How to choose children’s shoes for different ages and seasons: quality criteria, characteristics and recommendations of experts when choosing children’s shoes.
Health and comfort of the child directly depend on properly selected footwear. The formation of the foot occurs over a long period of time, and inappropriate footwear can lead to serious problems in the future. It is important for parents to know the main criteria for choosing quality children’s shoes and to understand which characteristics should be paid attention to first.
The modern market of children’s shoes offers a huge variety of models that differ in style, materials and functional features. However, when choosing should be guided not only by aesthetic preferences, but also by the anatomical features of the child’s feet, seasonality and age requirements. A competent approach to the choice will ensure the correct development of the foot and avoid discomfort during wear.
Age specifics when choosing footwear for children
Each age period has its own requirements for footwear. For babies who are just starting to walk, it is important to choose models with a high rigid back, fixing the ankle joint. Such a design ensures the correct position of the foot and prevents the foot from tipping over during the first steps.
Preschoolers need shoes with flexible soles that allow the foot to move naturally. At the same time, the model should have good shock absorption to reduce the load on the spine during active play. Special attention should be paid to the materials – they should be natural, hypoallergenic and breathable.
For schoolchildren select shoes taking into account a long stay indoors. Replacement shoes should be lightweight, well ventilated, but strong enough to withstand the daily load.
It is important to remember that children’s shoes for school should not have a high heel or platform, as this can lead to poor posture and foot deformation.
Seasonal criteria for choosing children’s shoes
Summer shoes should provide maximum ventilation while protecting the foot from injury. The best option is sandals made of genuine leather with an open toe but closed heel. This design allows the foot to “breathe”, but also provides the necessary fixation.
Demiseason footwear requires special attention to the moisture resistance of materials. Modern technologies make it possible to create membrane fabrics that wick away moisture from the inside, but do not allow it to pass through from the outside. This is especially relevant for the autumn and spring period, when the weather is unpredictable.
Winter children’s shoes should not only be warm, but also lightweight. Heavy boots or boots tire the child, impede movement and can lead to rapid hypothermia due to reduced blood circulation.
The optimal option – models with natural insulation (wool, fur) and non-slip soles, which will provide stability on ice and snow.
Technical characteristics of quality children’s shoes
The correct choice of technical parameters of footwear guarantees the healthy development of the child’s foot. The main characteristics that should be paid attention to:
- Presence of a supinator – a special insert in the foot arch area that prevents the development of flat feet.
- Flexibility of the sole – the shoe should flex in the forefoot, matching the natural movement of the foot when walking.
- Weight of the model – the lighter the shoe, the more comfortable it is for your child to move around in.
- Quality of fixation – laces, Velcro or zips must hold the foot securely without squeezing it.
- Heel height – the best option for children’s shoes is a small heel (5-10 mm), the complete absence of a heel or the presence of a platform is undesirable.
- Size allowance – should be 10-15 mm, allowing the foot to breathe and taking into account the height of the foot.
- Seam quality – They should be even, without protruding threads that can rub against the skin.
- Lining material – should be natural, hypoallergenic and well absorbent.
Interesting facts and findings
The human foot is formed until the age of 16-18 years, so properly fitting children’s shoes play a key role in the prevention of orthopaedic problems in adulthood. Statistics show that more than 70% of adult problems with the musculoskeletal apparatus originate in childhood due to improperly fitted shoes.
Interestingly, different countries have different approaches to choosing the first shoes for babies. For example, in Scandinavia, many paediatricians recommend that children should be allowed to walk barefoot on various surfaces for as long as possible to naturally strengthen their foot muscles.
Modern technology allows the creation of innovative materials for children’s footwear that combine the advantages of natural and synthetic components. Such materials provide excellent air permeability, moisture absorption and at the same time have increased wear resistance.
The choice of children’s shoes – it is a responsible process that requires attention to many details. Properly selected footwear contributes to the harmonious development of the foot, the formation of correct posture and prevents the occurrence of orthopaedic pathologies.
Regular updating of a child’s footwear wardrobe in accordance with his growing feet and seasonal needs is the key to the health and comfort of a little person.
