Shopping for a child’s footwear is not always a cakewalk. But it doesn’t have to be challenge either! Knowing the meaning behind certain common abbreviations can make the process simpler, for starters. For instance, are you wondering what does PS mean on shoes? Well, PS stands for preschool and if you see this on a shoe label, it means the pair is designed for kids in the 3 to 5 year age range. In other words, they are meant to support and promote the proper growth and development of your little one’s feet and encourage flexible movement.

Since preschool kids are usually busy little explorers and tend to become more active with every passing day, it will help you to know more about the size of PS shoes and how you can pick the most suitable pair.  

What Size are PS Shoes?

Size is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to choosing footwear for little munchkins. So, while it goes without saying that PS shoes are bigger than toddler and baby shoes, having an idea about the size you should order is helpful. Now, sizes might vary across brands, so it is best to check a specific brand’s chart before ordering a pair. Before that, you should get your preschooler’s feet measured accurately by a podiatrist.

Now, at Jack & Lily, as far as PS shoe size meaning is concerned, this is what you need to know:  

• If your little one is between 3 and 3.5 years of age, a size 6 shoe will be ideal. This size corresponds to 13.5 cm or 5.3 inches in foot length.
• Size 8 shoes are suitable for kids between 3.5 and 4.5 years, and it corresponds to a foot length of 15 cm or 5.9 inches.
• If your munchkin is between 4.5 and 5 years, you can opt for a size 10, which corresponds to 16.5 cm or 6.5 inches.

While these numbers are as per our standard sizing guide, remember that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. So, consult a podiatrist and then select a pair that complements your preschooler’s needs the best.  

Factors to Consider While Buying Preschooler Shoes

Now that you know what does PS on shoes mean, here are a few other areas to focus on before picking a pair:

• Fit: While extra-large shoes can make your child stumble and fall, too small shoes can pinch their feet uncomfortably, cause pain, and lead to chafing. Their tender tootsies might develop blisters, bunions, corns, ingrown nails, and calluses as well. Plus, it might impact their posture in the long run and affect the development of muscles, bones, and joints.

So, make sure your child can walk, skip, jump, and jog around in them easily. While their heels shouldn’t be lifting off from the shoes with every step, the toe box shouldn’t be so tight that it squishes those adorable toes. Make sure the top of the shoe doesn’t press down on the toes and there is enough room in the front for the toes to wiggle freely. A rounded toe box is generally comfier than tapered or pointy ones.   

• Materials: Canvas, leather, and mesh are the most suitable materials for the tops of the shoes as they are breathable and won’t allow your child’s feet to become sweaty or stinky. Since preschoolers play around for hours every day, footwear with antibacterial layers is a good choice too. Note that the materials must be soft and gentle as well, since anything stiff or hard can hamper the natural development of your kiddo’s feet.
• Soles: It is not enough to know what does PS on shoes mean, as every little shoe component plays a crucial role in comfort and convenience. For instance, the insoles must be padded and absorbent. This will ensure ample cushioning and shock absorption when your child is engaged in boisterous games and keep their feet dry too. On the other hand, the outer soles must provide adequate flexibility, traction, and grip. They shouldn’t be too thick or sticky either, as otherwise your munchkin might trip and fall.
• Heels: The shoes you choose for preschoolers should ideally be flat and without heels, for better balance, posture, and development. However, certain styles like dress shoes or boots might come with heels. In that case, make sure they are low and do not cause the toes to push forward and press up against the front of the shoes.
• Closures: Velcro straps and laces are the common closures found in PS shoes. And these come in very handy if you are looking for a pair that can be adjusted as your little one’s tootsies change and grow over time.
• Activity Level: While you are aware of the PS meaning on shoes by now, remember that not every pair is right for every child. A preschooler who loves running or jumping around and participating in various sports will need more flexible, sturdy, and durable shoes than someone who likes to sit and read or prefers board games. Also consider if your child often goes on hikes, long walks, or camping, before shopping for a pair. In any case though, go for lightweight shoes that ease movement and feel fuss-free for long hours.
• Season: Besides being aware of what does PS mean on shoes, you must consider the ongoing season before choosing footwear for preschoolers. If it’s summer, you might want something with an open or breezy design and made of thin materials. Slip-ons are especially a good idea as they are breathable yet protective. During cold months, boots made of thick materials will keep those cute little feet warm and cozy. During rains, you will want shoes with decent grip, so your child can play on slippery streets or splash in muddy pools without injuring themselves. Shoes with reflective strips are great for safety during misty weather.

Pick the Perfect Shoes for Your Preschooler Smartly  

In a nutshell, you not only know the answer to what does PS mean on shoes by now, but also the factors to consider while on a shopping spree. And with an impressive array of patterns and colors available nowadays, you and your kiddo will be surely spoilt for choice.

So, get ready to explore the vast collection of preschooler shoes at Jack & Lily or contact our experts for helpful suggestions today.

