Healthy Shoes
Learning to walk is a milestone in a child’s development. From the first step and throughout a lifetime, we will walk about 115,000 miles. That’s equivalent to about 9000 steps per day. It is not surprising that three out of four Americans will experience serious foot problems at some point in their lives. Keeping your feet healthy starts with your first pair of shoes. When selecting kids shoes , special consideration should be given to fit, soling, design, breathability and comfort.
Fit
Most shoes are built on plastic molds called lasts. Lasts are designed to replicate a size and a width of a human foot. Developing a good fitting last takes time and technical “know how”. Last sizing can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. One companies size 7 may be another companies size 6 ½ or 7 ½. Over the past ten years, many manufacturers have replaced traditional lasts in B,C,D,E,EE and EEE with generic lasts in narrow, medium and wide. In addition a quality children shoes manufacturer offers whole and half sizes.
Flexible soling
Children’s feet are tender and flexible. Each foot has 26 bones, 19 muscles, 107 ligaments and 33 joints. The outer sole provides traction, cushioning and flexibility for the feet. Young children need smooth bottom flexible soles to prevent falling. Our children’s shoes have age appropriate soling for correct foot development and flexibility.
INNER SOLE
Each foot has 250,000 sweat glands. As much as ½ pint of moisture can be generated by our feet in one day. The inner sole should be made from an absorbent material that will remove moisture. Insoles should also have cushioning properties capable of absorbing 2 to 3 times a child’s body weight.
Breathability
It is a well known fact that leather breathes. Attractive looking shoes made from nonbreathable material may look good but will not dissipate all the moisture created by our feet. In addition, a shoe made from leather with a nonbreathable lining will trap moisture inside the shoe. All of our childrens shoes are designed and made with breathable linings and leathers.
Comfort
Each pair of feet is unique. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Throughout the day our feet are subject to a great deal of impact, perspiration and swelling. Keeping you child’s feet comfortable and healthy depends on the experience and knowledge of the manufacturer. Here are a few guidelines that may help when you purchase the next pair of shoes for your child.
- A good fitting children’s shoe allows room for growth in the toe area (about 1/2 inch), some extra room at the ball area (widest part behind the toes) and a close fit at the heel.
- Soling and insoling should be flexible and shock absorbent.
- Upper and lining materials should be breathable.
- Choose footwear available in widths
- Have your child’s feet measured by a professional. Make sure your child’s footwear is breathable, flexible and fits their feet properly.
This information was brought to you by Tootsies Stride Rite, a children's shoe retailer and etailer since 1985 in Richmond, Va. For more information, visit us by clicking on our store name, Tootsies Stride Rite or call us at 1-866-235-0626.
