paired up with Clarks shoes to bring you this step by step guide to shoe shopping for children.

Shapes & Sizes
When it comes to kids’ feet, one size certainly doesn’t fit all! In recent surveys, less than a third of children fit a ‘standard’ width shoe – so look for a shoe brand with enough sizes and widths to accommodate your child’s feet.

Made to Measure
Shoes that don't fit properly can prevent natural growth, cause discomfort and lead to health problems. They can even adversely affect your child's walking development. Having your child’s feet regularly measured and assessed is vital.

Expert Attention
Your child’s feet are as unique as their personality. A fully trained shoe fitter, such as the ones at Clarks, will not only use a specially-designed measuring gauge to check the length, width and depth of your child’s feet, but will carry out a six-point fit check once your chosen shoes are actually on the foot.

Room to Grow
In their first year, a baby’s foot grows around three whole sizes (25mm). Between the ages of one and five years, it grows about two whole sizes (16mm) each year. And from the age of five, right up until their mid teens, feet continue to grow at around a whole size (8mm) each year. So it’s important to find footwear with growing room built in!

Keep it Natural
Sharply pointed shoes can squeeze the foot into an unnatural position. So look for softly rounded shoes that mirror the foot’s natural shape.

Breath Easy
Feet need to be protected but also need to breathe. Look for shoes that support and cushion the foot, and are made with leather uppers or other good quality, breathable materials.

Fasten Up
Footwear with fully-adjustable fastenings – such as laces, or straps with Velcro – will not only be easier to put on but are more likely to stay on as well.

Sporting Chance
A child’s feet and joints are under pressure during active play, so during sport trainers should be worn. Training shoe styles have been specially constructed to support the foot during strenuous activity whilst allowing them to breathe.

Soft Touch
Rough seams or hard edges can rub the foot, causing corns or blisters. Look for smooth, seamless interiors that will feel soft against the foot.

Step by Step
It’s important you look for shoes that suit your child’s stage of development. For example, pre-walkers should have shoes with toe, heel and waist guards to protect feet that can easily be bent out of shape, while walkers will benefit from styles with close cropped soles to prevent trips and falls.

Find out more about kids foothealth and finding the right shoes for little feet at www.clarks.co.uk/YourFeet/KidsFoothealth