Fitting Tips

When your child is born, one of the first things you'll notice is their perfect little hands and feet, it is important to keep them that way.

A foot has 26 bones, 19 muscles and over 100 ligaments, which can take up to eighteen years to harden to adult form, but even before they start walking, babies' feet need protection and support, and at each stage of their development, they have different needs.

Important Points to Consider

Babies' feet don't have bones, but soft cartilage which can easily be pushed out of shape by badly fitting shoes. Even socks that are too tight can damage their feet at this delicate stage.

Do not put structured shoes on a baby who has only learned to stand; they will make it much more difficult for him to balance. Indoors, where it is safe, barefoot is best!

Your toddler should only need shoes when he is walking unaided or they are required for outdoor use.

Remember, their bones are not formed yet, so it's vital to get things right.

Fitting

Most babies are born with trouble free feet, however 3 out of 4 adults suffer from some form of foot problems. It's an unfortunate fact that many of these problems originate from wearing unsuitable shoes during childhood.

There is no such thing as an average foot, so children should always be individually fitted with shoes.

At Trendy Treads we will measure both feet for length, width/girth using a foot gauge. We will then advise on the style most suited to the foot.

Inspecting the fit of the shoe while the child is standing, for correct length, width and girth, the fitter will check to ensure there is no rubbing on the anklebone, that there is sufficient width and depth, that the fastening is efficient and that they have enough growing room. They will then watch the child walk, making certain the shoes do not slip.

A fitting check is advised for toddlers every six to eight weeks and when older every three to four months. This is purely a checking point and the fitter will advise at this stage whether or not the child’s feet have grown or when to return for another check.

The staff at Trendy Treads (UK) Ltd are committed to providing a comprehensive fitting service giving parents peace of mind and confidence that there children’s feet really are safe in our hands.