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Children's Shoe Buying Guide
This information has been written to help you understand the essentials of good shoe fitting, the problems you may encounter and how to avoid them.
One of the most important yet most abused parts of the human body is our feet. Feet are designed to take body weight and give mobility. Whilst vast amounts of money are spent in educating people to look after themselves nutritionally and physically, little effort is made to educate them on the importance of foot health. Feet are often crammed into the most unsuitably shaped shoes (often made of plastic). The only time feet are given a thought is when they hurt. There is no doubt that from birth to early teens feet are at their most vulnerable, in fact there are 26 bones in the foot, and they do not completely ossify (harden) until around the age of eighteen. Qualified Shoe Fitters and Chiropodists spend the majority of their time trying to correct damage and ease discomfort that could have been avoided if shoes had been correctly fitted when purchased.
Useful pointers when buying footwear
1) Have feet measured by a qualified fitter. Do not be afraid to ask what qualification the staff have attained in your shoe shop. Both feet should always be measured for size and width because one foot may be different from the other (and that is not unusual). The larger foot usually dictates the size needed.
2) A fitting gauge is merely a guide. Fitting Gauges all vary in calibration. Sizes and fittings vary dependent on style, country of origin and manufacturer for example geox shoes suit the wider foot where as petasil shoes suits the slimmer foot. Within a brand the size can vary depending on the style even in clarks shoes and startrite. There is no standardisation of shoe sizing in the UK that is why a qualified shoe fitter is so important to interpret the correct shoe for the shape of the foot. What it says on the Fitting Gauge may not be the size or fitting you actually require, it is only a starting point.
3) Feet may be “measured” sitting or standing and foot gauges are calibrated accordingly, but the final assessment should be made whilst standing, as the feet spread when standing weight is applied.
4) Buy footwear made of natural materials e.g. leather, cotton etc. as these materials breathe and mould to your foot. Man-made materials e.g. plastic; make feet perspire and return to their original shape - this can cause fungal infections and abrasions. Some materials have been treated with chemicals to allow them to breathe i.e. Goretex and Sympatex, and these are often found in linings, leisurewear and clothing.
5) Look after your shoes. Polish them and they will look better and last longer. Protect nubuck with spray before wearing to keep clean and repel water.
6) Diabetics should take extra special care of their feet and eyes; they can be problem areas. Shoes should always be comfortable, and feet kept warm and dry. Make sure shoes and hosiery are secure – but not tight.
7) Wear the right shoe for the right occasion! Buy your shoes before your outfit – your shoes will stay on longer than your hat, and will be worn far more often than your clothes. Comfortable feet will keep you smiling for the photographs!
8) When does a child need their first pair of shoes? The simple answer is “when the child is walking most of the day and wants to walk outside”. At that time the child needs a pair of shoes to protect his or her feet, Clarks shoes and startrite offer the 'cruiser' and 'prewalkers' as a good starting point . This can be between seven months and two years. Never push your child to walk if they are not ready, just because your friend’s child has been walking for months.
9) Look for shoes that are available in different fittings, Clarks shoes or Startrite offer this choice. The type of shoes you choose for an infant should be designed around the shape of the feet (slim at the heel and wide at the front). Ideally they should also be made in a variety of width fittings, after all there is no standardisation of shoe sizing and feet do not conform to a standard either.
10) Children’s shoes with a lace/strap/Velcro fastening across the instep, allow for a finer adjustment without restriction, giving a better overall fit.
11) Never rely on the question “do they feel comfortable?” when fitting very young children. Distortion and cramping can be present without feeling pain and discomfort, and children will often say shoes are comfortable if they like them! If in doubt ask a Supervisor for a second opinion at the time of purchase.
12) Children’s shoes should be professionally checked for correct fit every 4-6 weeks for infants (0-3 years) 6-8 weeks (3-4 years) and 10–12 weeks thereafter. That is not to say your child will need new shoes each time their feet are measured - a qualified shoe fitter will not sell a pair of shoes unless needed, and will be happy to measure and advise accordingly. Children’s feet grow erratically in fits and starts; during this period feet can grow by at least half a size, so it is wise to regularly visit your fitter for advice. Walk out of any shop that asks you the size of your child’s foot and then takes your word for it without checking.
13) Never hand shoes down, they take on the shape of the previous wearer – they will rub and not support in vital areas and can harbor infections.
