Happy feet, happy life: Why your children's footwear matters more than you might think

All we want as parents is for our children to be happy, healthy, and comfortable.

But did you know that one of the most overlooked parts of kids’ well-being is their footwear?

It doesn’t help that shoe shopping for your kids can be pretty tricky – not to mention frustrating!

For one, you want your kid to have shoes that are both stylish and functional. But … it's hard to find an option that can handle playground roughhousing and still look decent enough for Sunday lunch at Grandma’s.

Then there’s the very real danger of meltdowns in the middle of the shop – and that’s when you realise you’ve left the snacks at home.

Then there’s the fact that the one shoe your kid falls in love with is always the one that doesn't come in their size. It can feel like the universe is playing a cruel prank on you.

Oh, not to mention, of course, that their feet keep on growing! That’s what kids do, after all.

But …

Choosing the right shoes for your child is more important than you might think. So, taking the time to choose the right shoes for your child is worth it in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why it's worth taking the time to find the right shoes for your little ones. 

Once upon a playtime: happy feet make for happier endings

We don’t need to tell you that kids seem to be always on the go. Play is one of the ways they learn about the world – not to mention it’s fun! Day by day, play is one of the things that helps turn children into well-adjusted adults.

So, kids need shoes that can keep up with them.

That means when choosing shoes for your child you need to make sure they're comfortable and supportive. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and distract your kid from their playtime.

Growing pains: the Goldilocks rule

When it comes to buying shoes for your growing child, there's one rule to live by:

Just right is … juuuuust right!

Like Goldilocks, we need to be super picky about finding the right fit.

On one hand, children's feet grow rapidly, and their shoes need to accommodate this growth.

That means when buying shoes for your child you’ll want to make sure they fit properly and have a little extra room. Too-tight shoes can cramp their toes, cause foot pain and blisters, to name a few.

But beware of buying shoes to “grow into”. Shoes that are too big can cause trips and falls.

The sweet spot is shoes that fit properly, but also have some room to accommodate their rapid growth. Trust us, your little one's feet will thank you for getting it just right.

The magic key to healthy joints

No part of our bodies stands alone. Our feet are connected to our legs, which are connected to our pelvis and back. So, our footwear choices can affect our feet, legs and back. Not to mention the trouble with shoes that throw our gait out.

True, you want to make sure that their footwear provides them with the proper support they need to run, jump and play all day long!

Oh, and steer clear of shoes that don't provide enough support or are too heavy. Shoes that don't have the right support can cause unnecessary strain on your child’s body, leading to discomfort and even pain.

That said, shoes that are too flexible or flat can also cause problems in the long run.

The point is, our joints have to last us a very long time. So choosing the right shoes for your little one will be a huge benefit for their lifelong joint health.

Run, run as fast as you can: shoes tough enough for adventures

Let’s face it, kids can be tiny hurricanes of pure chaos at times. It drives us crazy, but it’s cute, dare we say even infectious. And it’s essential for their development.

When it comes to buying shoes for them, we need to make sure they can stand up to all the playtime adventures they'll have. From climbing trees to building forts, their footwear should be able to keep up with their active life.

It's important to look for shoes that are made from high-quality materials that can survive the wear and tear of everyday play. Well-made shoes can withstand the scuffs, scrapes, and stains that are inevitable when kids are being kids.

Durable shoes for your child are an investment really. So they can run, jump and play to their heart's content.

Happy, healthy little piggies: help your child’s foot health

Choosing the right shoes for your child can have long-term effects on their foot health.

It’s no joke – we’re talking bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, tendonitis … the list goes on. It’s a rogues’ gallery of midlife misery. The last thing any parent would want to do is store that up for their child.

But by buying shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support, you’ll help your child to have healthy, pain-free feet throughout life.

Shining armour: protecting your child’s feet

As a parent, it goes without saying that you want your child to be able to explore and play without worrying about getting hurt. That's another reason why choosing the right shoes for them is so important.

The right shoes will not only give comfort and support. They’ll also protect their feet from injury.

Shoes that are too thin or flimsy can leave their feet open to cuts, scrapes and bruises.

But it's not just about physical protection. Choosing the right shoes can also protect your child's confidence and sense of adventure. When they feel comfortable and secure in their shoes, they can focus on exploring the world around them without worrying about ouchies.

That's why it's well worth your time to look for shoes that are sturdy and well-constructed, with a durable sole and good traction. Make sure they fit properly and have ample cushioning to absorb impact.

With the right shoes, your child can play and explore to their heart's content, knowing that their feet are well-protected.

How to get it right

So, just like that, you now understand the importance of selecting the right shoes for your child.

It’s time to dive into some easy-to-follow tips to make the process a breeze!

Here’s a checklist you can bookmark or screenshot for your next shoe quest:

• Measure their feet regularly: Children's feet grow like weeds, so it's important to measure their feet regularly and buy shoes that fit properly.
• Look for shoes with good arch support: Arch support is important for proper foot development and can prevent foot problems later in life.
• Choose shoes with a wide toe box: A wide toe box allows your child's toes to spread out naturally and can prevent toe deformities.
• Check flexibility: Shoes that are too stiff or too flexible can interfere with your child's natural walking motion. Look for shoes that are flexible and lightweight.
• Buy shoes that are well-constructed: Shoes that are made of high-quality materials and are well-constructed will last longer.
• Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose: Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort and distract your child from their playtime.
• Look for shoes with a firm heel: It’ll provide stability and prevent your child's foot from rolling inward.
• Consider the shoe's material: Shoes made of breathable materials can prevent your child's feet from getting sweaty and smelly. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials that don't allow your child's feet to breathe as well.
• Check their feet regularly: Even if your child's shoes fit perfectly when you buy them, it’s not over! Their feet will of course grow, and they could even change shape. Check their feet regularly to ensure their shoes still fit properly.
• Let your child test drive the shoes: When you're buying shoes for your child, let them try them on and walk around in them to ensure they're comfortable and fit properly. 

A word about test drives

Few parents relish the experience of trying to get their child to try on shoes in a store. 

The truth is it can be a super-frustrating experience, with kids often unwilling to cooperate or stay still. 

This can make it difficult to get an accurate measurement and find the right size, leading to ill-fitting shoes and discomfort down the line.

Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that shopping for kids shoes online is now the preference.

For one thing, this means your child can try on their shoes at home, at a time that suits your family, without distractions, low blood sugar, or the parking meter being about to run out.

But as well as the stress-free test-drive, online kids shoe shopping offers unparalleled convenience, with a vast selection of shoes available to browse through from the comfort of your own home. 

Plus, detailed product information makes it easier to make informed decisions.

And hassle-free return policies ensure that shopping for growing feet is a doddle compared to the old-school approach.

With all these advantages, it's no surprise that online shoe shopping for kids is becoming the preferred choice for many parents.

Where to find quality children’s shoes

You’re in the loop on exactly what to look for when buying your child’s shoes.

But where to go first to find the perfect choice?

Look, not to blow our own trumpets here, but Footwear Studio is truly a great place to jump in.

You’ll find a wide selection of children's shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. From trainers to boots to summer sandals, there’s a huge variety of styles to suit your child's needs.

Choosing the right shoes for your child is an important decision that can affect their health and well-being.

With the right shoes, your child can play, run and explore to their heart's content.

Now, that’s what we call a happy ending!