SHOE FAQ

Should I hand down shoes from one child to another?
Shoes worn by someone else have shaped to that person’s feet. Even the creases in the shoes were set into the leather by the original wearer. Passed on shoes may even pass on warts or fungus. We discourage the use of hand-me-down shoes as the child’s everyday shoes.

Why is it important for shoes to be made out of leather?
Leather shapes and molds to the foot. Leather also has a wicking property, which pulls the perspiration from the foot and keeps your foot drier. Leather performs better in the heat and cold than synthetic materials, which are more apt to stretch, breakdown or crack.

How can I tell if my child’s shoes are too small?
If you are having a hard time getting shoes on your child’s feet, they could be too small. Children will trip more often when their shoes are too small. Shoes can become too narrow on the child’s foot from when they were first purchased. Watch for redness and blistering on the little toe and on the back of the heel. If it has been three months since you purchased your child’s shoes, it is a good idea to have them checked.

How much time can I expect to get out of my child’s shoes?
Properly fitted shoes last an average of three months for infants and longer as the child ages. Because your satisfaction and the child’s comfort comes first, make sure your child gets his/her feet measured and into good quality shoes.

When does my baby need his/her first pair of shoes?
Babies transition best from bare feet to shoes while they are still holding onto furniture to maintain their balance. Babies do not need shoes to learn how to walk, but it is still less stressful for them if they experience their first pair of shoes while they are still holding onto furniture. This usually occurs between the ages of 8-12 months.

Why do kids need good shoes?
The bones in children’s feet are soft and easily misshapen. Their feet are especially sensitive to heat. Quality footwear, properly fit, is extremely important. Better quality shoes come in multiple widths and are comprised of superior materials. Good leather conforms to the shape of the foot and the natural pores in the leather allow the moisture to evaporate. Good last design and EVA cushioning take pressure off a child’s sensitive foot and make a child more comfortable. Shoe making is very much an art, and is a very manual process.

What sizes do you carry?
We service all ages from birth through early teens and carry infant through youth size 6, which is comparable to an adult 7.