So, Moms, let’s talk about Kids Shoes! There are so many fashions and styles to choose from, however, they are not all the same. Some are made great for kids growing feet, yet others are made not so well, to put it mildly. And, price is not always the determining factor to a good pair of shoes!
You’re probably wondering why I am speaking of this. Well, it’s because I have gone through my entire life wearing children’s shoes, now over the age of 50 or more… I graduated high school wearing a size 2. But nowadays, I wear between a size 13 and a size 1, depending on the brand.
Okay Moms, let’s talk about Kids Shoes!
Why the difference? That’s because kids sizes over the decades have changed. Even the display models size 4 – 5 back then, early 70’s, that would fit me on occasion, are no longer available. Note, that even a size 5 today would no longer, ever fit me. And, most display shoes start at size 6. But now, I prefer comfort over buying shoes just for looks.
Helpful Hint ~ It is best, especially when purchasing online, to measure your child’s feet. This measurement will help determine between sizes, which is best. Manufacturers can have slight (or more) variances in their sizes.
Nonetheless, over the years, kids shoes have become more stylish and looking more like those of adult shoes. Many have gotten a lot better for little feet, especially with comfort. Most kids shoes are made with the thought that they will outgrow them soon. Not a good idea, ’cause these were usually the ones made pretty crappy. Just because children grow out of them fast does not mean they should be made with less intention. And, they’re growing feet for cryin’ out loud!
Kids Shoes Sizes
These are the important feet we need to grow, with shoes that fit and are comfortable and hold up to kids busy lifestyles. If not, this could lead to more feet and arch support challenges as they become adults. Personally, after a day of shopping, if not in tennis shoes, my feet and legs hurt. So, I try to remember to have them on when going all day out and about. Think about the shoes you wear and when you wear them. What about your kids? Are they wearing shoes that fit the event they are attending, while being comfortable? Their choice is not always the right one!
The size chart above is a great estimate for children’s feet size as well as shoe sizes. Especially great for assisting you when purchasing online. My shoe size is approximately 7.8 inches, which according to the chart is a size 1 in US. Like I said earlier, I can fit as small as size 13 in some brands. Also, I do have a few shoes with foreign size 32 and it helped to have my foot length.
KIDS SHOES TYPES ~
There are so many shoe types and styles to choose from, now more than ever before. But I say comfort and correct fit over looks all day! So, here are my five basic shoe types, including my own suggestions for each shoe type.
Flats ~
These are the ones that are most desirable, like the ballet flat or sandals, but can be the worst when it comes to comfort. Not all flats are created equal either. This is where you can really go wrong. You need to make sure there’s some kind of cushion in them and they have some give when bending them. Also making sure they do not rub up and down on your heel. If your child has a large arch in their foot, most flats will not do your child justice and will hurt their feet.
My favorite are my slip on sandal/flip flop Crocs you wear between your toe. I have them in three colors, white, black and pink, of course. Others I really like are my Adidas slip ons. Both are easily washed off with soap and dried. Also, other flat shoes I enjoy are a few lesser known brands as well.
Tennis Shoes ~
These are probably the easiest to get. However, you still need to be aware of arch supports and lots of cushion in the inside if no support. And these come in so many styles to choose from. The majority do now have some sort of arch support.
So, my favorites are a couple different styles from Sketchers, as these fit perfectly from day one. You should have the right fit and comfort from day one and not have to break them in. That usually does not work. These are definitely worth what was paid for them, more than several years ago. One was more for walking and the other was more form fitting for everyday.
Known as a flat tennis shoes, some are also called boat shoes, I have several I would like to recommend with various price points; Brands such as Blowfish, Danskins, and Sperry’s. They all have well cushioned soles for plenty of all day comfort. Just make sure they do not rub on the back of there heel too tight or not enough. I have at least a pair each of these brands and I love and wear them frequently, as well as all day in some instances.
