Children's shoes
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Shopping for
children's shoes can be a nightmare. The following advice comes from the
Association of South West State Registered Chiropodists:
Badly fitting footwear can be so damaging to young
feet. Many adult foot problems have their beginnings in the wrong children's and
teen's shoes. These rules apply to anyone buying shoes.
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Always
have both feet measured for length and width. If the shop can't or won't measure
your child's foot, think twice about buying there. Remember shoe sizes vary between
brands.
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Shoes
should be held on the foot with either laces, straps or Velcro. It is best to avoid
slip-on shoes.
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Flat
shoes are best for children.
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Choose
shoes with leather uppers. Synthetics like nylon, plastic and rubber don't allow
the sweat to escape properly which increases the chances of athlete's foot and toenail
problems.
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The
shoe should fit the natural shape of the foot especially around the toes.
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The
toe of the shoe should allow toes to move freely and not be squashed from the top or the
sides. Make sure there is about 18 mm growing room for children and 1 cm for adults,
between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
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Shoes
should fit comfortably around the heel and not be too loose or too tight.
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Socks
and tights which are too small can cause similar problems to shoes which are too small,
especially in very young children. Knitted bootees and the feet of sleep suits and
babygros should be big enough, avoid pram shoes.
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Fashion
shoes are fine for special occasions but it is best to wear a more "foot
friendly" shoe for regular everyday wear.
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| There are a number of
shoe shops in the city, many offering budget and fashion shoes in single width
fittings. The following shoe shops offer shoes in half sizes and several
width fittings: |
| Clarks Shoes Ltd:
42 Cornwall Street, Plymouth
PL1 1LP. Tel: (01752) 266447 Clarks main agents. CFHR* Customer lift. Debenhams: Royal
Parade, Plymouth, PL1 1SA. Children's shoe department selling Start-Rite.
Customer lift.
Derrys Department Store:
Derry's Cross,
Plymouth, PL1 1HA. Tel: (01752)
303030 Sell Clarks shoes. Customer lift. Visit
the website at www.psw.coop
*CFHR The Children's Foot Health
Register prepares an annual guide which lists those retailers of children's shoes who
uphold the standards fixed by the Management Committee of the Children's Foot Health
Register. Copies are available from Children's Foot Health Register, PO Box 249,
London, W4 5EX, or visit their Website at www.shoe-shop.org.uk
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| The
following shoe makers (outside Plymouth) offer made to measure shoes and can
help to solve problems with very narrow/very wide or different size feet: |
| Conker Shoe Co:
Totnes, TQ9 5RY. Children's and adults' shoes and boots
in a range of colours. Telephone for catalogue. Allow about a fortnight for
the shoes to be made. Green
Shoes:
Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0NF. Children's
and adults' shoes, boots and sandals in a range of colours and interesting leathers.
Telephone for catalogue. Any width fitting possible, all made to order. Allow
up to four weeks for the shoes to be made, although they could be quicker. New,
contemporary styles regularly designed. Resoling service and mail order. Also
make shoes for vegans.
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| The following shops
offer children's dance shoes: |
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Dance Krazy: Plymouth.
Jama
Uneek:
Plymouth. (closed on Mondays)
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Page updated:
10 March 2008
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