Where is the Best Place to Buy Toddler Shoes? – Learn About My Free Virtual Shoe Fitting Service
Are you having a hard time finding a good, local children’s shoe store to take your toddler to be properly measured and fitted for shoes? I strongly suggest that you avoid taking your toddler for a shoe fitting at big retail stores such as Nordstrom, Foot Locker, or Payless. My main issue with these big retail stores is that their staff may not be fully trained to properly measure children’s feet or fit a wide range of children’s feet and foot conditions.
Families of toddlers feel comfortable fitting their children’s shoes at our store and trust my expertise as a fitter to find their children comfortable yet supportive shoes.
The type of shoes you provide for your toddler is crucial for their foot development. Fitting your child in the wrong pair of shoes may constrict their feet, potentially obstructing the development of their foot nerves and bones (tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges). Over time, feet can conform to a shoe if they are restrictive.
Where is the Best Place to Buy Toddler Shoes?
Local independent or specialized child shoe stores are often great at fitting shoes for toddlers with well-trained staff. However, for families who prefer to buy shoes online or live in an area without a nearby specialized or independent shoe store, I have created a resource to help them retrieve their toddler’s exact foot shape, instep height, and foot length.
Virtual Shoe Fitting by a Shoe Fitting Expert
Please follow the instructions below to achieve your child’s proper measurements:
➡️ Step 1: Measuring Your Toddler’s Exact Foot Length:
- Make sure that your toddler is standing straight, and then place a measuring tape or ruler below your toddler’s heels. You must measure your toddler’s feet while standing, as on weight-bearing the foot becomes longer.
- Measure both feet up to the tip of your toddler’s longest toe (make sure that your toddler is not curling his/her toes). You must measure both feet since there is always one foot that is bigger than the other. Keep in mind that your toddler’s longest toe doesn’t necessarily have to be the big toe — it may in fact be the second or even the third toe.
- Make a note of that measurement in centimeters or inches or email me the image showing the measurements (such as you see below) to avoid confusion with the measurements.
We will input your child’s foot measurements in the standard foot measuring tool (Brannock device) to retrieve your child’s exact foot length.
➡️ Step 2: Pictures of Your Toddler’s Foot Width:
The pictures below will help me determine whether your toddler has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Also, the pictures will help me see whether your toddler has a high instep and additional information such as whether your toddler has flat feet or not. Below you can find examples of how the pictures should look like:
This image helps determine whether your child is flat footed and whether your child has a high instep or not.
This image helps determine whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
This image helps determine whether your child has rolled ankles or not.
I handle approximately 100 shoe fittings/try-ons per week at work, so I will be able to determine your toddler’s foot width and shape with these images alone. (No need to measure their foot width or instep!)
Recap – What to Include in Your Email
- Your child’s foot length measurements (or an image of their foot length measurements)
- Three images of your child’s feet (see examples images above)
- The country you live in
Feel free to include in your email any additional information I should know about your child’s feet.
You will then receive a response within 24 hours with your child’s exact foot length, shape, and specific shoe recommendations as needed.
How Much Does This Service Cost?
This service is completely free. I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes can be life changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older.
If you wish to support the work of Fitting Children’s Shoes, you can Donate Here Your support helps ensure that families around the world can find the correct shoes for their children, regardless of their foot shape or condition.
What Are the Best Toddler Shoes?
✅ Breathable shoes made from soft leather with lightweight flexible outsoles, well-padded ankles, and non-slip bottoms
✅ They should have a sturdy midsole and a good stiff heel counter where the heel sits
✅ They should always provide a secure closure (Velcro or shoelaces) to hold your toddler’s feet in place, so they do not slip forward
❌ Wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow can cause your toddler to develop blisters, calluses, corns, or ingrown toenails which can become infected. If you notice your toddler is constantly taking his or her shoes off, it is a red flag that they may be uncomfortable.
I am happy to recommend specific shoe brands and styles for your toddler based on their unique foot shape and size.
Keep in mind that toddlers’ feet grow very quickly, and their shoe size may need updating every 3 to 4 months. Don’t hesitate to contact me any time you suspect your toddler’s shoes may be too small.
