What Makes A Good Pair Of Young Boys Shoes
When they're just starting to walk, good tot shoes are designed to be like a second skin, protecting his feet against any potential hazards and providing added grip while he walks. The idea is to replicate walking barefoot as much as possible, shoes that are flexible with a good instep and supportive heel will be the best option for this.
Shoes that have a rigid or thick sole aren’t good when they're just finding their feet, rigid shoes could discourage your boy from walking more frequently as he won’t be able to feel the floor to get his bearings. Save the thicker soled shoes for when he’s a bit older and confidently running around - they’ll help to protect from the inevitable bumps and scrapes!
There are a number of pointers to consider when buying boys shoes, here are what we feel are the most important:
Size
Probably the most important part of buying junior shoes is that their feet tend to grow quickly, and because of that it’s likely that new shoes will be needed every 3 months or so. Shoes that are too small can cause issues such as blisters and other, more severe foot problems so getting the size right is crucial. Check out our boys sizing and fitting guide for more help on what to look for to make sure you get the perfect fit.
On the other hand, shoes that are too big can also cause major issues, too much movement of the foot in the shoe can cause friction sores. They can also become a trip hazard, especially they're still a little unsteady on his feet. All these potential problems can easily be avoided by getting the right size and fit.
Fit
Selecting the right fit when buying shoes goes hand in hand with getting the right size. Not everyone has the same shape feet, some may have wide feet that require a wider fit, these wouldn’t be suitable if they have narrow feet. Like buying shoes that are too big in size, shoes that are too wide can cause friction sores much like shoes that are too narrow can cause issues. Use our fitting guide for more info on how to fit little boys shoes correctly and keep his feet healthy.
Durability
When looking for the right pair of shoes, it’s critical that you buy boys shoes that can withstand whatever is thrown at them. If you’re buying boys winter boots, opt for a pair with a rugged but flexible sole, this will allow your little one to still flex his feet but still maintain grip in poor weather conditions. When buying shoes for summer, a good rubber sole will be best.
Material
Much like durability, the materials that shoes are made from can have a big impact on how well they perform. The best materials to opt for are natural materials such as leather (the softer the better), cotton canvas and wool. Kids' feet tend to sweat a lot so natural, breathable materials will allow air circulation as well as having unique moisture wicking properties, helping to keep the feet dry. That’s not to say that man made materials should be avoided all together, however they can make feet sweat if there’s no air circulation. To help with this, we would always recommend that cotton or woollen socks should be worn.
Fastening
There are a number of different fastenings when it comes to children's shoes, but the most popular is definitely easy fastening. A good easy fastening will mean that the shoes or boots can be secured properly without the chance of excessive movement, they’re also very convenient and it can also help your little one develop their sense of independence along the way. Lace up shoes are also good for the same reason, however fastening lace up shoes can be more difficult when you have a wriggly toddler on your hands. Slip on shoes are easy to get on and off but aren’t always the best option for toddlers, they can’t be secured or adjusted so only opt for these if you’re certain you’ve got the fit right.