When it comes to athletic footwear, kids have similar needs to adults. Children should be wearing supportive, comfortable shoes that don’t inhibit movement and that foster good posture and form during their activities. Unlike adults, however, kids grow quickly and it’s rare for children to get more than a single sports season out of a pair of shoes. Although kids typically outgrow their shoes before they wear them out, keep an eye on shoe wear and tear to ensure it doesn’t reach unsafe levels.
Kids’ shoes do a lot of work. Obviously, they keep kids comfortable. But they also support them throughout their entire movement cycle, helping them to run and play with proper form. So how do you know if new shoes are a good fit for your kid? Have them try ’em on! Be sure they’re wearing their usual socks, and have them try on both shoes. Your child’s feet should be secure in the shoes, but their toes should have plenty of wiggle room. Feet swell during activity, and neglecting to leave a little extra room can result in painful blisters later on. Encourage your kid to walk or jog around the store a bit to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel "right" on their feet. Make note of any flopping or excessive flexing as your child trots around the store.
When choosing shoes for children, consider the activity or activities they will be used for. Kids' running shoes are similar to running shoes for adults, so factor in the surface and your child’s unique foot characteristics. Kids' soccer shoes come in indoor and outdoor styles for maximum traction and performance. Kids’ tennis shoes also come in different styles based on court material, allowing you to put your child in the perfect shoe for their needs.
Understanding the size, shape, and unique movement pattern of your child’s feet is crucial to outfitting them with proper footwear. Before buying a pair of kids' shoes, figure out your child’s arch height and foot width. The more you know about their feet, the better equipped you'll be to keep those feet happy and healthy with the perfect pair of shoes.
Don’t settle for ill-fitting kids’ shoes or try to make the next size up or down work for your child’s unique foot shape or width. Our catalog features a huge selection of the best kids’ shoes for their individual feet. We carry kids’ running shoes, kids’ soccer shoes, and junior tennis shoes for all arch heights and in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will keep your kid in the game.
