SHOE FITTING
*Always get your child’s feet measured by a qualified shoe fitter
It’s very important to measure your child’s feet accurately when buying a pair of shoes, to ensure your child’s podiatric and orthopaedic health (Think about this: most babies and toddlers start out with perfectly healthy feet, but 70% of adults have foot problems or resulting pain).
Getting the correct advise will ensure that your child is measured and fitted with the right size and style of shoe for his feet through every stage of his development.
Chicos & Chicas Shoes is a proud member of the Society of Shoe Fitters with a fully qualified fitter in store. Our advise follows the training and guidance of the Society. We are also registered in the Children's Foot Health Register.
*A Qualified Shoe Fitter may also be able to detect a possible problem at an early stage.
Get your child’s feet checked regularly:
- 0-3 years every 4 to 6 weeks.
- 3-4 years every 6 –to 8 weeks.
- 10-12 weeks thereafter.
That is not to say that you need to purchase a pair of shoes every time your child gets checked. A Qualified Shoe Fitter will NOT try to sell you a pair of shoes unless they are needed.
A measuring gauge is only a guide or a starting point for a shoe fitter.
What the foot size is and the shoe size you might end up with may be different. However, our fitters will use their knowledge of the different brands to select the size that will fit your child best. If you are having shoes fitted in our shop, all of our staff will explain this as they are fitting so that you are clear that the shoes you buy really are the best fit for your child.
*Always Check your child’s feet when he/she is standing
As the feet spread when standing weight is applied. At home, parents tend to, mistakenly, check shoes when child is sitting and naturally they can find space at the front of the shoe. That would misguide the parent, as the growth found when sitting will minimise when standing up. In doubt come to our store and we can check the shoes properly.
*Don’t ask your child (if he/she is very young) if the shoes fit comfortably
Cramping and Distortion may occur without feeling any pain or discomfort. Most of the times a child will say that a pair of shoes are comfortable if they like them.
*Purchase footwear made of natural materials
Like leather and cottons as they will allow the foot to breathe and will mould up to your child’s foot.
*Buy shoes for the right occasion
No one style of shoes has been manufactured to meet all your child’s needs.
Choose:
- Structured shoes for every day support.
- Trainers and plimsoles for sports and occasional wear.If your child wears these type of footwear continuously, perspiration will be trapped in the thick padded lining and increase foot and shoe outdoor. Also their feet will become hot and wet increasing the risk of skin disorders and creating the perfect conditions for fungal infections to develop.
- Rain boots and waterproof shoes/boots for snow or wet conditions.
* Back-to-School time is known as blister season because at the end of August or beginning September the weather is still warm and, active feet get hot and sweaty. When they go back to school in the new shoes, there is a possibility of rubbing and blisters might appear.
Schools shoes are more structured than canvas materials, clogs or fip-flops, which is what children might been wearing during the summer. S
Shoes have to be broken in gradually. Only let them wear their shoes with socks on and let them wear them indoors, at home, for short periods, prior to wearing them all day in school.
*Maintain your child’s shoes
They will look better and last longer see our Shoe Care section for advice.