Children's Shoes | Parents Guide to Plymouth

Last modified on Friday 4th November, 2011.

Childrens Shoes

Shopping for children’s shoes can be a nightmare. The following advice comes from the Society of Shoe Fitters.

There is no doubt that from birth to early teens feet are at their most vulnerable, in fact there are 26 bones in the foot, and they do not completely ossify (harden) until around the age of eighteen. Qualified Shoe Fitters and Podiatrists spend the majority of their time trying to correct damage and ease discomfort that could have been avoided if shoes had been correctly fitted when purchased.

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.
Feet may be “measured” sitting or standing and foot gauges are calibrated accordingly, but the final assessment should be made whilst standing, as the feet spread when standing weight is applied.
Flat shoes are best for children.
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.
When does a child need their first pair of shoes? The simple answer is “when the child is walking most of the day and wants to walk outside”. At that time the child needs a pair of shoes to protect his or her feet. This can be between seven months and two years. Never push your child to walk if they are not ready, just because your friend’s child has been walking for months.
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.
Shoes should fit comfortably around the heel and not be too loose or too tight.
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.

More information can be found at the Society of Shoefitters website.

Clarks Shoes Ltd

42 Cornwall Street, Plymouth PL1 1LP
Clarks main agents.
Tel: (01752) 266447

Jones Bootmaker

Drake Circus Shopping Mall, Plymouth, PL1 1EA
Sell Start-Rite children’s shoes.
Tel: 0845 6028716

Pogo Pop-up Shoe Shop

Tavistock. Pogo claims to offer a hassle free shopping experience to parents and children for new shoes in Tavistock and West Devon. They stock a wide range of superb children’s shoes from Noel, Buckle My Shoe, Pediped, Ricosta and Primigi. School shoes, sandals, boots, wellies, trainers; “our children’s shoes are fantastic quality and practical,chosen by parents to last until they are outgrown! Kids school shoes are our best sellers in the traditional styles and of course Black!”
Pogo has a website for parents to view just some of the styles and prices but we believe it is important to measure and fit every child professionally and therefore encourage customers to make an appointment so we can meet in person.Phone to arrange an appointment or a Pogo Shoe Party @ home. Timed appointments to measure and fit children’s shoes in a range of venues in Tavistock and West Devon.
Tel: 07823 557 812

Visit Site

For further information on Independent Shoe Shops visit The Independent Footwear Retail Association website.

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.

Conker Shoe Co

Totnes, TQ9 5RY
Children’s and adults’ shoes and boots in a range of colours. Telephone for catalogue.
Tel: 01803 862490

Green Shoes

Old Totnes Road, 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. New, contemporary styles regularly designed. Resoling service and mail order. Also make shoes for vegans.
Tel: (01364) 644036