7 Shoe Buying Hacks You Need To Know
There’s the thought that buying shoes can be a difficult process. Especially when it comes to the smaller members of the family. Their feet grow so quickly, how do you really know if the shoes fit. Luckily, we’ve been there and done that and we’re here to help you through the process. And trust me, after you’ve done it once or twice, you will wonder why you ever battled the shops with a toddler in tow in the first place.
When it comes to buying kids shoes online, there are a couple of things you need to know. Well, we’ve come up with 7 actually.
1. Measure Feet at The End of The Day
This is numero uno. Our feet naturally swell and flatten over the course of the day and kids feet are no different. All the running around increases the circulation and heat in the foot. The result is bigger feet at night! Measure your kids feet at the end of the day when all the running around is said and done.
2. Measure Both Feet
It might sound silly, but many of us have odd feet. It might not even be much. Ever wondered why a shoe feels more comfortable on one foot that the other? Measuring both feet means you can take the largest measurement into consideration.
3. Buy Shoes For NOW Not 6 Months Later
It’s always tempting to buy shoes to grow into. Assuming your kids feet will grow at a steady pace. At some point, the shoe may fit, but those 3 weeks could pass you by with the shoes still in the cupboard. D’oh… by the time you realise you’ve missed the window and they are too small. I may or may not have learnt this from personal experience.
4. Add 1cm to Your Measurement
This is called growth allocation and it’s important when buying shoes for kids. Always add 1cm (no less) to the largest foot measurement for growth. If in between shoe sizes, then go up to the next size.
5. Check The Shoe Fit Every 2-3 Weeks.
As we mentioned, kids feet can grow quickly, especially when they are in a growth spurt. Oh, how we all love those! It’s best to check the fit of your kids shoes every 2 – 3 weeks to make sure they are still fitting comfortably. If your kids are anything like mine, they will be squashing those feet into their favourite shoes long after they should.
6. Monitor Their Sock Drawer
It might not sound like something you really need to do, but quality socks that fit well help shoes to fit and feel their best. A pair of thin or holey socks may cause the shoes to start rubbing. Blisters on kids feet are never fun and nor is hearing about said blisters for days on end. And I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how much we don’t want kids to hate their shoes. Mornings are a challenge enough thank you very much.
7. Trim Their Toe Nails
Not only is this good hygiene and good practice, but it might just buy you another couple of weeks out of your kids shoes. It’s amazing how much room you can save by chopping those toenails. Just remember to cut straight across though, we don’t want ingrown toenails.
Do you have any shoe hacks you’d like to share with us? Any tricks you have to measuring your kids feet?