14) Monitor your child’s sock drawer and discard outgrown or misshapen socks. Buy cotton or wool socks, avoid stretch socks, and check toe seams for a “casting-off” knot that can rub toes (particularly important if you have diabetes). Socks and baby-grows that are too small at the toes, will restrict growth and circulation.
15) No one style of shoe has been designed or constructed to meet all of your child’s needs. Structured shoes are needed for every day support, plimsoll's and trainers for sports and occasional wear, and Wellingtons for wet conditions.
16) Saturday’s are the busiest days for shopping, so if you and your child need advice, try to find a quieter time in the week to seek assistance. To keep your feet fit and healthy, you may like to try some exercises overleaf? However, if you have any concerns about your feet, always seek professional advice from your Podiatrist or G.P. and for shoe related queries; a qualified Shoe Fitter from The Society of Shoe Fitters.
The Fifth Generation in the family shoe shop
JAMES North is not afraid to go with his ‘gut feeling’ when it comes to making decisions for his family shoe business.
And it’s an approach that has proved hugely successful as he has seen sales and takings climb at a time when many businesses around him have been going to the wall.
James represents the fifth generation at the head of North Shoes, which is still trading from its original home in North Street, Bourne, and which last year expanded into Peterborough with the purchase of Footprints in the city’s Westgate.
The 38-year-old former electrical wholesaler joined the business four years ago and took over last year as managing director from his father, Roger, who had been at the helm for 44 years.
James’ arrival meant that he was the latest in a long line of Norths to head up North Shoes, launched in 1876 as a cobblers’ by his great, great grandfather William North. It’s a longevity that today can only be beaten by two other independent shoe retailers in the whole of the UK.
James says: “There are only two businesses in the Independent Footwear Retailers Association who can boast six generations.
“But, despite the tradition, it was never in the plan that I would take it on. I was running my own electrical wholesale business in Manchester and London with some big name customers.
“When Dad invited me it was a difficult decision to make. I was driving a top-of-the-range Mercedes and he offered me a push bike as part of the deal!
“But I was working long hours, with a young family, and there was an opportunity to come ‘back home’.
“Now I’ve got a much better family-to-work balance. And I’ve still got the push bike! Sometimes I cycle into work from my home at Hanthorpe, which is about three miles outside Bourne.”
James splits his working week between the Bourne shop and Footprints in Peterborough and believes passionately in research. He says: “You have to keep your ears to the ground and listen to your customers.
“I go to all of the shows in England and Europe, making sure I find out about current trends. I sign up to every trade magazine and buy all of the local and national papers so that I know what’s going on.
“But your customers are so important. They tell you so much – I make a note of everything they ask me for.
“Three years ago customers were asking me about FitFlops. They are going to be the biggest fashion sensation this summer – and I already have lots of people wanting pairs
“Four years ago I saw Crocs at the GDS show in Germany.
“I could see the potential for them, but people thought I was mad buying in plastic shoes. They really took off, though, and at their peak they were huge and selling in their thousands.
“You have to do a lot of crystal ball gazing - buying ten months ahead. It could be a gamble, but if Claire, my wife, and I like it, I think it will go and we buy into it. We go for brands offering quality, fit and style at the right price.”
It was gut feeling that led James to buy Footprints in Peterborough at a time when the country was reeling with the recession at its worst.
He says: “When we were in talks last February the country was at its lowest. The banks had just crashed in December and to expand was bucking the trend. But I saw Footprints as a really good opportunity and we grabbed it with both hands.
“It had the foundation of a really good reputation built over 22 years and so did the staff, led by manageress Rosemary Gray. Rosemary actually tutors the people at the National Society of Shoefitters who go out training shop workers in shoefitting.”
James is not afraid to buck the trend. “This year I’m working on the premise that the big multiples are going to be scared, so I have bought even more stock,” he says.
“My customers are saying that we have a bigger choice than the multiples. My accountant says I have much too much stock – but if you don’t have the choice for your customers, they won’t come to see you.”
It’s a philosophy that has seen the business thrive, despite the credit crunch. James reveals: “The last couple of years have been unusual out there – for example, ladies who would have been buying two pairs of shoes at a time are now buying one.
“But our sales are up year-on-year, both in numbers and takings. We’re ahead of last year, simply by having what people want.
“And nowadays it isn’t enough just to be a shoe retailer. You have to give exceptional customer service and people expect you to be a shoefitting specialist, too.
“People like to know that you can help with their foot problems or specialist needs like wide or slim fittings or with orthotics.
