Choosing children’s shoes: a practical guide to size, comfort and everyday use

Children’s shoes need to withstand plenty of wear and tear, while also being easy to put on. This can make the choice less straightforward for parents. Whether you’re looking for children’s trainers for school, children’s hook-and-loop shoes or lightweight outdoor footwear, many styles can look very similar.

Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

1. Lights and decorations receive more attention than the fit. Children’s shoes with lights can be appealing, but you should also check the fastening, sole and size.
2. A larger size is bought “to allow room for growth”. Too much extra space can cause a child’s foot to slide around inside the shoe. Measure the foot and compare it with the brand’s size guide instead.
3. Easy-care materials are mistaken for being indestructible. Synthetic material or Croslite is practical to clean, but these shoes can still become misshapen through heat or incorrect drying.

What should you look for in children’s shoes?

1. Fit and size

A child’s foot grows quickly, but that does not mean shoes should fit loosely. When trying them on, check that:

• the toes can move freely;
• the heel does not slip out of the shoe;
• the shoe does not pinch across the instep;
• socks fit without creating pressure points;
• the child can walk and run comfortably.

Product information often describes a standard fit as normal fit. This is a useful starting point, but every child’s foot shape is different. For example, the Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux is described as fitting true to size. Available sizes include 29 and 35, both with a shoe width of D.

Crocs children’s shoes use a different size indication. The size guide lists EU sizes and foot lengths in centimetres, for example EU 29-30 with a length of 17.4 cm and EU 32-33 with 19.1 cm. Measure the foot before ordering a pair.

2. Fastenings and independence

For young children, shoes they can put on themselves are practical. Children’s hook-and-loop shoes are usually quicker to fasten than shoes with laces only. Elastic laces combined with hook-and-loop fastenings offer a similar solution for school and everyday wear.

The Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux has a hook-and-loop fastening. The Skechers Microspec Texlor uses elastic laces with a hook-and-loop fastening. The Crocs Classic Clog children’s shoe has no traditional fastening; instead, it features a pivoting heel strap that can provide extra support when positioned at the back.

3. Material, sole and care

Don’t just look at the colour or brand. Consider the construction too:

• Textile or mesh: often flexible and lightweight, but dirt can remain visible.
• Synthetic material: usually easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Rubber sole: suitable for providing grip on many everyday surfaces.
• Croslite/EVA: a lightweight material that, according to the product description, is easy to clean.

Care instructions are important for extending the life of the shoes. The Skechers styles should not be put in the washing machine and should be left to air dry. Crocs recommends cleaning by hand with mild soap and water. With both brands, avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat, as the material may shrink or become misshapen.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

CROCS Classic Clog Kids Black

Why it suits this profile: This style is easy to put on and take off and can be used at home, for outdoor play and for short everyday activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size can be selected based on the stated foot length in centimetres rather than age alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Lightweight Croslite construction, ventilation openings, a pivoting heel strap and cleaning with a damp cloth.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux 302308L-SMLT 35

Why it suits this profile: A great choice for children who want to wear girls’ trainers with an eye-catching design and practical fastening to school or during play.

How this product avoids the pitfall

As well as lights, this style features a hook-and-loop fastening and a standard fit. The decoration is therefore not the only product feature to consider.

Key benefit & highlights

Heart Lights in the sole, a textile upper, a rubber sole and a fastening that is quick to secure.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Skechers Flex Glow 90542L BBLM 28

Why it suits this profile: This style is ideal for children who are active every day and are looking for boys’ trainers with lights for school, play and outdoor activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that the fit is standard, but also that this style runs small. Check the size carefully and, in line with the size advice, consider choosing one size larger.

Key benefit & highlights

Mesh upper, elastic laces, hook-and-loop fastening at the ankle and lights with an on/off button on the side.

Frequently asked questions about children’s shoes

How do I measure the right size for children’s shoes?

Place the foot, wearing a sock, on a sheet of paper and mark the heel and longest toe. Measure the distance in centimetres and compare it with the brand’s size guide. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement. Also check the returns policy before ordering.

Are Crocs children’s shoes suitable for school and outdoor use?

That depends on the activity and the school’s rules. Crocs Classic Clog children’s shoes are lightweight, have ventilation openings and a pivoting heel strap. For intensive running, wet weather or situations where a closed shoe is required, children’s trainers with a more secure fastening may be more practical.

How do I clean children’s shoes?

Always follow the brand’s care instructions. Skechers recommends cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap and advises against machine washing. Crocs can be cleaned by hand. Allow shoes to dry naturally and do not use a radiator, hairdryer or other direct heat source.