Choosing The Right Shoes For Your Kids
Although the adult shoe has changed from being a protective covering to becoming a status symbol, the child’s shoe has remained in its basic sole-protecting the foot from the hazards of the outside world. Regardless of age, a shoe’s main purpose is to provide a protective covering during cold weather and prevent injury caused by stepping on sharp objects outdoors. However, when kids are just starting to learn how to walk, they need a lot of shoeless time. Inside the loiving room, socks with rubberized soles will provide added protection and relief without the risk of falling. However, kids at some point will have to leave the confines of their house and be able to go outside, without endangering their feet. Hence, whenever parents bought their child a shoes, it is imperative to remember to have their respective feet measured by a pro shoe salesperson as no one wants a shoe to slip while their kids are walking. “Ensure that both feet are measured well while the child is properly standing!” adds Dr. Micheal Goldbearg.That is why we, at Kenneth Cole shoes endeavor to bring you the latest quality, stylish, yet seemingly comfortable footwear at reasonable costs for everyone.
A recent survey of professionals who give advice on children’s feet, including pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, pediatric orthopedics, and podiatrists, revealed wide divergence of opinion regarding shoes and footwear in both normal and problematic feet. Then, what is a parent left to do? The only rational approach to the subject is to examine some traditional ideas in the light of recent studies and experience, so as to determine if the professional views should be upheld or discarded.
1. Footwear is vital to promote proper foot development: simply put, normal children’s feet need proper support, othereise they will become flat. Recent studies seem to contradict this. Feet deformities like bunions and hammer-toes are very rare among children who wear no shoes, in contrast to those who do, where such deformities are commonly detected.
2. High-top shoes are necessary to support the ankle as the child takes its first steps: Well-meaning but misinformed relatives often perpetrate this myth. Recent studies have shown that whenever the child is strong enough to stand up and walk, he will have ankles strong enough to support his entire body.
3. Sneakers, if worn for more than a couple of hours a day, are bad for children: This is a widely held belief among consumers as well as professionals. There is definitely no evidence whatsoever that regular feet develops into flat feet if tennis shoes rather than hi-top or leather shoes are used.
4. Shoe salemen are totally competent in diagnosing several persisting foot problems and provide diagnosis and remedies: this is totally erroneous. Most shoe salesmen are well intentioned and desire to sell you the most comfortable shoes they can find. But they are not trained to give advice regarding foot problems. Responsible salesmen should suggest to parents that their child should visit a doctor, in case its feet do not appear right.
5. The price of shoes: The cost of shoes is often related to the type of material and quality. Leather is the most expensive, especially if it used for both uppers and soles. Since leather allows the feet to “breathe” in the shoes it helps avoid sweat accumulation and skin irritation. But while leather uppers are desirable, leather soles are not necessary and can be replaced by rubber or crepe soles.
6. The soles of the footwear: The soles whether leather or rubber, should be thick enough to protect, yet flexible for walking. It is also important to look at the bottom of the soles to determine depth of the grooves. The deeper the grooves the better the traction.
7. Fitting Children’s Shoes: Parents must remember looking for a pair of shoes to fit their child’s feet, not vice versa. To get a good fit, both the shape and the size of the shoes should comfort to its feet. Your foot size increases whether standing, sleeping, or running. Once the shoes are on, parents should check for adequate length and width, depending on their child’s unique case.
8. The Appropriate Shoe: Certain types of shoes are appropriate depending on the child’s age. Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They will only need booties, warm socks, or pre-walking shoes that do not necessarily bind their feet. Shoes for toddles, on the other hand, age 9months to 3 years, should allow the foot to breathe due to perspiration. Style and shoe-fit is important for school-age children.
Also you may want to check out the latest kenneth cole accessories to compliment your fashion and complete your entire ensemble. John writes a fashion blog about shoes, watches, bags and jewelry. You can read information on Kenneth Cole and other designers at his blog: Kenneth Cole Shoes dot org.