Why should small children wear sturdy shoes?

Answer

In general you can say that when you measure shoes for children, you should keep a few things in mind.

Children’s feet are in full development and evolve in growth from a foot that is tilted more inwards (which is often described as flat foot) to a foot with its own arch. This arch can be formed if the heel tilts inward less.

Walking barefoot is good for most children. But when there are problems, it is sometimes advisable to buy decent shoes and, if necessary, even wear custom insoles that help the foot function properly. In this situation, the shoes best meet the following criteria:

1) A firm buttress (heel)
2) Only folds at the height of the toes (where the toes fold) and NOT in the middle of the shoe
3) A closure system (laces, velcro, …)

Wear shoes in situations for which they are made. Do not send your child to school in flip-flops or crocks as these are not made for 7-8 hours of walking around.

To conclude: Always leave the foot length and measure the width or mark the foot contours on a piece of cardboard while your dandy is standing. Then cut out and fit in the shoes!