Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s shoes without costly mistakes: consider size, material and use

Children’s shoes need to cope with a lot: school, cycling, running around the playground and playing in wet British weather. Yet an attractive design is not automatically practical. If you only consider colour or brand, you could soon end up with a pair that is difficult to put on, gets dirty quickly or does not fit properly.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  • Choosing a size that is too large: extra growing room may sound useful, but a shoe that is too loose can shift while walking. Always check the size chart and the sizing advice for the specific model.
  • Confusing light-up details with everyday comfort: lights and glitter attract attention, but also look at the fastening, sole, lining and upper material.
  • Buying one pair for every situation: trainers are practical for school and play, while clogs are particularly useful for short trips outdoors, gardening or when shoes need to be put on and taken off easily. No single model is automatically suitable for every activity.

What should you look for in children’s shoes?

1. Size and fit

Children’s feet grow, but buying a larger size is not always more economical. A well-fitting shoe should provide enough room around the toes without the heel lifting as the child walks. Do not only look at the EU size, but also consider:

  • the stated foot length in centimetres;
  • the shoe width, such as width D;
  • the advice ‘true to size’ or a similar fit description;
  • how the shoe fastens.

For the Skechers models in this selection, sizes 28.5 or 29 are listed as having a regular fit. The recommendation is to order your usual size. Still, check this against your own foot measurement, as half a size can make a difference with children’s shoes.

2. Fastening and putting shoes on independently

For school-age children, children’s shoes with hook-and-loop fastening are practical. They can be secured quickly and give children more independence than laces alone. A combination of hook-and-loop fastening and laces can offer extra adjustability, but it does take longer to put on.

A shoe with an adjustable heel strap works differently. With Crocs children’s clogs, the rotating heel strap can be worn loosely behind the foot or placed behind the heel for extra support. Always check that the strap is positioned correctly when your child is walking or playing in them.

3. Material, sole and care

The material partly determines how easy children’s shoes are to clean. Textile is lightweight and flexible, but usually requires careful cleaning. Rubber or EVA-like materials can easily be wiped with a damp cloth.

Also pay attention to the sole:

  • a rubber sole is used on the Skechers trainers;
  • the Crocs Classic Clog children’s model is made with a moulded Croslite construction;
  • ventilation holes allow air to circulate, but make the clog less suitable for rainy weather;
  • a non-marking sole is useful for indoor use, for example at school or in a sports hall.

According to Crocs’ product information, the Classic Clog features ventilation holes, an adjustable heel strap and a non-marking sole. The brand’s statement about odour resistance is a product claim made by Crocs; treat it as a stated feature rather than a guarantee for every situation.

Which children’s shoes are suitable for different uses?

Girls’ trainers with colourful details or light-up elements are ideal for children who enjoy a striking design. Boys’ shoes are not limited to one colour or style: a unisex clog or black trainer can be practical for any child. For school and play, a reliable fastening, a good fit and easy care are particularly important.

Below are several options linked to a clear usage profile. The selection is based on the stated product materials, fastenings, sizes and features.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
CROCS Kids Classic Clog Black

CROCS Kids' Classic Clog Black

Why it suits this profile: This black, unisex model is easy to match with different outfits and simple to put on and take off. That makes it a practical spare pair for short trips outdoors and everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists sizes in EU sizing and foot length. This means you can compare measurements as well as appearance. The adjustable heel strap means you do not have to rely solely on a loose slip-on fit.

Main benefit & advantages

Lightweight Croslite construction, rotating heel strap, ventilation holes and easy cleaning with a damp cloth.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Skechers Heart Lights Rainbow Lux 302308L SMLT 29

Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux 302308L-SMLT 29

Why it suits this profile: These Skechers girls’ shoes combine a colourful design with a hook-and-loop fastening and a regular fit. They are suitable for children who want light-up details for school, play and everyday activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product description, the light-up Heart Lights are integrated into the sole, but the shoe also has a practical hook-and-loop fastening and stated sizing information. Clean according to the instructions with a soft, damp cloth; do not machine wash.

Main benefit & advantages

Textile and synthetic leather outer, rubber sole, textile lining and hook-and-loop fastening. According to the product information, the model is true to size.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Skechers Flutter Heart Lights 302315L LVMT 28.5

Skechers Flutter Heart Lights 302315L-LVMT 28.5

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for everyday use and features a colourful print. The combination of hook-and-loop fastening and laces offers different adjustment options from a shoe with hook-and-loop fastening alone.

How this product avoids the pitfall

In addition to the appearance, the fastening, width D and regular fit are specified. Bear in mind that the insole is not removable according to the product information.

Main benefit & advantages

Low-top trainer, textile upper, rubber sole, regular fit and Heart Lights according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Choosing black or white children’s shoes

Black children’s shoes are practical for school because small marks are less noticeable. White children’s shoes have a fresh look, but need cleaning more often. With textile trainers, it is best to follow the care instructions and leave them to air-dry. For Crocs models, the product information generally recommends wiping them with a damp cloth. Avoid heat and prolonged direct sunlight, as these can cause the material to warp or shrink.

Frequently asked questions about children’s shoes

How much growing room should children’s shoes have?

Do not choose a size based on growth alone. Measure both feet and compare the longer foot with the model’s size chart. The shoe should not pinch around the toes, but it should not be so roomy that the foot slides forwards either. Check the fit again if your child complains of pressure, trips frequently or has a loose-fitting heel.

Are trainers or Crocs more suitable for school?

For a full school day, closed children’s trainers are often more practical, particularly in changeable weather and when there is a lot of walking. Crocs children’s clogs are useful when shoes need to be put on and taken off quickly, for example in the garden, on the balcony or for short outdoor activities. Also consider the school’s rules and the type of activity.

How do you clean children’s shoes?

Always follow the product care instructions. For these models, Skechers recommends cleaning with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap; do not use bleach and allow the shoes to dry at room temperature. Crocs recommends wiping them with a damp cloth and allowing them to dry naturally. Do not machine wash shoes unless the manufacturer expressly permits it.