Children’s feet and health - what to think about when choosing children's shoes
Photo by: Nora Tabel
Paid collaboration with Wildling Shoes
Did you know that children’s feet grow rapidly? The first couple of years it's 20 mm per year, from two to three years it's 15 mm per year and between three and eleven years old it grew by 10 mm per year. Every time they walk and move their feet, the foot is moving 5 mm back and forth in the shoe. This is why it is essential to measure your children’s feet regularly and make sure there’s a 5 mm distance in the shoe for movement. Children’s feet do not grow regularly, they can sometimes grow more rapidly so when you buy shoes, make sure there’s 1-1,5 cm extra space for movement and growth. If we’re talking about winter boots, even 2 cm can be needed (Barnsko skospecialisten).
What is also good for the health of children’s feet is to pick a shoe that is wide enough for the movement of the toes. With enough space for the toes to spread out the feet will grow and develop naturally in a way good for their physical health. The shoes should not be stiff or hinder the development of the feet, rather you want to have a soft sole that follows the natural movement of the feet and toes. Soft enough to bend while walking (Widetoes).
Another aspect is of course the use of chemicals. Outdoor shoes can contain substances such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper and mercury. Lead and phthalates are also common. These substances do not only affect the person wearing the shoes but of course, it affects the health of the workers in the supply chain and also nature while the shoes are being worn. One material that often is processed with plenty of chemicals is leather, in many cases chromium (Kemikaliekollen).
Finding shoes that are sustainably produced for the environment, for the workers and for the health of the child is not easy. This is why we are big fans of Wildling Shoes. Not only do they provide the health benefit of shoes that are meant to regenerate your physical health through thin soles and plenty of movement for toes, but they also live up to our criteria of environmental and ethical standards.
Among their Kids and Toddler collection, you can even choose your sustainability preferences such as if you want them organic, vegan or recycled.
These four below are among our favourites:
North Wolf - Toddlers size 18-22 (but also available in Kids sizes 23-35 and adults sizes 36-48). The black upper with its herringbone pattern is made from 100% virgin wool sourced from our partner Nordwolle, and reflects the natural fleece colour of the Pomeranian sheep whose wool was used to make it. The integrated membrane and microfiber padding on the heel provide additional protection for those long walks on chilly days. Outsole:80% synthetic rubber from 50% recycled material and 20% cork. Photo by: Nora Tabel
Yew - Kids size 23-35 (plus adults). For those who don’t want to venture outdoors without Wildling shoes, even in truly foul weather, Yew is a perfect choice: Thanks to its new membrane construction and water flap, Yew is the most water-repellent Wildling shoe, keeping feet extra dry for an extra long time. The wool inside keeps feet warm. Water-repellent recycled cotton as an upper. Photo by: Nora Tabel
Tanuki Umi - Kids size 23-35 (plus adults). The special washi material made from 75% paper and 25% polyester by the Japanese company Itoitex nestles pleasantly around the foot while giving it room to breathe. They are water permeable, you can go into the water with them. Insole is made of hemp and the mid-sole of organic cotton. Photo by: Nora Tabel
Flying Fox - Kids size 23-35 (plus adults). Organic cotton inside and outside. A breathable membrane and microfiber padding provides additional protection and comfort. The shoes are water resistant. The outsole is partly made of recycled material such as cork. Photo by: Nora Tabel
Note that there is always the option to add a wool or hemp insole for growing feet and take them out when the feet grow. Wool also makes the shoes warmer. These shoes can in other words easily be adapted based on need.
If you know someone who has children, wouldn’t a pair of regenerative shoes they can grow in be among the best gifts this Christmas?