It\u2019s nearly time for nursery and school to start \u2013 time for new children\u2019s shoes. For many parents, buying them is a nightmare. Here\u2019s how to make it child\u2019s play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Austrian research team \u201cChildren\u2019s Feet \u2013 Children\u2019s Shoes\u201d has summarized the most common questions from parents in a handy reference sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Tip: Don\u2019t rely on shoe sizes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Research shows that more than 90% (!) of shoe sizes are labeled with the wrong size. The shoes are almost always shorter in length than they should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Tip: There must be at least 12 mm of space (\u00bd inch) at the toe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Feet need this space when moving. If it\u2019s missing, the toes suffer. 12 mm (\u00bd inch) sounds like a lot, but it\u2019s only the width of the tip of an adult\u2019s little finger. This applies to slippers too, of course. New shoes can even have 17 mm (\u00be inch) of space (the width of a thumb).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Tip: Always measure the foot length and the inside length of the shoes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It sounds complicated, but it\u2019s quick and easy to do. A strip of cardboard is all you need: Link \u201eHow do you measure shoes yourself?\u201c https:\/\/kinderfuesse.com\/en\/questions-answers\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If buying shoes online, ask the shop for the inside length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Tip: Children can\u2019t tell if their shoes fit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An interesting experiment showed that children will even describe shoes that are four sizes too small as fitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Tip: Don\u2019t be afraid to re-use hand-me-down shoes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand-me-down shoes are a sensible alternative from both an economical and environmental perspective, as long as they are not worn down unevenly and are at least 12-17 mm (\u00bd\u2013 \u00be inch) longer than the child\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Tip: Socks should fit properly too.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most socks are far too short and too tight. Place the socks next to your child\u2019s feet: the length of the sole of the socks should be roughly the same as the length of their feet. And the wider the socks are at the toes, the better for their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n