Five Ways to Ensure Your Kids Have the Right Shoes

Choosing the right shoes for your children is incredibly important for their comfort, health and overall well-being. Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear can lead to a range of problems, from discomfort to long-term foot issues. Here are five essential tips to ensure your kids have the right shoes:

Get the Right Fit 

The most important part of buying children’s shoes is ensuring they fit correctly. Children’s feet grow rapidly, and shoes that don’t fit properly can affect this natural growth. Here’s how to get it right: 

  • Measure their feet regularly: Children’s feet can grow up to half a size every few months in the youngers years. Measure their feet every two to three months to keep up with this rapid growth. Print out our fuss-free fitting chart to accurately measure your child’s feet. 
  • Try shoes on: If you’re buying online, always have your child try them on and check the fit when your shoes arrive. Ensure there’s about half  thumb’s width (just under 1cm) of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe. Our shoes have a generous fit, allowing for growth and wiggle room for your child’s toes. 
  • Check for proper width: Shoes should fit snugly without being too tight. At ZIG+STAR, we use one optimal width fitting to ensure there’s no pinching or squeezing around the sides of the feet. 
  • Every pair of ZIG+STAR shoes and sandals is designed to expand and grow with your child. In our shoes and boots, the midsole can be removed to add an extra half size of growing room, making them more budget-friendly and good for our planet.

Choose the Right Type of Shoe for the Activity

Different activities require different types of shoes to provide the necessary support and protection. 

  • Everyday wear: Look for shoes that offer good arch support and cushioning for school and everyday activities. ZIG+STAR school shoes are comfortable, durable and have great grippy soles for running about on the playground.
  • Sandals: Our child-friendly adjustable straps, and the caged design of Cosmic with padded back-counter, provides protection and support, perfect for adventures at the beach or park. 

Consider Quality and Durability

Children are often active, and their shoes need to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Investing in high-quality shoes can save money in the long run: 

  • Materials: Opt for shoes made of breathable material, as these help keep feet cool and dry. At ZIG+STAR, all of our leathers are chrome-free and incredibly durable.
  • Construction: Look for shoes with sturdy stitching and reinforced areas, especially around the toes and heels, which are high-wear areas. 
  • Our soles are made of natural rubber, making them lightweight, flexible and extremely hard-wearing. 

Pay attention to Arch Support and Cushioning

Good arch support and cushioning are essential for your child’s foot development and overall comfort: 

  • Arch support: Shoes with good arch support help maintain the natural alignment of your child’s foot and prevent flat feet. 
  • Cushioning: Adequate cushioning absorbs shock and reduces stress on the feet, ankles, and legs. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles and midsoles. All our shoes have padded leather in socks.

Regularly Check the Condition of the Shoes 

Children can be rough on their footwear; even the best shoes can wear out eventually. Regularly inspect your child’s shoes for signs of wear and tear:

  • Outsole Wear: Check the bottom of the shoes. Worn-out soles can lead to slips and falls. 
  • Insole Condition: Inspect the inside of the shoes. If the insoles are flattened or uneven, it can be time to replace the shoes. 
  • Overall fit: Ensure the shoes still fit well. If your child complains of discomfort or you notice marks on their feet, it might be time for some new shoes. 

By regularly measuring your child’s feet, choosing shoes tailored to their activities, focusing on quality and support, and keeping an eye on the condition of their footwear, you can keep their feet happy and healthy. Investing time and care into selecting the right shoes will provide your child with comfort and correct foot development as they grow.