Are you sick of spending money to buy toddler shoes that don't fit?
You are not alone. A few years ago, I bought 7 pairs of shoes for my oldest daughter, who was then three years old. After spending over $150 on her shoes, I decided to take another route -- to find a pair of shoes that that fit properly and that were made to last.
When I did, I actually found that the shoes not only lasted longer for her, but they often worked fine for hand-me-downs to her little sisters. In the long run, buying better-fitting and better-made shoes has saved me a bundle.
After raising three daughters and having many shoe-buying experiences, here are the keys I've found to successfully buying toddler shoes:
* Personally, I prefer to shop online. As a busy parent, this allows me to shop whenever I want. Taking your kids to a shoe store is a little like herding cats -- they get into things they shouldn't, and generally end up completely off track. You can always pause the online shopping experience and come back later if things get too crazy, and that's a lovely perk.
Another reason online shopping works so well with toddlers is that young children also are naturally shy around strangers. Getting their feet measured by salespeople and making it through the sales process can be very difficult. They are much more relaxed (and the measurements are more accurate) when a caregiver does the measuring.
* For the shoes to fit, your child's foot must be measured. An online retailer should offer you a sizing chart that you can print out and use to make sure the shoes you order will fit.
If you go to the store and the salesperson pushes on the shoes to determine where your child's toe is, this is not a good sign. Small children often do not fully relax their toes while trying on shoes, so this "poking" so commonly done by shoe salespeople is completely worthless. Your child's toes are likely "curled" and the size won't be correct. If the retailer doesn't offer a sizing chart to accurately measure your child's feet, then the new shoes won't fit any better than the old ones.
* Responsive customer service is also important. If buying shoes online, you should be able to IM (instant message) a representative during the order process if you have questions. You should also receive email notification of order confirmation and shipping.
If buying shoes in a store, you should find a store with lots of experience fitting children. Also look for a store with a wide selection in toddler shoes -- so they won't encourage you to buy the size they have in stock, rather than the size that correctly fits!
* A shoe that is well-made -- with quality stitching and fasteners that are sturdy -- is worth it. Cheaply made shoes will fall apart or fall off, making them less likely to be comfortable and safe for your little one.
* Finally, try to find a shoe that your child likes but that isn't a fad. Trust me, one day your toddler will wake up and refuse to wear anything associated with her favorite princess or his favorite superhero, and the last thing you need is a daily struggle over shoes. As your child learns independence, a pair of shoes that are simple to put on is also a real bonus time-saver.
The key to buying toddler shoes is to find a well-made shoe that fits correctly. By pairing up these two things, you'll find that your toddlers shoes will last much longer, and you'll save money in the long run!
Liz McGowen is a full-time mother of three who writes about raising toddlers. If you liked this article please stop by to visit her blog and website at http://www.HealthNutMom.com.
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