Frequently Asked Questions
There are lots of myths associated with children's feet and shoes. We at angels and urchins want to try and ensure that each pair of shoes we supply are not only expertly fitted but also absolutely right for the purpose for which they are bought. We hope this section will help you with some of the do’s and don’ts of children’s feet and their shoes; answer some frequently asked questions and ensure that your children have healthy and happy feet!
How old should my child be before I buy their first pair of shoes?
There is no hard and fast answer to this question. Although no mother can wait to see their child in their first pair of shoes, do exercise some caution. Children start walking at different ages although this usually happens between 10 and 15 months. What is important to remember is that the bones in the feet of babies and children are particularly vulnerable to cramped conditions and therefore to badly fitting shoes (and socks). The bones are soft and easily compressed so the wrong shoes will restrict proper growth. We would advise that your child should have been walking for a minimum of 6 weeks before you consider purchasing their first pair of shoes. You should certainly not try to accelerate the process for cosmetic reasons.
What type of shoes should I buy?
The shoes you do buy should always be soft leather to provide maximum flexibility, durability and breathability. Leather shoes also mould naturally to your child's foot. They should be naturally shaped to ensure the toes work freely and should provide proper support for the foot and ankle with no build up in either heel or sole. The out sole should have sufficient flexibility to follow the movement of the foot.
How important is fitting?
We at angels and urchins place the utmost importance on training all our staff in the correct fitting of your child's shoes. Avoid the temptation to buy too large. There is no predicting the growth of children's feet. You should of course allow some growing room, which most children’s shoe manufacturers now build in.
You should check the fit regularly. No one can predict how long your child's shoes will fit comfortably. Children's feet grow rapidly and at intervals with no set pattern. If you are in doubt please bring your child back to angels and urchins for free measuring with no obligation to buy.
Think of it as a check up.
How should I care for my shoes?
It pays in the long run to take proper care of your children's shoes. It is a fact of life that feet sweat, so try to allow shoes to dry out properly to improve durability and comfort. Children's shoes are often expected to fulfil a multitude of uses but they should always be polished and protected regularly, not only to improve their appearance but also to assist waterproofing and the natural softening of the leather. Just a few minutes of regular attention can dramatically improve the life of the shoe and whilst scuffing (especially with young children) is inevitable, regular treatment will help to disguise the effects.
Check regularly for signs of wear. Avoid handing down shoes to other children and remember in particular to remove very young children's shoes and socks as soon as you get home to allow maximum “foot freedom” around the house.
Thank you for buying your shoes from angels and urchins. Remember happy feet are healthy feet.