“That’s one of the reasons I bought Footprints – it’s the only adult fitting specialists in the city and, during the year, my eight staff at Bourne and five at Peterborough will have podiatry training. This is important for the customer – 70 per cent of foot problems are caused by badly fitting shoes.”
The business has changed an awful lot in the 134 years North Shoes has been in existence. In 1876 William North had 16 rival cobblers and a potential 2,500 customers.
“Although he had a lot of competition, great, great grandfather really had a captive audience. In those days people couldn’t get into cars and drive to a big shopping centre.
“By 1914 the demand for shoes had got so high they had to source out the shoe-making. In the very early days people only had two pairs of shoes –one for working and one for Sundays.
“It would not be viable to make our own shoes today, considering the sheer amount of styles and ranges we have.
“Marketing has changed, too. It’s not just about a shop window, now. You have to advertise in print and on the radio and you must have a website presence – you’d be dead without a website nowadays.”
James has seen trade increase steadily via his website www.northshoes.co.uk – with sales to America, Tokyo, Spain, Germany, Malta. ”I’m even selling shoes back to Italy that I sourced at the big Micam show over there.
“I had them shipped to the UK and now I’m shipping them back to Italy because customers couldn’t find the footwear they wanted anywhere else!
“Website sales have increased steadily since August and I’m so conscious of the importance of the website that we are employing someone to work on our search engine optimization.
“Social network sites are invaluable, too. We have a presence on Facebook and through that we get a lot of information from customers including requests for stock they would like us to order in.”
As North Shoes faces up to the future with confidence, there’s every reason to expect, too, that there will be a sixth generation in charge in years to come – with James and Claire’s children Jasmine (4) and Freddie (3) waiting in the wings!
Footprints now sells ladies shoes
MAKE sure you’re buying the right shoes for you – make tracks for Footprints.
The 10 Westgate, Peterborough, shoe store is the only fitting specialist in the city.
Footprints is a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters and manageress Rosemary Gray, who has 36 years’ experience in the trade, says: “As fitting specialists we offer a proper traditional service, ensuring customers get the best shoes for their needs and the correct fit.”
Rosemary is a tutor for the Society and all Footprints staff are fully-trained with the organisation, which aims to ensure the shoe industry gives the best possible help to the public with shoe fitting, foot care and shoe buying.
The store can also cater for special footwear needs and has ladies’ width fittings in 1E, 2E 4E, 6E and 8E.
Footprints has a wide range of good quality footwear for children and ladies to suit all tastes and needs and is about to launch its autumn/winter ranges.
New for the season is footwear by Van Dal and Easy B, to complement the store’s other ranges – Hotter, Rieker, Tamaris, FitFlop and Moshulu slippers.
You won’t find the Hotter and Van Dal main brands anywhere else in the city, and Rieker, Tamaris and Moshulu are also exclusive to Footprints.
Van Dal offers dress shoes in wide fittings and Easy B caters for ladies with special foot needs.
Rieker, Tamaris and Hotter products are soft, light and flexible. Hotter footwear embraces the comfort concept, while Rieker sell 15 million pairs of shoes worldwide each year.
German manufacturers Tamaris cater for young mums with their soft shoes and the Moshulu slipper range is also trendy.
Footprints’ children’s footwear includes proven names like Start Rite and Ricosta.
The experts say that about 70 per cent of foot problems can be avoided with proper fitting shoes – let Footprints put you on the right path.
The store is open seven days a week – 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday; and from 11am-3pm on Sundays.
ETC Magazine September 2010 styles for winter
AUTUMN and winter may be just around the corner – but the trends for footwear for the season will put a real spring in your step!
There’s no need to mourn the passing of summer with the exciting ranges about to hit the shelves.
Blacks, greys and purples are going to be the dominant colours in footwear for the rest of 2010 and into 2011, says James North, proprietor of Footprints at 10 Westgate, Peterborough.
James will have a large selection of autumn-winter footwear in stock – amongst the biggest in Peterborough - and adds: “The choice is going to be huge – flat shoes and small heels; ballerina styles; brogues; classy court shoes; and boots are all going to be taking centre stage.
“Shoes and boots will feature stud work. There will be low boots and knee-high boots with heels, while casual boots for young mums are going to take on a refined ‘biker’ look.”
Footprints will feature styles by Van Dal, Easy B, Hotter, Rieker, Tamaris, FitFlop, plus slippers by Moshulu. Many of the ranges will be exclusive to Footprints.
