Expert’s warning on one thing parents must never do when buying kids’ shoes

Sam Lake has spent more than two decades fitting and measuring children’s shoes and says there is a common mistake parents make that should be avoided at all costs

From adorable first steps to preparing to run, jump and skip their way through school, buying footwear for children is a rite of passage.

But while a sporty style can be spotted on the feet of many kids around the UK, one expert we spoke to has advised against it. Sam Lake, a manager at Start-Rite Shoes, has spent 20 years developing an in-depth knowledge of children’s feet and fitted footwear and when it comes to advice, there’s a surprising no-no.

“Buying adult fashion shoes in kids sizes,” warned Sam. “However cute they look, children’s feet are shaped differently to adult feet and adult shaped shoes can harm a child’s feet.

“This is particularly relevant to first walking shoes, which must be shaped for toddler feet with very flexible soles to allow for natural, unhindered movement. But adult style fashion trainers in children’s sizes tend to have harder soles too, which can damage the child’s flexible cartilage and the mobility of their toe joints.”

Other advice for parents wanting to buy children’s footwear that will enable healthy development, includes “fitting the foot”. “Don’t just choose the style you fancy, you have to fit the foot,” Sam explained. “There are different styles for all shapes of feet but not one style fits all.

“It’s important to direct your attention to the styles that will give your child the best natural movement for healthy development from their foot all the way up to their spine. You’ll save time, and shoes that don’t fit well, wear sooner, so you will also save money if their shoes last longer.”

“Don’t buy based on the child’s age,” added the expert. “Children grow and develop at different rates, so age cannot be a measure for buying the correct size of shoes. Similarly, it isn’t adequate to check the sole of the shoe to the child’s foot. You must check the shoe fits the foot.”

And while some kids love wearing heels for a birthday party, Sam says they are “not appropriate”. “Raised heels are not appropriate for a child’s developing body,” the specialist explained. “A raised heel will encourage an unnatural walking style, put pressure on the hips and knees and can particularly affect the calf muscle.”

How to check a shoe fits

“It’s important to understand that when it comes to children’s shoes, measuring is only a guide,” said Sam. “You must always check the fit on the foot as styles will vary.

While the child is standing, it’s important to check the width of the shoe is wide enough. You should feel the leather move across the top of the shoe. If there is no movement the shoe is too narrow, and if you can push the material together making a ridge, the shoe is too wide. It just needs to be a small ripple of movement.

Walking in the shoes, the shoes should not slip off and have minimal movement and gaping. The child should feel comfortable and walk with ease.

Checking the length – all our shoes have built-in growing room. You should be able to feel a thumb’s width growing room from the toe to the front of the shoe.

Also check around the ankle to make sure the shoe doesn’t touch the ankle bone, as this could rub and cause discomfort, and ensure there’s no gapping around the side and heel.”