Buying shoes for children many parents compare to climbing a high mountain. No wonder. Toddlers do not always want to cooperate. It is not uncommon for them to fool around or cry, making shopping a real challenge. However, in a stressful situation it is easy not only to get nerves, but also to choose shoes that do not provide adequate support for little feet. Find out what to avoid when choosing children's shoes.

Shortage of time, stress, presence of strangers, lack of proper conditions - these are the factors by which parents most often choose the wrong footwear for their children. However, few people realize that moving around in ill-fitting shoes can bring many unpleasant consequences, such as improper walking habits, postural defects and dermatological problems, such as ingrown toenails or calluses and corns. To avoid this, learn about the most common mistakes made when choosing children's shoes and see if you have them on your record, too.

Mistake 1: Buying shoes in the wrong size

Many parents have trouble determining whether the footwear they choose is the right size. This situation usually occurs when selecting winter shoes, where the stiff material and high upper make it impossible to check by hand whether there is enough slack inside the shoes.

However, if the toddler walks around in shoes that are too small, his toes will be squashed, making them unable to work properly. As a result, not only will painful abrasions begin to form, but there will also be a problem with balance.

On the other hand, walking in shoes that are too big often leads to the development of improper habits, such as ""scuffing"" feet on the ground. There is also a risk of losing shoes while running, which is not safe for the toddler's health.

Therefore, try to choose shoes for your child that will fit his foot. A handful of tips on how to do this can be found on our blog in the article ""How to measure a child's foot?"".

Mistake 2: Choosing shoes with stiff soles

In the past, shoes with only a hard sole and a rigid heel were chosen to protect children from orthopedic injuries. However, the results of recent studies clearly show that such footwear can lead to imbalances, as well as postural defects.

In order for a toddler's feet to develop properly, he should be allowed to go barefoot as often as possible and choose children's shoes with soft and flexible soles. Because it flexes naturally, the child can run, jump and squat without any discomfort. You can find a wide selection of them at TupuTupu.

Mistake 3: Reaching for used children's shoes

Buying footwear for children is a very large expense for many parents, which makes it sometimes the case that toddlers walk in shoes after older siblings or cousins. Often caregivers also buy used models on various online auctions. However, this is a big mistake.

It is worth remembering that each foot has its own individual shape and develops at its own pace over several years. Footwear adapts to it and provides adequate support. As a result, its interior permanently deforms.

If you put used products on your little one, the result is that not shoes to feet, but feet to shoes will have to adjust. As a result, it's very easy for the sole to arches incorrectly and even develop postural defects! There is also a risk of transmission of various skin diseases that could lead to painful wounds in the child.

That's why it's a good idea to buy new shoes for each child. To save money, you can wait for promotions or ask your loved ones to contribute to good quality shoes. Footwear is also a good gift idea for a preschooler!

Mistake 4: Being guided solely by the appearance of the footwear

From an early age, children have their own preferences about the clothes they wear. That's why it often happens that in the store they don't want to try on any other footwear than the one with their favorite character or in their beloved color. However, it is worth bearing in mind that being guided solely by the design of the shoes is not a good idea, even if the toddler is very insistent.

Such footwear may be made of synthetic materials or have a slippery sole, making it not only uncomfortable but also dangerous to move around in. What's more, unventilated models quickly begin to smell bad, which can become the cause of jokes from the other children in the kindergarten group or school.

To avoid the aforementioned mistakes, you should opt for online shopping. This way you can calmly try on your kid's shoes and choose the best shoes, and send the others back to the store. Find out that buying children's shoes can be a pleasure!