In addition, the store is the only fitting specialist in the city and is a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters, which aims to ensure the shoe industry gives the best possible help to the public with shoe fitting, foot care and shoe buying. Staff are all trained by the Society and manageress Rosemary Gray is, in fact, a tutor for the Society.
Special footwear needs will not compromise your choice of comfort or style. Van Dal and Easy B cater for wider fittings – and their ranges are every bit as eye-catching. Van Dal’s technology reduces strain on the lower leg and features ‘water-hating’ materials which ensure feet stay drier and shoes stay looking new for longer.
Hotter offer a luxurious pampering experience for your feet – and have styles ideal for partywear, workwear, special occasions, walking, shopping and travel.
Rieker footwear is extremely popular worldwide, with over 15 million pairs sold last year, and FitFlop have taken the industry by storm with their range of footwear that gives a workout while you walk.
Their technology has shown in tests that it can help leg toning, improve posture and be beneficial for those with lower back problems.
James says: “FitFlop sandals have been extremely popular during the summer and their boots for autumn and winter are going to be massive – a unique concept of casual wear with benefits for posture and comfort.”
He visits shows across the UK and Europe to keep abreast of footwear fashions and has seen many of the styles which he feels will inspire the 30-60 age range this autumn and winter. His visits have influenced the styles on offer at Footprints for the new season – particularly in the 50-plus age range.
Nene Living October 2010 Styles for winter
COMFORT and style are the key words for autumn and winter in footwear.
You’ll be able to pamper your feet without compromising chic according to Peterborough shoe store owner James North.
James, who regularly attends shoe shows all over the UK and Europe to keep ahead of trends, says comfort and style feature prominently in the autumn and winter ladies’ ranges at Footprints at 10 Westgate, Peterborough.
“Blacks, greys and purples are the dominant colours and our ranges are encompassing flat shoes and small heels, ballerina styles, brogues, court shoes and boots.
“You’ll see stud work featuring in shoes and boots. There will be low boots and knee-high boots and the trend in casual boots for young mums will be the refined ‘biker’ look.”
Footprints is the only fitting specialist shoe store in Peterborough and, with Van Dal and Easy B styles on the shelves, ladies with special footwear needs will not be disappointed in the fashion stakes.
Footprints also features Hotter, Rieker, Tamaris, FitFlop and slippers by Moshulu – with many of the main brands on display exclusive to Peterborough.
Comfort is the trademark for these brands, with technology including underfoot cushioning creating the impression of walking on air.
Whether you’re looking for party shoes, work shoes, footwear for special occasions, for walking, day wear, shopping or travel, Footprints’ autumn and winter ranges will put you on the right track.
Hotter offers luxury pampering; Rieker’s products have taken the market by storm, with over 15 million pairs sold worldwide last year; and FitFlop’s ‘workout while you walk’ technology will encompass boots for autumn and winter, offering a unique concept of casual footwear that can also improve posture and prove beneficial for those with lower back problems.
City Scene Magazine 2010
COMFORT and chic are side-by-side in this year’s autumn and winter styles at city shoe store Footprints.
Owner James North is a regular visitor to shoe shows across the UK and Europe to keep up with the latest trends and these visits have influenced the styles on the shelves at the 10 Westgate, Peterborough, store.
James says: “You’ll notice a lot of blacks, greys and purples – plus flat shoes and small heels, ballerina styles, brogues, court shoes and boots.”
Much of the footwear on the shelves is exclusive to Footprints, with the ranges featuring Van Dal, Easy B, Hotter, Rieker, Tamaris, FitFlop and slippers by Moshulu.
James has witnessed the styles which will catch the eye of the 30-60 years age range this autumn and winter and this is reflected at Footprints, with particular emphasis on the 50-plus shoe buyer.
“Shoes and boots are featuring stud work for the new seasons. There are low boots and knee-high boots and casual boots for young mums will have a refined ‘biker’ look.”
And ladies with special footwear needs will not have to compromise fashion thanks to the presence of Van Dal and Easy B at Footprints. Easy B specialise in EE, 4E, 6E and 8E width fittings.
Young mums looking for comfort will find plenty of appeal from German manufacturers Tamaris, while the FitFlop ‘workout while you walk’ technology so popular with their summer styles is now encompassing boots for autumn and winter.
Footprints is open seven days a week – 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday, and 11am-3pm on Sundays – and is a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters, an organisation pledged to ensuring the shoe industry gives the best possible help to the public with shoe fitting, foot care and shoe buying.
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