Picking the Right Shoe.

As early as now, I’m sure many mommies and daddies are already gearing up for the upcoming school year. Although I would suppose shoes would be the last thing parents would look for, especially since kids’ feet grow oh-so-quickly, let me offer my two cents worth on picking the right shoe for your kids, especially for preschool-aged children.

There are many websites around offering suggestions and tips on how to shop for shoes for the kids. They talk about comfort, taking the kids along to fit each pair and not just rely on a particular number as a size, and so on and so forth, but as a preschool teacher, these for me are the most practical tips to keep in mind, and perhaps a reason why I feel this way:

1. Pick a shoe that does not have shoelaces that need to be tied. In my practice, I have seen many accidents caused by shoelaces. For safety reasons, I always advice my parents to purchase shoes that do not have these. Aside for safety, shoes with laces sort of defeat my the purpose of teaching the child independence. Perhaps when the child is in the Seniors level/Prep, laces would be okay because they can manage to tie their shoes already. But two, three year olds, not too great.  Nowadays, however, there are shoes with laces that do not need to be tied, just like this one:

2. Should the shoes your child already has have shoelaces, using devices such as the Bow Biter is a good alternative. These were quite popular when I was a teenager, but went out of the market for some time. According to my friend Google, these are now available again. In the Philippines, however, I’m not too sure.

3. Velcro is your best friend. Of all types, I love shoes with velcro for kids best. Unlike regular slip-ons, these types of shoes have enough strapping to tighten its hold on their little feet and yet lessen the need for someone to help them put it on. In the same manner, rubber shoes/running shoes with velcro gives them opportunities for independence.

4. Sling-backs. I think any type of footwear for toddlers should have some form of a strap or sling to hold them in place. These are also easy to wear. Clog-type shoes or flip flops without the slings are a little difficult for them to manage.

5. Always pick a rubber soled shoe. 97% of kids will not sit quietly in school or in a playground. They will run, explore and climb! With rubber soled shoes, the kids can be safe as they explore. This is also quite comfortable for them.

6. For young kids, avoid shoes with wheels, heels, cris-crossing straps and buckles for one simple reason: it’s dangerous. Perhaps another reason I would personally avoid heels for kids is because their balance is not that great yet, plus this may be a cause for foot damage. I’m no podiatrist, but I would that my philosophy about the whole heel thing makes sense.

I am not battling with the shoe industry here, but offering my suggestions to parents to allow them to have a more educated decision making process for buying shoes for their kids.

Incidentally, this Saturday, April 25, Skechers, an award-winning shoe brand, is holding a Sponge Bob and Dora Wave Party at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field from 2-6pm. Entrance is free! The kids can enjoy a day of fun and games while mom and dad scour the Skechers booth for some fab shoes at 30% off.  Plus the kids get to take home all sorts of goodies!

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