Buying the first pair of shoes for your child is a wonderful and emotional moment. But, kid’s shoes come in various styles and patterns that it does get confusing. Trust me, as a parent of a toddler, I have been there. From casual shoes to sandals, from dress shoes to canvas shoes, from flip flops to sneakers, from sports shoes to athletic shoes, there are many options. Selecting dress shoes for toddlers can be a sensible decision as they are comfortable, fit perfectly, and can go with any dress or occasion.
Most parents are under the impression that the primary function of kid’s shoes is to keep their feet dry. But it is not. During the early years of your child’s development, well-fitted shoes help him maintain posture and encourage walking. Ill-fitted shoes can irritate your child and discourage him from wearing shoes altogether.
Why are Dress Shoes Best for Kids?
- Lightweight so that your kid’s feet don’t feel burdened.
- Comfortable, thanks to the padded sole.
- Versatile, as your kid can wear them for many occasions like malls, schools, formal parties, casual outings, and so on.
- Easy to put on.
- Durable so that the kids can enjoy the most without damaging them.
- Long-lasting and value for money.
- Flexible with non-skid soles.
- Promote natural walking and aid growth in toddlers.
- Stylish with a sleek design and shiny material.
- Dress shoes for toddlers use eco-friendly manufacturing processes and natural materials cause minimum damage to the environment.
What are the Benefits of Wearing Dress shoes for kids?
- Dress shoes for boys make them look trendy and presentable no matter what the occasion is.
- Dress shoes for kids support posture and aid development during their early years.
- Dress shoes for toddlers are comfortable for longer use.
- Dress shoes for children sport premium look.
- Dress shoes for boys are anti-skid and slip-resistant.
- Dress shoes for kids to cushion the foot.
- Dress shoes for toddlers are easy to clean and washable.
Things to Look While Selecting Dress Shoes for Kids?
When it comes to buying shoes for adults, things are simple. You measure the foot’s length, compare it with the standard chart, and get done with it. However, buying dress shoes for boys and girls is not as straightforward.
1. Size & Fit
While measuring the size of the dress shoes for children, most parents consider only the length of the foot. Using a shoe that does not fit properly around the toe can cause foot problems in growing kids. As mentioned in the beginning, a properly fitted dress shoe for kids offers protection against deformities and foot problems in general.
To ensure that the dress shoes for toddlers fit perfectly, take measurements in the afternoon or evening to account for the natural swelling as the day goes on.
2. Heel
When you consider the heel of the dress shoe for toddlers, you must check the heel at the ankle and the heel beneath the shoe. The heel at the ankle should neither be too tight to rub the ankle nor too loose to allow the foot’s movement inside.
Since the heel at the bottom can cause foot problems even for adults, try to avoid them whenever you can. However, if it is your princess’ birthday and she wants to feel special, settle for dress shoes for girls with small heels and limit the time she spends walking in them.
3. Midsole
In dress shoes for toddlers, the midsole serves two purposes; it absorbs the shocks by dampening the vibration and provides cushioning for comfort. Sports shoes and athletic shoes, designed for high-impact activities, have thick midsoles. On the other hand, flats and party wears have thinner midsoles.
When it comes to the dress shoes for kids, you must know the duration your kid will be wearing them. If you are looking for dress shoes for a special occasion, like a birthday party or formal function, you can settle for thinner midsoles. On the other hand, if you are buying dress shoes for boys for an all-day outing or a visit to the zoo, give preference to comfort and go for thick midsoles.
3. Breathability
When it comes to the dress shoes for toddlers, proper airflow, also known as breathability, is necessary for a comfortable and healthy experience. Improper airflow results in a humid or wet foot that might cause discomfort to the kids. Worst, such unhygienic conditions can result in fungal or bacterial growth and possible infections.
Top manufacturers of dress shoes for kids use special fabrics, perforations, or moisture-absorbing technologies to ensure sufficient airflow and a dry-wearing experience.
4. Toe Shape
Rounded-toe dress shoes for toddlers offer sufficient room for your kid’s toes to spread and grow naturally. On the contrary, pointy-toed shoes cause discomfort and cramp the toes. One practical way to ensure that your kid is wearing a comfortable shoe is to check the toe box with your fingers.
Press around the toe box and measure the distance of your child’s toe from the tip of the shoe. If the gap is less than half-inch, the shoe is too small; if it is more than an inch, it is too big.
5. Laces
Making the dress shoe stay on your kid’s foot is as important as finding the perfect fit. After all, what’s the point of finding the best shoe if it does not stays on your kid’s foot. Lace-up dress shoes for boys are probably your safest bet in getting the best fit. Velcro closure works as well. All in all, some form of closure helps to secure the dress shoes for toddlers and saves you the struggle of keeping them together.
6. Price
All said and done, it all rests on your budget. With kids growing up at an incredible speed during their initial years, their foot-sizes vary a lot. So be prepared to buy them regularly. Overall, it all depends on the utility of the dress shoes for toddlers.
For example, if you buy a formal dress shoe for your kid’s birthday, you are aware that he won’t get a chance to wear it too often, and there is no sense in spending a fortune. On the contrary, if you are looking for a casual, all-day shoe for school, investing in comfortable, durable dress shoes for kids seems logical.
Summing it up:
From family functions to school picnics, from formal gatherings to weddings, from outings to the mall to birthday parties, dress shoes for kids are an absolute necessity. While selecting the ideal dress shoe for your toddler, focus on the fitting, comfort, and safety. From heel to lace, from size to sole, from toe-space to airflow, this article highlights various factors you must consider while buying dress shoes for toddlers. Hopefully, by considering these points, you will be able to find the perfect dress shoes that keep your kid happy, comfortable, and safe