Kids will be kids – they will run around, play games all day, splash in puddles, and get messy. That’s what makes childhood special. However, their shoes can take a good beating in the process and get dirty in the wink of an eye. So, as a parent, knowing how to wash kids’ shoes is important, if you want the pair to keep looking good and being comfortable for a long time. Besides, dirty shoes encourage germ infestations, which can affect your child’s health. So, try and keep them fresh and clean at all times. Now, depending on the material, different types of shoes need different treatments. If you are keen to know all about it, read on.

Canvas and Polyester Shoes

These are easy to wash shoes for kids as you can use your hands or the washing machine for the job. First, take a look at the manual technique:

• Take out the insoles and shoelaces (if any) to clean them separately. Remember though that leather shoelaces shouldn’t be washed. You can wash the ones made of nylon, cotton, or polyester.
• Brush off loose dirt and soil from the pair, but ensure the shoes are dry and use a nylon brush. This is especially vital for kids’ outdoor shoes.
• Prepare a cleaning solution to pretreat stains visible to the naked eye.
• Dip the nylon brush in the solution and start scrubbing the exterior of the shoes. Start at the upper part or the top and continue to scrub your way down. Scrub in circles and clean one shoe at a time before you rinse the pair.
• To rinse, run the shoes under flowing water and keep at it until the cleaning solution completely goes away.
• Next, use the cleaning solution and brush to scrub the outsoles and midsoles. Once again, rinse the shoes.
• Stuff the insides of the wet shoes with paper towels and place them in a warm room (away from sunlight) for air drying. A nearby fan can hasten the drying process. Keep replacing the paper towels periodically and remove them completely when they stop getting wet anymore.
• Next, use the nylon brush and cleaning solution to gently scrub the insoles. Rinse them afterwards and allow them to air-dry.
• As far as the shoelaces are concerned, soak them in the cleaning solution for an hour, rinse, and air-dry.  

Now, if you are wondering ‘can I wash kid shoes in the washing machine’, the answer is yes for canvas and polyester pairs. However, check the label to be doubly sure. Here are the steps:

• Just like in handwashing, remove the insoles and laces from the shoes and brush off loose grime and dirt.
• Next, use a stain remover to pretreat stubborn stains, if any.
• Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag next, so they don’t bang around in the washing machine during the cycle.
• Add a bit of detergent and run a cold water cycle. Make sure you don’t put any clothes in at the same time.
• In the meantime, use your hands to scrub and clean the insoles with soap and water.
• Once the machine is done with its job, remove the shoes from the same. Then separately air-dry the footwear, insoles, and laces. Avoid putting the shoes in a dryer as the heat can be harmful.

Suede Shoes

These are more delicate than their canvas or polyester counterparts, so if you are wondering ‘do I wash kids’ shoes made of suede in a machine’, the answer is no. Here is what to do instead:

• Get rid of the grime and dirt with a suede eraser, for starters. When you scrub, the pressure should be gentle and even. Hard rubbing can damage the material.
• Next, use a brush with soft bristles to clean the shoes’ surface better. To keep the suede’s texture intact, brush in one direction.
• In case you can still spot stubborn stains, use a mix of gentle soap and warm water to clean those areas particularly. For applying the solution, use a soft sponge or cloth, but don’t get the material wet.
• Next, allow the shoes to dry up naturally and avoid using any heat source. Otherwise the suede can become stiff or shrink.
• After the shoes dry completely, give them a final gentle brush.

Leather Shoes

If you are wondering how to wash kids’ shoes crafted with leather, then remember to keep them away from the washing machine just like suede shoes. Follow these steps instead:

• Get rid of the grime and dirt from the surface with an old toothbrush. Use gentle strokes and reach into all the crevices to remove any visible dirt.
• Next, to remove scuffs, make an old towel slightly wet and rub on the affected areas gently.
• Then, take a horsehair brush featuring soft bristles and brush the leather shoes with gentle strokes. This will help eliminate any remaining dirt and restore original shine without scratching the material.
• Once the cleaning is done, pat dry the shoes with an old towel. Avoid exposing the pair to a direct heat source as leather tends to crack.
• Use a leather conditioner to polish the shoes after they are dry. This will protect them against marks and scuffs in the future.

Additional Tips

Apart from the shoe washing tips for kids shared above, remember that sprinkling a bit of baking soda inside a pair and letting it sit overnight can get rid of nasty odors. For white canvas sneakers that are yellowing, make a paste of warm water and baking soda, apply it on the shoes, let it dry, and then use a toothbrush to scrub away the hard paste. To remove tough stains from tennis shoes, use a cleaning solution of laundry detergent, vinegar, and warm water. 

Keep Your Kids’ Shoes Clean and Fresh Easily

In a nutshell, knowing how to wash kids’ shoes depending on the material can help increase their longevity and get you your money’s worth. Just always check the label on the shoes that mentions care instructions, before getting started. And for any delicate type, opt for handwashing rather than a washing machine.

In case a pair is way past its prime and it’s time to shop for new shoes, check out the baby and toddler collection from Jack & Lily. You can also get in touch with the experts here for guidance on styles, designs, colors, and more.