 |  | 1. How long should I expect a child's shoes to last?
On average, a child's shoe will last for about 2-3 months. They may wear out the shoe or a growth spurt phase may kick in and they will simply outgrow the shoe. Although children's shoes are made to be more durable than adult shoes – the leathers are tougher and some have special treatments – children are even tougher. Of course it only takes one bike ride down a hill using the shoes as brakes to destroy them!
| 2. How do I know if my child's shoe fits?
To check length, with your thumb sideways (at a right angle) to the shoe, you should be able to pinch flat about a thumb’s worth of material from the longest toe to the front of the shoe. We’re talking a delicate mama thumb here, around 3/8 to ½ inch, not a gigantic papa paw thumb. Also, at the front of the shoe, the toes should all be lying flat and there should be a bit of wiggle room. This extra room up front is very important for toddlers. They need to be able to spread their toes and “grip” the surface they are walking on.
To check width, you should be able to pinch just a little of the upper material. If the shoe feels too tight and is not available in a wider width, then try a ½ size larger. After your child has worn the shoe for a bit, check for areas of severe redness because this could mean the shoe is too tight.
| 3. How are the shoe sizes for Youth, Men and Women related?
Youth shoe sizes 3 to 7 are the same as Men’s sizes 3 to 7 and are equivalent to Women’s sizes 5 to 9.
| Youth & Men’s Shoe Size | is about a | Women’s Shoe Size | | 3 |  | 5 | | 4 | | 6 | | 5 | | 7 | | 6 | | 8 | | 7 | | 9 |
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| 4. What are the differences between American and European sizing?
Unfortunately there is no worldwide standard for shoe sizes which means you may require different sizes from different manufacturers. In general, European shoes tend to run short and wide while American sizes tend to run true to sizing charts.
| 5. What other differences exist between American and European shoes for children?
Most children’s shoes have lightweight, flexible soles. However, most US brands don’t have arch support, because of the belief that little feet should grow and develop naturally. Most European brands have arch support because they think the little feet need this support as they grow and develop. So what is a parent to do? You could consult with your child’s doctor or a podiatrist. Ultimately this decision will be yet another one of those parental judgment calls you will have to make. Just hold in mind that millions of kids wear each type of shoe.
| 6. What are the hot shoe trends for this season and next season?
This summer anything canvas or skate-related is “hot hot hot” for both boys and girls.
Boys' Skate (Toddler | Youth)
Girls' Skate (Toddler | Youth)
Check out our new RideShop for all things skate, surf, snow or BMX.
Flats (Toddler | Youth) and espadrilles are enjoying their place in the sun and for something with a bit more height, how about a wedge sandal (Toddler | Youth). And we’re working hard to get more styles of the popular peep toe in smaller sizes.
- For fall …you still can’t go wrong with skate and flats.
- For color across many different styles, how about some glitter or metallic (Toddler | Youth)?
- Animal Prints (Toddler | Youth) are a must have! Faux leopard anyone?
- How about some street wear with tattoo-inspired graphics and designs?
- If you want even more, let’s get some boots (Toddler | Youth) with buckles, rivets, studs and other hardware. And as the weather gets colder how about some fur trimmed boots?
We’ll add more links for fall items as they come in so please check back in July and August.
| Still have questions?
Please call our Kids’ Shoe Specialists toll free at 800-927-7121. They are available to answer your questions Monday-Friday between 6am-6pm PST.
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 |  | I love you guys because I am a 25 year old woman who wears size 5 shoe. It is very hard to find a dress shoe in such a small size and most companies don't even make them. So, thank you for all that you do. A grateful customer. |  | ~ Jen B., September 11 2008
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