Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Finding the right sneakers for summer camp is essential, since kids spend long days running, hiking, playing sports, and exploring the outdoors. Parents want shoes that are durable, breathable, and supportive enough to handle every camp activity while keeping their child’s feet comfortable […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Looking for toddler shoes with extra long Velcro straps? These specially designed shoes are perfect for little ones who need a more adjustable fit — especially those with AFOs, high insteps, or extra wide feet. The extended straps make it easier to get the […]
As kids transition from children’s shoe sizes to adult ones, many parents wonder: does “extra wide” mean the same thing in both categories? This is a common question I hear from families at the shoe store where I work, and the short answer is: not always. While the term “extra wide” exists in both kids’ […]
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter | Est. reading time: 15 minutes Does your child constantly say their sandals feel “too tight,” “too loose,” or “too pinchy”? Kids with sensory sensitivities often struggle with footwear, and while a proper shoe fitting at a local store is ideal, these environments […]
By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter | Washington, D.C. After more than a decade of helping families and working alongside physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pediatricians, I kept running into the same problem — parents were leaving appointments with a recommendation for “supportive shoes” but no clear guidance on what that actually meant. And […]
The New Balance 990 is one of the most supportive sneakers for kids—but its high price and frequent sell-outs make it less practical for many families. Many parents ask: The good news is that there are several excellent alternatives that offer strong support, stability, and proper fit—without the high price tag. As a children’s shoe […]
Last updated: September 14, 2026 · Written by Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Custom orthotics can run $250 to $350 and often get outgrown within six months — a tough pill to swallow for a toddler whose feet are changing by the month anyway. If your toddler has mild flat feet, low muscle tone, […]
Struggling to find the perfect cheerleading shoes for your child’s unique foot shape? Cheerleaders spend hours jumping, kicking, and performing stunts, so wearing the right shoes is essential for both comfort and injury prevention. The best cheerleading shoes for kids should be lightweight, flexible, and supportive—with excellent grip and shock absorption. As a children’s shoe […]
Have you noticed your child walking or running differently and you suspect your child is dealing with a foot condition such as flat feet? When it comes to identifying foot problems, the condition of your child’s footwear is more important than you might realize. Paying attention to how your child’s shoes wear down can provide […]
Kids can be surprisingly passionate about their favorite colors—and once they choose one, they often want everything from clothes to shoes in that shade! As someone who’s worked in a children’s shoe store for over 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand how color preferences shift as kids grow. While parents often pick out shoes when kids […]