There are a lot of shoes made for kids, but not all of them are good for kids’ feet. Stride Rite works hard to design shoes that encourage natural movement – we’re proud to have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)’s Seal of Approval for products that promote good foot health.
Length and width
As they transition from chubby baby feet into more of an adult foot shape, many kids’ feet have a little extra width. Any kids’ shoes you buy should take both length and width measurements into account. Their shoes should have enough space in the toe box for a comfortable fit all the way around.
Shape of the toe box
The toe area of kids’ shoes should mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot. Look for shoes with soft, rounded edges rather than overly hard, pointy or tapered toes.
Height of the heel
Kids need to be able to feel the ground with their feet. Buy shoes that keep their feet low to the ground, and avoid overly firm or tall outsoles that restrict movement and sensory feedback.
Hold of the foot
Your kid’s shoes should have closures that hold their feet securely, with no extra effort on your child’s part. If a kid has to grip their toes or move unnaturally to keep their shoes from falling off, it could interfere with proper foot development.
Support
Pick sturdy, supportive shoes that offer sensory feedback without crumpling or collapsing when your child walks. Ballerina flats, plimsolls and other slip-ons that mimic trendy adult styles may look adorable, but they might not provide the right kind of support. Only buy shoes designed with the real needs of kids’ feet in mind.
Material
Leather is a great material for children’s footwear because it’s durable yet soft, and sturdy yet flexible. Many of the shoes in Stride Rite’s Soft Motion and SRtech collections are made from genuine leather for high-quality construction you can count on.
Other good materials to look for while shopping include breathable mesh and antimicrobial linings that cut down on stinky-feet syndrome. And since no kid can avoid getting into a few messes here and there, buying a pair of machine-washable shoes is always a plus!