Heels ~
This particular type has been a problem for me most of my life. Mainly because I always wanted to wear a pair of Stilettos, as they were the icon of high heels. Unfortunately, that will never happen for me as I discussed earlier that I have always worn kids shoes. And, they never come in Stiletto tall heels. The most high heels were one and a half inches tall at the most. However, I was able to find a pair of heels made from a special shoe store for weddings in size 2. It was a dyeable fabric in white, which was perfect for me.
Nowadays, you can get higher heels for kids as they are patterning them after their adult counterparts. So, I have seen and purchased more in recent years that are higher heels on average like 2 – 3 inch heels. Yeah for me, not so much for Moms. Most of you are sure to say that those are too high heels for little kids. Well, I agree with that too, or limited.
Pumps are my favorite with any heel and looks great, but still keep in mind, comfort. You do not want any rubbing on your heels. Also a great alternative to heels being a little too high for your child, is by getting a wedge heel. This way your child has complete support under their entire foot. And, it’s easier to walk in with a cute look. Great compromise!
Platforms ~
How strange that styles come back around. I remember my first pair of platforms that were black patent leather with a clip-on black patent leather bows. They were stylin’ in the teen disco techs of the day. Easy to dance with as it just made you taller without trying to walk or dance in a regular hi-low heel.
Today, they make these in various styles from platform tennis shoes to platform pumps. Crazy, right? Well, I had to get some for myself as these can be comfortable, as well as make you taller. Note, trying to be taller is the usual for me. Also, they can be more comfortable that any heels. My favorites I got in 2 colors, solid white and black with colored flowers in a more modern version.
Boots ~
Boots is another favorite type of shoe for me, as here in Missouri, it gets cold and snowy in the winter time. So, boots are a must. From snow boots, to rain boots, to mud boots, to hiking boots, to high-heel boots, to riding boots & more, the range is immense! And, I have plenty of stories of all the above. However, one stands out amongst the rest.
That is the pair of riding boots purchased for me as a gift. No need to go into the entire story. Yet, the best part was what happened when I went to find some answers. Answers mind you, to the following questions. Why did these shoes split apart? First, by the soles tearing apart from the body of the shoe and flapping? Then, from the inside bottom of the shoe collapsing into the sole?
Answer the Question
Now, the first person that I spoke to about the issue, told me they have never seen this. And thought it may be a defect or just I had worn them out. Unfortunately, I had only worn these, for the most part, while riding. So, wearing out seemed like, for the $50 price, was not the issue. But, I really loved them and the fit was great. I purchased a second pair, as I needed a good riding boot. Did I mention I ride a motorcycle? And, these shoes were Harley Davidson Brand. You would think they would hold up the best! Right?
Well, they didn’t. And, the second pair did the same as the first pair, only faster. Needless to say, I was not happy, as these I thought should last me a good long while. I am not tough on shoes. So, the next time I was in the Harley Shop, I asked a female behind the counter the same earlier mentioned questions. And, she told me that the kids shoes soles were made hollow. What? Are you kidding me? That’s because they want to save money and kids grow out of them fast. So, the idea was that the child would grow out of them before this happens.
NOTE; The HD shoe fiasco was about 30 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. However, now, they no longer sell HD Kids Shoes anymore.
Kids Shoes Summation
Consequently, not the only shoe manufacturers to make kids shoes this way. Therefore, price is not a determining factor, when we’re talking about kid’s shoes. Indeed, now that you know this Mom’s, you must be diligent when buying the right shoes for your child and how they will be wearing and playing in them. And, most of all is, that they FIT Right. Kid’s shoes are usually worn for a short time before they grow out of them, into bigger and better made grown up shoes. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me and I am sure there are others out there too.
This has always been my nemesis; shoe shopping! However, these days shopping more for comfort than for fun heels makes it easier to find what I want. I truly hope this blog helps at least one mom or someone in similar size shoes as mine. Thanks again for stopping by my Curious Corner of 2g86.com.
