How to Choose the Right Shoes for Children at Different Ages

When it’s time choose the right shoes for kid, it often feels more complicated than it should be.With so many opinions online(from other parents, brands, and even “experts”), it’s hard to know what really matters for child’s growing feet.

We’ll break down how to choose the right shoes for child at each stage, so you can feel confident in every step they take.

Common Shoe-Buying Questions for Moms

1. Can the wrong shoes affect foot development?

2. Can shoes that are too soft lack support, and can shoes that are too stiff affect foot development?

3. When a baby is learning to walk and still feels unsteady, parents often worry that shoes without enough stability may cause ankle injuries.

4. With so many indoor and outdoor activities in kindergarten, which type of shoes should parents choose?

A child’s growth is divided into six stages,and choosing the right shoes for each stage requires different considerations.

Many parents struggle with choosing the right shoes for their children, often putting them in the wrong ones.Working with medical experts, we’ve divided childhood growth into six stages, with each stage having its own suitable footwear.

1. Stage 0 (shoes for 0-9 Months)
2. Stage 1 (shoes for 7-16 Months)
3. Stage 2 (shoes for 10 Months-3 Years)
4. Stage 3 (shoes for 3-6 Years)
5. Stage 4 (shoes for 7-9 Years)
6. Stage 5 (shoes for 10-16 Years)

The first three stages are the 'developmental window' for child’s feet. Scientifically guiding foot muscle activity and wearing appropriate shoes that allow free movement lays the foundation for lifelong foot health:

Categories	Precautions	Causes/Effects	Shoe Selection Recommendations
Bone development	Toddlers’ arch formation begins between 1–3 years.	Poor arch development may lead to flat feet or high arches.	Choosing toddler shoes for ages 0–3 that provide gentle support during early walking can help promote healthy foot development.
Foot muscle strength	The feet, ankle joints, and leg muscles are actively engaging and coordinating.	Insufficient or imbalanced muscle strength may lead to unstable walking and inward or outward foot rotation.	Supportive toddler shoes allow muscles and ankles to strengthen while walking, climbing, or running.
Neuromuscular perception and balance	Let your baby experience floor textures to develop balance	Improves balance and coordination,  helping to prevent falls.	First walking shoes for toddlers should allow toe flexing and grip.
Preventing Foot Deformities	Avoid shoes that are too tight or hard	Early intervention can help prevent long-term problems.	The shoes for toddlers learning to walk help prevent flat feet or overpronation.
Freedom of movement	Crawling,  cruising, or walking independently	Natural foot development requires movement and stimulation.	Flexible toddler shoes let toddlers crawl, stand, and run naturally, promoting healthy foot development.

 

Children in the last three stages have a wider range of needs, so it’s important to consider the different requirements for various daily activities:

Age group	Main Daily Activities	Core Needs	Corresponding shoe features
3-6 Years（Early Childhood）	Daily Life: Kindergarten,  Outdoor play Sports: Running, Jumping, Climbing	Safety,Comfort,  Foot Support	Lightweight,Soft sole,Slip-resistant, Breathable
7-9 Years（Adolescence）	School Daily: Walking for long periods Sports: Running	Durable, supportive,highly comfortable	Slip-resistant and durable sole,Stable heel, Moderate shoe shape
10-16 Years（Youth）	School life,  Outdoor activities, Social activities	Functional + Stylish, Sports Protection	Versatile athletic shoes with stylish shape,  Cushioning, Anti-slip sole

 

We will be with your child at every stage of growth.

Some of the tricky and common questions moms face(things that can’t be solved by size alone)are all well addressed.

• Can the wrong shoes affect foot development?

Children’s feet are soft, flexible, and still developing. Choosing the wrong shoes at each stage of growth can affect muscle strengthening, posture, and gait development.

• Can shoes that are too soft lack support, and can shoes that are too stiff affect foot development?

Both overly soft and overly stiff shoes can harm foot development. The important thing is to choose appropriate shoes for each stage of child’s growth.

Stage 0–6 is comprehensively designed around each stage of a child’s growth, meeting all needs from health to everyday practicality.

• When a baby is learning to walk and still feels unsteady, parents often worry that shoes without enough stability may cause ankle injuries.

Taranis baby shoes give babies the support they need to explore safely, while allowing their feet and muscles to develop naturally(protecting them from falls and ankle injuries without being overly rigid).

• With so many indoor and outdoor activities in kindergarten, which type of shoes should parents choose?

Stage 3 toddler shoes are multi-functional, meaning parents don’t need separate indoor and outdoor shoes.

The same pair supports foot development, comfort, and activity safety throughout the kindergarten day.