What if I told you there are only five pairs of shoes children need? Yes, you read that right. Just five pairs of shoes!
Why do I think your kids only need five pairs of footwear? The answer is simple. I firmly believe that you are better off buying five pairs of good quality footwear than ten pairs of cheap and nasty ones.
Why it’s Important to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Child
Let me break it down. The foot is a complex structure with 26 bones and 35 joints held together by ligaments.
Baby feet, however, are padded with fat and are super flexible. Most toddlers are flat-footed when they start walking, and they might even turn their feet inwards, affecting their gait. This is because their muscle strength and ligament stiffness need time to catch up.
Don’t worry, flat feet usually improve as bones develop and the feet get stronger.
Let your toddler walk barefoot or in soft-soled shoes. Once they’re walking well, they can switch to firmer soles. Always get their shoes professionally fitted for length and width. Footwear that are too tight can mess with your child’s walk and cause issues like ingrown toenails. Yikes!
Here’s the Deal with Shoe Quality
1. Good shoes last longer, though some kids seem to destroy any footwear within a few weeks.
2. Your child’s feet are crucial—they’ll be walking on them for the next 80+ years.
3. Quality footwear are designed for developing feet, offering support and being lightweight.
4. Cheaper shoes might save you money upfront, but you’ll end up buying more pairs.
Spending a bit more on quality shoes saves in the long run. Think of it as an investment—those extra ₦10,000 or ₦11,000 will pay off!
Let’s say the cheap shoes cost ₦7k, while the higher quality ones are an extra 4k, bumping them up to ₦11k.
A good quality shoe can often last twice as long as an inferior one, sometimes even longer.
This means you’d be spending an extra ₦3k on two cheaper shoes in the same time you would have only needed to purchase one high quality pair.
Things to Look for When Shopping For Kids’ Shoes
Finding high-quality, affordable footwear for kids can be tricky. Expensive footwear aren’t always the best, and with children growing so fast, they might outgrow shoes quickly!
Here’s what to consider when shopping-
1. Comfort: Ensure there’s enough room in length and width. Can they wiggle their toes easily?
2. Flexible, Flat Sole: Can the sole bend near the toe? Is it both sturdy and flexible?
3. Front Width: Is the front wider than the heel to match the foot’s natural shape?
4. Heel Counter: Is there a solid part around the back of the heel for extra support?
5. Fasteners: Are the shoes easy to fasten? Do they have laces or straps to keep the foot secure?
Your child might need to try on several pairs to find the right fit. This is normal as their shoe size changes every few months.
Remember, children get important sensory information from their feet touching the ground. Shoes with proper support protect their developing feet from injury and extreme temperatures.
5 Types of Shoes Every Child Needs
1. Cold Season Boots
When cold decides to show up uninvited, you want to make sure your child’s feet are prepared with boots. These boots should come with extended ankle and arch support to face the cold and rain.
Thomas heels are the unsung heroes here—these special heels are half an inch longer and just a smidge higher on the inside, preventing your child from walking like a penguin on roller skates.
2. Summer Sandals
When the sun turns your child’s feet into little steam engines, it’s time for summer sandals. They let tiny toes breathe and soak up sweat. Leather sandals are the go-to, as leather is great for airflow, preventing your child’s feet from turning into a sauna. It is ideal for beach outings, park adventures, or those spontaneous moments when you wish they’d stay clean for five minutes.
3. School Shoes
School shoes might not win any fashion awards, but they’re crucial for daily life. Go for orthopaedic options if you want shoes that provide more support. These shoes are lightweight yet sturdy, designed to keep up with your child’s daily activities. Modern styling means they’ll be the talk of the playground for all the right reasons.
4. Play Shoes
For outdoor escapades, play shoes need to survive everything from muddy puddles to scraped knees. Lightweight beach sandals are made to withstand the trials of sand, water, and the occasional tumble. They’re like sturdy friends who’ll never let your child down, no matter how many times they trip over their own feet.
5. High Cut Shoes
High-cut shoes offer ankle support, lacing up above the ankle bones. They’re supposed to help with walking and gait correction, but let’s be honest—they might also make your child look like they’re training for a secret spy mission.
These shoes ensure the foot and ankle work together as a well-oiled machine, capable of handling all kinds of wild moves and unexpected speeds.
Conclusion
With these five types of shoes, you’ll be equipped for every weather condition and childhood adventure.
Stick to the essentials, and remember: quality over quantity. Your sanity and your wallet will thank you for it!
Read also: Why You Should Stop Feeding Your Kids Candy
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