Kids’ Trainers For Every Age: A Buying Guide

Purchasing kids’ trainers can sometimes be challenging since you’re always spoiled for choice, especially when you’re after fashion and aesthetics. Also, kids’ feet grow so fast. Hence, depending on your child’s age, you’re bound to visit the kids’ trainers shop at least every two months. Here’s a breakdown of how fast kids’ feet grow in the first seven years: 

• For children aged 12 months and below, their feet grow every two months.
• For children aged 12 months to 2.5 years, their feet grow every three months.
• For children aged 2.5 to four years, their feet grow every four months.
• For children aged four to seven years, their feet grow every six months.

This list is limited to the first seven years because this is when the most significant developments happen in a child’s life, And, while it doesn’t hurt to make your child appear cool by getting them chic-looking kids trainers, you should always pick fit and functionality over fashion.

 

Why Choose Age-Appropriate Kids’ Trainers?

When a child wears shoes that don’t fit properly, they may develop foot pain, blisters, calluses, and even ingrown toenails. While these may seem like solvable conditions, in the long term, you’re may be setting up your child for bigger podiatry problems, posture and walking difficulties, and chronic back pain. 

That’s why it’s important that you know how to buy the right trainers for every age. This article has summarised five steps to guide you. 

Step 1: Measure The Size Of Your Kid’s Feet 

The most important thing to consider for either boy or girls trainers is the fit. In that case, the very first thing you have to do is know your child’s size.  

There are many ways to measure your child’s feet, but here’s the most efficient method. 

1. Start by asking your child to stand on a piece of A4 paper. It’s paramount that the child should be standing to get the most outstretched foot size. Additionally, experts recommend that you measure your child’s feet in the evening since feet grow as the day progresses. If you don’t consider these two tips, you may purchase shoes that fit when the child is seated or it’s early in the morning, but which would feel uncomfortable when it’s time to walk or as the day progresses. 
2. With the child’s feet on the paper, outline them. 
3. Once you have the outline, the kid can step away.  
4. Measure the size of your child’s feet from the back of the heel to the farthest finger. The measurement should be in millimetres. 
5. Check your child’s foot size against the shoe size chart. 
6. Alternatively, you can take the outline to the kids’ trainers’ shop. 

Step 2: Bring The Child To The Shop 

Knowing the size of your kid’s feet isn’t enough, nor is it reliable. This is because different manufacturers have different measurements for shoes of the same size. Therefore, it’s paramount that the kid is present to fit the shoes so that you can verify if the shoes fit well and are snug enough for, say, walking purposes.  

Step 3: Check If The Shoes Fit

A good shoe fit allows the child to move comfortably and function properly. As discussed earlier, children’s feet grow at a ridiculously high rate. Check for the following to determine if a pair of trainers is the right fit: 

• Place your thumb between the back of the shoe and the child’s heel. If the thumb passes through the space, the shoe fits lengthwise. 
• Checking for the correct width of the shoes, pass your thumb between your kids’ ankles and the wall of the shoes. 
• Finally, check the front of the kid’s trainer by pressing own your thumb on it. A good shoe should have space between the kid’s toe and the end of the shoe.  
• It’s recommended that the kid fits the shoes with socks, preferably similar socks with those they’ll use for the shoes.  

Step 4: Check For Functionality 

At different stages, kids require different types of shoes for different functions. The two most crucial types of shoes based on functionality include the following: 

• Pre-Walking Shoes 

Note that babies who are still learning to walk don’t need shoes. You can use socks to protect their feet from objects that may cause harm. You should only consider pre-walking shoes if they have to crawl outside. If you’re looking for pre-walking shoes, make sure they’re flexible. 

• Toddler Shoes  

These are shoes for kids aged nine months to three years. Their shoes should be lightweight so they won’t have to exert a lot of energy to walk. The soles of the shoes should also be smooth, and preferably made of leather or canvas 

 

Wrapping It Up 

If you’ve been wondering where to start with shopping for your kid’s trainers, follow these five steps to guide you. All the best!