It’s important to put your kids in quality school shoes that are correctly fitted. Not sure where to start? Here are Clarks’ insider secrets.
There is more to buying school shoes than just walking into a store [or going online] and grabbing a pair that are comfy and look good.
It’s science, baby.
And given Clarks has been in the game since 1825, it’s fair to say they know their stuff.
We know Back to School may still be a few weeks away, but it will come around sooo quickly. And there’s just so much to do. BTS prep takes up a lot of mental space… #invisibleload.
So do your future self a favour and cross ‘Buy New School Shoes’ off your to-do list, today.
Plus, Clarks has 20% off their school shoes, so it’s a perfect time to bag a bargain and make sure your kiddo starts 2024 on the right foot. Yah!
“IT’S SUPER, SUPER IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR BAMBINO IS WEARING AMAZING SCHOOL SHOES. A PAIR THAT IS NOT ONLY GOOD QUALITY, BUT THAT FITS PROPERLY. YOU NEED TO SUPPORT THOSE BUSY LITTLE FEET!”
Foot facts
Did you know that your mini boo will walk, on average, more than 4000km in a school year [that’s the equivalent to walking from Perth to Melbourne!].
And when they walk, their feet actually absorb twice their body weight – more than three times their body weight when they’re running.
So that means that over 1 mile [1.6km] their feet can absorb the equivalent of a Boeing 757 aeroplane [which is 100 tonnes].
O-M-G.
That’s why it’s super, super important to make sure your bambino is wearing amazing school shoes. A pair that is not only good quality, but that fits properly.
You need to support those busy little feet!
CLARKS’ INSIDER SECRETS TO THE PERFECT FIT
1. START WITH THE HEEL
Make sure your kiddo’s heel is fully supported and has limited movement. Also have a look to see that the heel is well supported by a padded collar.
2. CHECK THE SHOE LACES
When their shoes are laced up firmly, the laces should create a parallel line and should not be spread apart or drawn together. It’s the little things that make all the difference.
3. SAY NO TO BULGING FEET
If your little one is rocking a pair of Mary Janes [such an adorbs style], make sure their shoes are not too tight across the top of the foot and causing their skin to bulge. Not comfy at all.
4. GIVE ANKLES ROOM TO MOVE [TO AVOID BLISTERS!]
Speaking of comfort, shoes should also have room around the ankle and should not rub against the ankle bone… ouch!
5. WATCH THEM WALK
It sounds like an obvious part of the shoe-buying-process, but a lot can be picked up when you watch people walk in new shoes. Things to look out for include:
- No slipping at the heel
- Not too much creasing in the leather of the shoe [the front, where their toes are]
- No tripping on their toes [if they are, this means the shoes are too big]
6. DOUBLE CHECK THE SIZE
One of the main things we focus on when we check to see if the shoe fits, is press down to feel your kid’s big toe.
But often you cannot feel it through the thick school shoe leather.
Well mama, there is an easy fix. All you need to do is remove the insole, and stand your child on the innersole with their heel in the back cup. Then you can easily see how much room there is at the front.
Tip: You should make sure you have 1cm at the front for growing room.
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