We don't usually give them the importance they deserve at children's feet. They are a part of your body in constant growth, so it is very important to know how to choose the most suitable shoes for each stage. In this way, footwear will accompany the natural development of the foot as it grows.
How should we choose the most suitable footwear for children? What should we consider? We have consulted the experts of the main brands of children's shoes, who have given us the best tips.
What to consider before buying children's shoes?
Each stage has its own requirements. From Pablosky they recommend us, for children to start walking naturally, an ergonomic footwear that protects them but that does not limit their movements because their correct psychomotor development is key. A lightweight, flexible and tremendously stable shoe that gives them the feeling of going barefoot.
In the crawling phase (after 7 months) the most important thing is flexibility. In this phase babies need freedom of movement and total sensation in the feet.
In the support phase (after 10 months), integral adaptability is essential because your ankles need help to support your body.
And finally, in its first steps (from 12 months) the balance is key and to help you, nothing better than a shoe that gives them the 'feeling of bare feet', the new Pablosky Technology for the first steps of the babies.
From Chicco, Inés Esteban, responsible for Marketing Manager Fashion & Retail, advises us that the most important thing is the age of the child and the moment in which he is growing, if he crawls or if he starts walking.
With somewhat reinforced toe if crawling and flexible sole, to allow freedom of movement if walking autonomously. It is also important to control the measure of the foot to verify that the shoe does not squeeze, since the child will shrink his fingers if he wears a shoe too fair with a risk of deformation.
What materials are most recommended?
As for materials, experts agree that they must be soft materials on the instep and sole, thus guaranteeing maximum flexibility without losing grip. 100% breathable and non-toxic materials.
Ines points out that it is better to always choose the natural materials as the skin and the fabric and light soles in TR or rubber, that isolate it from the cold and give it security.
Héctor Bermejo Ascorbe, Marketing and Advertising Director of Gorila, reminds us that we must take into account the quality of the internal materials of the shoe, whatever breathable, fast drying and that do not harm the growth of the child's foot at any time.
Of course, natural skins, materials that benefit the growth of the child's foot, light and non-slip soles, and finally abrasion and wear resistant materials. Also noteworthy are removable insoles, anti bacteria, anti odor, quick drying and of course, comfortable.
How should the shoes for the baby's first steps be?
The shoes for children who begin to take their first steps should be light so as not to fatigue their muscles, made of natural materials that favor perspiration, important that they are of their fair measure so that they are comfortable and with a structure that provides stability.
From Gorila, we recommend that shoes should be wide, with lasts that benefit the morphological growth of the child's skin, that gives sufficient stability, and above all as comfortable as possible and light.
How should the shoes be for the everyday life of the kids?
Comfortable, flexible and lightweight. If they also incorporate a massage template, it will be the ideal aid to strengthen the musculature of the foot that will favor the correct formation of the plantar arch. It is not advisable to wear synthetic sports shoes all day, which will make your feet sweat, Ideally, collate two shoes to allow the elimination of sweat inside the shoe and prevent the formation of fungus.
Also, do not use second-hand shoes, since each child prints on the shoe their own way of walking. Investing in your shoes will always be investing in your health.
How should shoes for school be?
From Gorila, experts in school shoes, Héctor recommends that they should definitely be made with wear resistant materials, combining with natural skins and good grip soles. To all this must be added the one that should always have a dry foot and protected against bacteria.
