What is the difference between toddler and youth shoes

Pronation control is healthy for adult feet. For a kid's feet, a little bit of arch support goes a long way. Never try to correct a child's walking gait without a podiatrist's informed diagnosis and recommendation.

Even though your child is older, their feet will still be growing rapidly. Between age four and five most children's feet grow at least a half a shoe size every four to five months.

You can buy your child's shoes a little large for their feet, but avoid buying shoes that are more than one size too big or the shoe will become a tripping hazard. When choosing between children's shoe uppers, breathable materials like leather and canvas are best.

Children's feet often sweat a lot. Your child will usually start wearing youth shoe sizes around age 6. In-store youth shoe sizing mats can help you find a starting point. However, all brands have different size specs. How often do kids need new shoes? When kids are young, their feet grow quickly.

This is especially true for children under three. Expect to buy new shoes at least three or four times a year for toddlers. Watch out for scuffs to the toes, limping and blisters. For this age group, needing a new pair times a year is common. The best way to know for sure is to measure often and check in on their comfort.

Still have questions? If you are looking for sizes in a specific brand, consult the company's website before you hit the store; many sites feature their own sizing charts. While sizing by your child's age is a good place to start, there is no substitute for measuring your child's foot.

Age does not always correspond with the size of a child's foot, so estimating this way is risky. Your best bet is to use the sizing devices available at the store. If you are shopping with a toddler, allow plenty of time for measuring and trying on shoes, and make sure to get a nap and a feeding in before you get going.

There is nothing worse than wrangling a cranky toddler into several pairs of shoes in a crowded department store. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests shopping for shoes in the afternoon, as feet tend to swell later in the day. The widest point of an adult foot is at the ball of the foot. Until a child starts wearing youth-sized shoes, the shape of the shoe should accommodate the shape of the foot with a wider width.

The shoe should fit snugly at the heel with plenty of wiggle room for the toes, which spread even wider while the child walks. Youth shoes are more similar to adult shoes, and they have many of the same problems, such as pointed toes or high heels, particularly on girls' shoes. With the unnatural position of the foot when wearing high heels, these shoes can create damage to leg tendons and nerve damage to toes, according to the American Osteopathic Association.

Because a child's foot is still developing, the shoe should not be constrictive in any way, and it should accommodate the changing shape of the child's foot. Youth shoes are generally slightly narrower than child shoes and they should be flat and lightweight. They shouldn't fit too snugly around the heel and sides, and there should be enough room from front to back to allow the foot to move as the child walks.

How to Measure a Toddler for a Bike.