Kids are always on the move, which means the shoes they wear are important. We need to help them take care of their feet by giving them supportive shoes. Wearing the right shoes will provide stability and keep them healthy.
Your child should always outgrow their kids shoes before you replace them. A good pair of shoes will last, no matter how hard your child plays. If they don’t, there are things you can do to help.
Children need at least one pair of supportive sneakers. These shoes are critical to the healthy development of the feet. If you can afford it, two pairs to alternate between is even better. This extends the life of both pairs of shoes.
Sports, recess, and physical education will get more intense and more competitive, justifying these purchases. Rotating your child’s sneakers out every other day will allow the shoes to dry out, extend their life, and give sore feet a chance to rest.
Your child will go through many growth spurts, and he or she should outgrow their sneakers before they wear them out. All kids are different, and they hit growth spurts at different times, so while this varies, it’s a good general rule. If your child is wearing shoes out, he or she needs better quality shoes.
Between the ages of one and three, your child should need new shoes every three months. Ages three to ten should need new shoes every five months. And ages eleven to eighteen should need new shoes every six months.
Remember to visit the local shoe store frequently to make sure your child is in the right size for their feet. If they haven’t had a growth spurt in a while and their shoes still fit and are in good shape, you may be able to hold off a bit longer.
Whether your child’s feet grow fast or slow, you shouldn’t be concerned either way. Every child is different. Do remember that they need growing room because you can’t anticipate when they will grow, and they need some flexibility there to accommodate for how active they are.
Also keep in mind climate and function when choosing the shoes your child wears, so they feel like they fit in, are comfortable, or look appropriate for the occasion. In general, sneakers are the best everyday shoes and your child should have at least one, if not two good pairs.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaboration post