Buying your first pair of kids shoes

Kids go through enough shoes that you may want to consider a 401(k) plan just for their feet.
Children's feet can grow an entire size or more every two to three months, and rough and tumble play takes its toll. Shopping for kids shoes, doesn't need to be daunting. The key is to keep up with growth spurts by having your kids feet properly measured on a regular basis.

Looking for the first pair

Steps:

1. Wait to buy shoes until your child starts to walk. Research suggests that children develop healthy, well-developed feet when they learn to walk barefoot. Keep their
   feet toasty and unrestricted with soft booties or warm skid-free socks. Robeez (robeez.com) makes thin but warm leather moccasins in a range of colors and sizes that actually stay on little babies feet.
2. When it's time for your babys first pair of shoes, take your well rested, recently fed child to a quality children's shoe store that stock brands such as Stride Rite and
   Umi. The best stores have patient and knowledgeable salespeople who are expert at fitting childrens feet.
3. Have the salesperson measure the length and width of both of the child's feet. Many babies have an extra wide foot and may need a special size.

Make sure the shoes aren't too big, which can cause a baby to trip. First shoes should be soft and pliable to let new walkers feel the ground.


As they grow

Steps:

Have your child's feet measured on a regular basis at a shoe store that specializes in children's shoes - Stride Rite is always a good place to start.. Kids grow fast, and shoe sizes can change from month to month. Really good sales staff can spot evasive maneuvers like tight toes, and know how to woo a reluctant child out of a parent's lap. Toys and play areas are added featues for distracting the child during the fitting.

Head to discount stores, such as UniqueHomeStore.Com, Target and Kmart, which are also great sources for shoes that get limited wear, such as dress shoes. If you're clear about your kids' shoe size, you can save a bundle at these discounters. However, many of these stores don't carry wide or narrow shoes.

Have your child try both shoes on at the same time. Toes should have a 1/2-inch clearance, but not much more. Getting one size larger than their foot is fairly typical. Watch your child walk and make sure that the heels don't slip out. Remember, Shoes vary in fit, even within the same brand. If a heel is too wide but the rest of the shoe fits, you can try heel pads (available at some shoe stores and drugstores try CVS).

Invest in a good pair of sneakers that your child can wear every day. This pair will take a
pounding, so look for quality. Leather holds up better than vinyl, and stitching lasts longer than glue.

Take advantage of Velcro fasteners. At some point, though, all kids need to learn to tie
shoelaces, so get your preschool-age child at least one pair that ties.

For summer months or warm climates, purchase cheap canvas sneakers for playing in the sand box, jumping in puddles or going in the creek. Velcro-strapped sandals are great
for tender feet that want to have wet summertime fun. Closed toe sandals are usually better for smaller children.

Buy rain and winter boots a size or two bigger. Kids can wear heavier or even doubled socks. Most retailers won't restock boots, even if they sell out of a size, until
the following year's season. Be aware that most rain boots don't come in wide sizes; you may have to go up in size to get them wide enough.

Overall Tips:

Some shoe stores such as Stride Rite offer warranties. If the shoes wear out before your kids outgrow them, they will replace them. Be sure to keep receipts. Shap at a store you can trust.

Shoes with lights are a huge hit with little kids and are found on both quality and discount
brands.

Outlets and discounters like Marshall's, Ross and T.J. Maxx often sell brand-name shoes.
The selection of sizes and styles may be limited, though.

If your child wears orthotics, bring them with you when trying on shoes.


Overall Warnings:

Examine young childrens feet regularly for red spots or blisters, evidence that their
shoes don't fit right.

Don't buy shoes more than one size too big for your toddler. You don't want your child to trip, and often he or she will wear them out before they actually grow into them.

What to look for:

Precise measurements

Proper fit

Shoe quality