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  • How Do I Know My Shoe Width?

    How Do I Know My Shoe Width?

    No two children are the same – whether it involves their interests, dreams, growth pattern, or foot size. Even if two kids are of the same age, height, and weight, the width of one’s feet can be quite different from another’s. This is the reason why most footwear brands cater to varying shoe width sizes, including narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. Or they mention the corresponding width for every shoe size in cm and inches. So, whether you are shopping for girls’ or boys’ shoes, it is important to measure both the length and width of each foot. 

    Continue reading to find out how to do that and what other factors to keep in mind.  

    Measuring the Width and Length of Your Child’s Feet

    Ask your little one to stand up straight and put equal pressure on both their feet. Then measure each foot at its widest part with a measuring tape. This will help you to pick from different shoe width sizes later. Don’t forget that length is super important too. So, measure the distance from the tip of the longest toe to the back of the heel for each foot.

    Another idea is to ask your child to stand on a blank white sheet of paper and trace the outlines of their feet. You can then measure the length and width of the same before shopping for shoes. Remember to add about 1.3 cm to the length of the foot before picking a shoe size. And buy a pair that is right for the bigger foot (yes, feet are usually of slightly different sizes in all kids).

    What Else to Consider Before Buying Kids’ Shoes?

    Whether you are looking for girls’ or boys’ shoes, it is not enough to get the width and length of the feet right. Here are a few other things you need to be mindful about:

    • Opt for a Roomy Toe Box: A wide toe box will allow your munchkin to wiggle their toes comfortably and develop properly. A round or square toe box is usually ideal for the same. Pointy or tapered ones can squeeze those cute toes painfully, leaving no room for growth.
    • Avoid Too Big or Too Small Sizes: Being accurate about shoe length and shoe width sizes is important as you don’t want your child to wince in pain while walking or lug around the shoes, scared to trip and fall. While extra small shoes can pinch their delicate skin, cause blisters, redness, and bruises, extra big ones can lead to accidents. Get a pair that fits snugly but don’t wait for your child’s feet to grow into them.
    • Choose Lightweight Shoes: Heavy shoes can impede your munchkin’s natural movement, gait, and posture. They won’t be able to run around easily or play without pain. So, go for something lightweight yet robust.
    • Make Sure the Shoes are Flexible: Try to bend the shoes, and if they fold almost halfway, they are flexible enough. Rigid shoes can interfere with your kid’s podiatric development, cause discomfort, and fail to support natural movement.
    • Pick Shoes with Safe Outer Soles: Both girls’ and boys’ shoes should ideally come with durable soles that offer adequate traction on all surfaces, especially wet or extra smooth ones. So, make sure they have grooves and a decent grip. This way, your little one won’t slip, fall, and injure themselves.
    • Go for Firm Backs: The pair you pick must offer your child’s ankles and heels ample support. This means that the back of its heels shouldn’t be too soft or hard. So, how to test the right amount of firmness? Just pinch the back of the heel, and if it collapses entirely, it is extra soft or flimsy. If the back doesn’t budge at all, it is extra hard or tough. So, try and zero in on shoes where the backs of the heels give in slightly but don’t lose form.   
    • Settle for Premium Materials: Leather, canvas, suede, and knit are the most popular materials when it comes to kids’ shoes. They are breathable, cozy, and gentle on the skin when you pick high-quality options. Moreover, your child’s feet won’t smell or encourage bacterial infections this way.
    • Consider Shoes Featuring Closures: Buying adjustable shoes can help you save money in the long run, as your child’s feet are bound to change gradually. Pairs that feature buttons, laces, or Velcro straps can also ensure extra safety by perfecting the fit. In case of Velcro or buttons, your munchkin will also learn how to put on and take off the shoes easily and on their own.
    • Let Them Try the Shoes Later in the Day: Feet in children tend to swell after a few hours of activity. So, avoid asking them to try out new shoes in the morning. Late afternoon or evening is more apt for try-outs.
    • Consider the Season: The type of shoes you buy for your little one depends on the season too. For instance, during summer, open-toed styles, simple slip-ons, and sandals are ideal as they allow easy air circulation. When the temperature dips, boots, sneakers, and shoes with thick or warm linings can feel more comfy and supportive. While rubber shoes aren’t breathable, during the rainy months, they can protect those tiny tootsies against dirty water and mud. Kids can wear these for a few hours.

    Shop for Girls’ or Boys’ Shoes in an Informed Way

    By now, you have a fair idea about how to get shoe length and shoe width sizes right when it comes to footwear shopping for kids. You also know what other things to keep in mind before picking a pair, such as weight, toe box size, flexibility, sole safety, closures, materials, and even seasons. While shoes for children come in a wide array of exciting designs and colors, keeping this guide handy can help you choose something that is aesthetic, functional, and comfortable too.

    To get started, you can explore the variety of boots, T-straps, sneakers, and slip-ons from Jack & Lily. If you still need more advice or cannot make up your mind about a pair, feel free to contact the professionals here.

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  • Six Different Shoe Materials: Which Is Best for You?

    Six Different Shoe Materials: Which Is Best for You?

