This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu

Johnson, Sherri A.

University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy

/YIN VJ/0 
Extension Folder 610 
Agricultural Extension Service 
University of Minnesota 
Shopping for Children's Clothing: 
Shoes 
Shoes conform to the shape of one's foot. There-
fore, it is important to shop carefully for them. 
This is especially true for children because their 
feet are soft and pliable. Also, their feet are growing 
rapidly. During the first year the feet grow to almost 
half of their adult size. The American Foot Care 
Institute indicates that average size changes occur: 
Age Size Changes 
1- 6 about every 1-2 months 
6-10 2-3 months 
10-12 
12-15 
15 and over 
3-4 months 
4-5 months 
6 or more months 
Every child is different, so it is impossible to pre-
dict exactly when to buy a larger size. Plus, there is 
no standardized shoe sizing in the U.S. Improperly 
fitted shoes can hinder a child's normal growth and 
comfort. 
The purposes of sho.es are to protect from sharp 
objects and hot sidewalks, and to provide support. 
Shoes are unnecessary until a child begins to walk. 
CHECK THESE 
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES 
MATERIAL-Firm, but pliable. Should breathe. 
HEELS-Sturdy. Absorb sound and shock. 
HEEL COUNTER-Firm, springs back after being 
pressed down. Holds heel in place. 
SHANK-Firm, but flexible. Supports arch. 
LININGS-Smooth. Covered seams, no rough 
edges. Absorbs perspiration. 
WELT-Holds upper to sole. Helps make water-
proof. 
WELL-FINISHED-No raw edges or bulky stitch-
ing. No exposed tacks. 
SOLE-Firm, but flexible. Rough surface for tod-
dlers. 
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SOLE -Fintf, 6&4-
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STITCHING-Close, even. Strong thread. 
LAST-Straight shape with top of shoe lined up 
with sole. 
LABEL-Required to list materials used. 
CHECK THESE FITTING POINTS 
LENGTH-1/2 to 3/4 inch longer than longest 
toe. Test: Press down with thumb. 
WIDTH-Room for toes in natural position. Wid-
est part of foot at widest part of shoe. Test: Pinch 
a crease. 
TOE HEIGHT-Toe box deep enough. High and 
wide enough. Should not touch toes. 
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LENGTH FROM HEEL TO BALL-Ball is wid-
est part of foot. Ball of foot and arch base of shoe 
should meet. 
SHANK-Narrow part of shoe in front of heel. No 
excess puckers or wrinkles when walking. 
INSTEP-No pulling or straining at top of shoe. 
Bend foot. Check for gape at instep area. 
HEEL-Snug, no gaping. Should not cut into heel 
or rub on ankle bone. 
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SOLE-Flexible. 
SIGNS OF IMPROPER FIT 
Improperly fitted children's shoes may show 
one or more of the following: 
Tip of toe curled. 
Soles worn unevenly. 
Heels run over. ~l'UHtJU!!!r 
Heels worn on either the inside or outside edge. QJ 
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Shoe upper bulges over sole. 
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Toes have worn pockets in the lining. 
Heel counter broken down. 
Be sure to always wear socks when trying on 
and checking fit of shoe. 
WHAT ABOUT SNEAKERS? 
Sneakers, if of good quality, give greater freedom 
for the feet to develop. They provide good resiliency. 
For normal feet they have a comfortable shape. 
When shopping for sneakers be sure they: 
Are well-fitted. 
Are of heavy canvas. 
Are well-constructed with double stitching. 
Have an arch support. 
Have rubber reinforcement at toe and heel. 
Have a thick, resilient sole. 
Have reinforced heel counters. 
Have ventilation vents. 
y,em-foreed 
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Parents should be aware that rubber soles may 
puncture, that canvas does not "breathe," that there 
is less depth in toe area, that sneakers should be kept 
clean, that there is a tendency to buy too small and 
that care must be given to prevent shrinkage when 
they are washed. 
WHAT ABOUT SANDALS? 
A sandal that is well-fitted allows freedom for 
the feet to develop naturally. Contrary to popular 
belief, they do not make the feet spread. Sandals 
for children, especially for play, should have 
closed backs and wide straps for safety and greater 
durability. Straps on sandals should be adjustable. 
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CARE 
Proper care of shoes will prolong their wear life. 
Polish before wearing to protect from dirt or wet-
ness. If they do get wet, stuff with paper and allow 
to dry at room temperature. Re-heel when edges wear 
down. 
SAVE MONEY BY: 
Avoiding slip-ons that break down easily. 
\ 
Avoiding narrow straps that break easily. 
A voiding high heel lifts which are impractical and 
unsafe. 
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Avoiding black patent, bone or colored shoes that 
show scuffs. 
Avoiding poor quality shoes that quickly lose 
their shape. 
REMEMBER: Purchase well-constructed and 
well-fitted shoes. 
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3 1951 D01 921 127 F 
Arranged for use in Minnesota by Sherri A. Johnson, Extension Textiles and Clothing Specialist, University of Minnesota. Origin-
ally prepared by Nadine Hackler, Extension Textiles and Clothing Specialist, University of Florida. 
The information given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the under-
standing that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service is implied. 
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Norman A. Brown, Director of Agricultural Extension Service, UniversitY of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. 
The University of Minnesota, including the Agricultural Extension Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its 
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or handicap. 10 cents 


Shopping for Children's Clothing: Shoes

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Shopping for Children's Clothing: Shoes

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