Once your babies go beyond the crawling phase, they’ll soon be getting on their two feet. This means you’ll now have a toddler in need of shoes. It’s now going to be a step higher than the crib shoes babies have worn early on as now proper shoes are needed to help them walk and run around.
Now the shopping begins. Whether you have a little girl or a little boy, chances are, you’re going to come across a lot of options to choose from. Beyond the aesthetics and the style, you’ll need to find a pair from trusted brands like Bobux Shoes UK that also provides ample protection and support for small, delicate feet.
To ease out the confusion, here’s how to shop for your little one’s shoes.
Think About Flexibility
One of the primary characteristics of good toddler shoes is that it’s flexible. Toddlers love to tiptoe, run around, and bend their feet. Their shoes have to be soft and flexible enough to follow the shape of their feet. That way, their shoes stay comfortable despite all their movements.
Shoes that are too stiff can also impede your toddler’s foot development. Whenever possible, choose shoes that are breathable and made of lightweight materials.
Get The Perfect Fit
The perfect fit for toddler shoes is not one that’s necessarily their exact size. It could also be one that still has enough room for your toddler’s feet to grow. This is a good practice to ensure you still have good use out of the shoes for at least a half year. Remember that toddlers’ feet grow in the blink of an eye; they’ll outgrow their shoes before they can even maximize their use.
Giving enough spare room for your toddlers to move and wiggle their toes is also key to comfort. Remember that, unlike babies, toddlers move around a lot. If their shoes are too tight, their feet may get blisters or they may be in pain.
Put A Sock On It
This third tip is a practical one to apply when you’re shopping for shoes and you have your toddler with you. As much as possible, don’t buy shoes physically without having your toddler fit them first. Let them move around the shop to see how comfortable the shoes are on them. This is crucial because, for little ones, comfort matters more than style does.
Another must-do is to have them wear socks always. For shoes that kids usually wear with socks, you need to be certain they still fit well and there’s enough room for the feet to grow, even with socks.
Remember: You Don’t Have To Spend A Lot
It’s natural for parents to want the best for their kids. However, unlike the shoe lover that you are, remember that your toddlers are still going to grow up. Hence, they could never use even twenty pairs of shoes in one go.
So, take it easy on yourself. You don’t have to spend a lot on your kids’ shoes. The most important factors to consider are comfort and quality.
If you have a specific brand in mind, don’t skip the sale or clearance items. There’s no shame in shopping for toddlers’ shoes for cheap. If you can find shoes you know your kids will love and they don’t necessarily have a brand name on them, then go ahead and buy them. As long as your kids will wear the shoes and they’ll stay safe and comfortable in them, that’s the most important thing.
Skip The Trends
For toddler girls, those in trend are ones with kitten heels or those faux leather shoes that may be painful on the feet. For boys, it’s the narrow faux leather ones that may look good but may make your little boy cry as he wears them. Skip those trends, and go for the classic styles you’ll know will match any type of clothing anyway.
Always prioritize comfort over style. If you can find a pair that meets both standards, then go for it. A pair of shoes may look great on a mannequin, but remember that the mannequin isn’t running around as a normal toddler does. And yes, even girls.
Conclusion
With these tips, are you now more confident and with a sense of direction when it comes to buying your toddler’s shoes? Considering all the tips, remember that toddlers will need new shoes at least every quarter or twice a year. While they don’t need to have an entire closet filled with a hundred pairs of shoes, have the basics at least. Don’t miss out on the sale seasons, too! If you can get your toddlers a pair of good-quality shoes for less, that’s a steal in itself, given how fast they go through each pair. Most importantly, enjoy shoe shopping while your kids still let you choose on their behalf.