    Shopping for baby slip on shoes, sneakers, T-straps, or any other style requires you to focus on the material used. After all, the type of material determines how comfortable, functional, and aesthetic a particular pair will be. When it comes to footwear for small children, the material can also decide whether your little one’s feet will develop properly and move naturally. So, to choose the best material shoes for your munchkin, you need a clear idea about the pros and cons of each material. This write-up covers the same for 6 different materials.  

    1. Leather

    Leather has been used to craft shoes for ages. It is a popular choice for both casual and formal styles, but the quality of leather decides if you are going to get your money’s worth. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons.

    Pros: If you are searching for the best material shoes for your child, high-quality leather scores impressively on durability, fit, comfort, and breathability. It will give those tiny tootsies extra protection against bumps and spills too. Premium leather shoes last for years and often develop a natural shine that looks classy. Moreover, this is a material that is eco-friendly and easy to clean.

    Cons: While premium leather allows adequate air circulation, low-quality versions can make your baby’s feet sweaty, hot, and smelly. Leather also tends to dry up and crack if you don’t treat it periodically with polish, wax, and conditioner. The material is also not ideal for sporty activities as it scuffs easily.

    2. Canvas

    As a material, canvas is obtained from hemp cloth, which is a smart pick if you are serious about sustainability. Canvas is widely used in baby slip on shoes, though sneakers are increasingly incorporating it too. Find out what’s great and not-so-great about this material.

    Pros: Canvas makes for the best material shoes if you need something that is lightweight and retains shape effectively. It is comparatively less stretchy than other materials and shoes made of canvas don’t usually require inserts. Canvas shoes also come in a variety of colors and designs, so it’s easy to choose something fun for your kid.

    Cons: Durability of canvas shoes generally depends on the fabric’s weave. So, you might come across pairs that are not too hardy. Also, because the material is thin, canvas shoes don’t offer enough ankle support. Hence, shoes made of this material are not the best for sporty activities.

    3. Knit

    If you are looking for extremely breathable and lightweight options, then the best material shoes are the ones made from knit fabric. So, it’s no wonder that knit is used in many active pairs for children. Let’s delve into its advantages and disadvantages here.

    Pros: Knit is a fabric that dries up fast, feels super comfortable on the skin, and provides ample flexibility. Moreover, since the material is used commonly for baby slip on shoes, your little one can slide into or out of them easily. They will be less likely to suffer from blisters, chafing, and redness with knit shoes as well. The material is also hassle-free to clean as you can toss the shoes into a washer and run a cold, gentle cycle.

    Cons: Though the knit fabric has multiple benefits, it tends to absorb water quickly and get wet. So, knit shoes might not be apt during monsoons or if you live somewhere where it rains a lot. Shoes made of this material might also need additional supports and inserts to handle sporty activities.  

    4. Rubber

    There is no doubt that the best material shoes are made from rubber when it comes to the rainy season. While both synthetic and natural rubber can be heavy-duty, the latter is biodegradable and safe for the planet. Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of the material.

    Pros: Rubber is excellent at repelling water and also resists punctures and abrasions effectively. Soles made of this material prevent accidental slips too and ensure sufficient friction on wet surfaces. Hence, shoes made of rubber provide a lot of safety to your little one’s feet when they splash in puddles or play outdoors in the rain.   

    Cons: Despite its many advantages during monsoons, rubber baby slip on shoes or boots are not breathable. So, after a while, they trap heat and can make your munchkin’s feet sweaty. Pairs crafted with synthetic rubber are also not sustainable.  

    5. Suede

    Suede is leather’s close cousin. While leather is obtained from the outer side of an animal’s hide, suede comes from its underside. Naturally, compared to leather, suede is soft and thin. Let’s check its perks and pitfalls now.  

    Pros: Suede makes for the best material shoes that appear smooth and unique and feel gentle on the skin. Suede shoes have a matte finish characterized by delicate waterproof bristles that are easy to clean. Such shoes are also lighter than their leather counterparts but are quite durable and comfy. Suede lasts long too and the material can be molded to create various styles.

    Cons: Shoes made of suede tend to attract dirt and dust easily and this can impact their smooth appearance. Also, you cannot let your child wear such shoes in the rain. While suede can withstand minimal moisture, an excess can ruin the material irreparably.   

    6. Foam

    Since foam adapts to your little one’s natural gait, it can make for the best material shoes if you are looking for arch support and extra comfort. Like all other materials, foam has its pros and cons.  

    Pros: Shoes made of memory foam can provide your child ample support and prevent injuries during athletic activities or games. Such shoes can also keep feet pain at bay as they absorb shocks well, minimize pressure, and ensure decent cushioning.

    Cons: Shoes crafted with foam tend to retain sweat and heat though, which can make things uncomfortable for kids after a while. The material can consequently lead to smelly feet and foam can also harden over time. Moreover, it is not as durable as the other materials.

    Choosing the Best Material Shoes Doesn’t Need to be a Challenge

    Looking for a classy pair of shoes for your child that will last long and protect those cute tootsies adequately? Then go for something in top-quality leather or suede. If it rains a lot in your area or you need a pair for the monsoons, rubber baby slip on shoes or boots are the best. Knit and canvas pairs, on the other hand, are perfect if you are hunting for something super light, breathable, and comfy.  

    So, if you are ready to start shopping, check out what Jack & Lily has to offer. Need more guidance or suggestions for specific needs? Feel free to contact the professionals here.

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