Tracy's 7 step fit guide
1. Width
Shoes should always be wider than the widest part of the foot (that’s always across the toes).
Look for unwanted pressure on the big and little toe area and make sure your little one can wiggle their toes easily.
Shoes should always have an adjustable closure, usually Velcro in younger children and later on laces.
This allows you and your child to vary the shoes width to cope with changes in size throughout the day. Avoid slip-on or backless shoes
2. Shape
The shape of the shoe should mimic the shape of the foot. Children’s feet are wider at the toes, so shoes should not taper to a point!
For children, especially babies and toddlers, this is a triangular shape, wider at the toes.
The shape of the shoe should mimic the shape of the foot. Children’s feet are wider at the toes, so shoes should not taper to a point!
For children, especially babies and toddlers, this is a triangular shape, wider at the toes.
3. Heel grip
With your little one sitting down, tug the shoe to ensure that it will not slip and slide around. Without a snug fit at the heel, toes may claw in order to keep hold of the shoe, which causes muscular-skeletal problems over time.
4. Length
Make sure your child’s foot is fully extended (no toe-scrunching) and measure while your child is standing.
Make sure there is at least 12mm of room at the end of the shoe, and no more than 17mm.
This allows for natural growth and flex.
With your little one sitting down, tug the shoe to ensure that it will not slip and slide around. Without a snug fit at the heel, toes may claw in order to keep hold of the shoe, which causes muscular-skeletal problems over time.
4. Length
Make sure your child’s foot is fully extended (no toe-scrunching) and measure while your child is standing.
Make sure there is at least 12mm of room at the end of the shoe, and no more than 17mm.
This allows for natural growth and flex.
5. Material
Shoes should be made from natural materials, such as leather, canvas etc. A shoe with a non-slip or patterned sole to minimise the risk of slipping.
Soles should be flexible but durable enough to prevent injury.
A shoe lining that enables a child’s feet to breathe such as leather or canvas, to control sweat (and odour!) Shoes should be lightweight, not heavy.
Shoes should be made from natural materials, such as leather, canvas etc. A shoe with a non-slip or patterned sole to minimise the risk of slipping.
Soles should be flexible but durable enough to prevent injury.
A shoe lining that enables a child’s feet to breathe such as leather or canvas, to control sweat (and odour!) Shoes should be lightweight, not heavy.
6. Walking
Watch your child walk and look for unusual gait, and slipping.
7. Re-Check
Have your child’s feet measured every 6-8 weeks.
Feet grow approx. two full sizes (18mm) a year, so regular checks are essential!
Watch your child walk and look for unusual gait, and slipping.
7. Re-Check
Have your child’s feet measured every 6-8 weeks.
Feet grow approx. two full sizes (18mm) a year, so regular checks are essential!
