It’s a feat to get your child out for a painless of day of shoe shopping. They’ll fight, they’ll squirm, they’ll run – kids will do whatever it takes to derail any plans you may have about getting a new pair of kicks on their feet. So, when you’ve got those Kohl’s coupons in hand and you’re planning your strategic shoe-shopping endeavor, consider some of these tips to streamline the experience.
Timing
Why go shopping for shoes if you don’t need to? But you do need to stay on top of the game.
Rule numero uno: just because your child isn’t complaining about uncomfortable feet and restrictive footwear, that doesn’t mean it isn’t time to change it up. It’s up to you to stay vigilant. Periodically check the shoe for signs of wear. Perhaps stressed seams, bulging sides, and worn out toes and heels. If your child’s shoes show more wear or bulging on the sides than other parts of the shoe, they probably need a wider pair. Narrow shoes can lead to bunions later in life, so it’s best to keep that in check.
Pre-shopping tips
Alright, so you’ve established your child needs a new pair of shoes. Before you go rushing out the door, take the time to chew these morsels of information that could save you time, money, and hassle.
- Feet swell: go shopping later in the day; you’ll get a better fit. Feet tend to swell over the course of a day, so buying shoes in the morning could lead to discomfort in the afternoon.
- Know your child: If you child absolutely despises shoe shopping, plan ahead and take them somewhere specializing in children’s shoes. The staff there will know the best way to get you and your little one in and out quickly and easily.
- Don’t overspend: Children’s feet grow fast. No matter how cute or trendy the shoe, avoid breaking the bank on a pair. You’ll be buying new shoes before you know it.
In the store
So you made it in, now what should you look for and what should you do to ensure you get the best pair of shoes for your child?
- Measure their feet: A pair may feel comfortable in the store, but the wrong size will be painful after playtime.
- Check the toes: An old lesson we all learned from mom. There should always be a half-inch between the toe and the edge of the shoe. There’s a little leeway, but that’s a good number to shoot for.
- Don’t buy ahead: Their feet are just going to keep on growing, so why not buy a couple sizes larger? Well, your little one could take a devastating fall, for one – it’s hard to walk in big shoes. And that difficulty in walking could develop in to podiatry issues later in life.
- No “breaking in:” Shoes should be comfortable from the moment they’re slipped on. Don’t settle for anything less.
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