Size Guide

A pair of shoes that fit well is crucial for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. Ill-fitting shoes are not only uncomfortable but can also affect foot health and development, potentially leading to future foot problems.

As your child begins to explore the world and take their first steps, make sure their shoes fully support their growing feet. This guide will help you master the key knowledge needed to choose the right shoes for your child.

Sizing Chart

Baby Foot Structure

Babies' feet are soft, plump, and incredibly flexible—that's why we love them! Their feet are made of cartilage, haven't fully ossified yet, and can grow by half a size or more every two months.

During the first 24 months of life, your baby's feet need plenty of sensory stimulation to promote healthy muscle and bone development. Exposing your baby to footwear, whether barefoot or in socks, using different surface textures, and gentle foot massage all help promote foot development.

When it's time to put shoes on your baby, it's especially important to choose shoes that are lightweight, soft, and support their natural movements.

Characteristics of a Toddler's Foot Structure

By around two years old, a child's feet mature, their bones become stronger, and their toes become less chubby.

A toddler's feet grow rapidly, increasing by about half a size every two to three months. During this period, they develop fine motor skills and balance through various movements, such as crawling, walking, and jumping.

Toddler shoes need to enhance proprioception—the ability of joints and muscles to transmit movement information to the brain. Shoes should fit snugly and provide adequate support to help children receive adequate sensory feedback.

Most toddlers have flat feet, and the arches typically don't fully develop until around five years old. This is normal. If a child complains of foot pain or has severe inversion, seek medical attention immediately.

Potential Impacts of Ill-Fitting Shoes

Many children's shoe designs fail to account for the specific developmental needs of children's feet. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause bruises, blisters, irritation, and even long-term damage.

Long-term use of poorly designed or incorrectly sized shoes can lead to pain, inflammation, venous circulation problems, shortened foot muscles, and, in extreme cases, impaired nutrient absorption. Therefore, choosing the right shoes is crucial.

How to Determine the Right Shoe

Understanding Sizing

Children's feet grow rapidly, especially during infancy and toddlerhood. It's recommended to measure foot length every two months to ensure shoe sizes are updated to avoid shoes that are too small.

Shoe Fit Standards

• Width: Have your child stand in the shoes and feel whether they fit comfortably at the widest part of their foot, without pinching.
• Depth: Gently run your finger over the shoe surface; you should feel a slight undulation in the fabric, neither too tight nor too loose. For low-top shoes, pay attention to the space between the toe box and the toes; shoes that are too large or too small are not suitable.
• Length: Press on the toe box; the toes should have ample room to move, neither being squeezed nor sliding inside the shoe.
• Arch Support: Children under the age of five have not yet fully developed their arches. Shoes should support sensory feedback rather than forcefully support them to avoid discomfort or misalignment.
• Ankle (Upper): The upper should not rub or press against the ankle bone, and the shoe collar should be soft.
• Heel Fit: The heel should fit snugly but not compressively, ensuring the shoe does not slip off during walking.
• Closure: We recommend shoes with adjustable laces for easy adjustment to the foot shape.
• Walking Test: Have your child walk, run, and jump in the shoes to observe whether they move naturally and smoothly, without stumbling or experiencing gait abnormalities.

Purchasing Considerations

Length and Width: As your child's foot shape changes, the toe box should be rounded and loose, avoiding rigid or pointed designs.

Heel Height: Choose a sole that rests close to the ground, avoiding rigid or high soles to ensure sensory feedback and flexible movement.

Foot Stabilization: The shoes should provide a secure hold on the foot, preventing your child from twisting their toes or making awkward movements when wearing the shoes.

Support: Choose shoes with a stable, non-deformable structure. Avoid fashionable slip-ons like ballet flats and canvas shoes, which may provide insufficient support.

Important Tips

Measurement Time: Avoid measuring foot length in the morning. It's recommended to measure in the afternoon or evening, after your child has been active for a while, for a more accurate measurement.

Don't Buy Shoes That Are Too Large: Oversized shoes can cause the foot to slip, affecting normal development and walking safety.

Don't buy shoes that are too small. Shoes that are too small can squeeze the feet, affecting blood circulation and bone development.

Get involved in time.

Parents know their children best. When trying on shoes, please observe them and ask them how they feel.

Dynamic Assessment. Observe your child's movements, such as jumping and running, to determine if the shoes are a proper fit.

Signs of an Inappropriate Shoe Size

When shoes are too small:

• Blisters or tenderness on the foot are likely to occur.
• Toes are squeezed, and there's insufficient room in the toe box.
• Children become less active and reluctant to play.
• Children complain of foot pain, or even knee or back discomfort.

When shoes are too large:

• Heels slip and fall out of the shoe.
• Frequent trips and sprains.
• Unnatural gait.
• Low gait.
• Blisters can also occur.

When choosing shoes for children, it's important to consider the growth and changes of their feet and ensure the shoes are comfortable, secure, and supportive of foot health.