As a parent, ensuring your child's overall well-being is a top priority, and that includes paying attention to their footwear. Well-fitting shoes are essential for your child's comfort, development, and overall health. If you've ever wondered, "Does my child have wide feet?" you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll explore the factors that determine whether your child needs wide shoes and provide you with valuable insights to make the best footwear choices. Before delving into the specific considerations for wide shoes, it's important to understand the basics of foot anatomy. Children's feet are not just miniature versions of adult feet; they have unique characteristics that evolve as they grow. Younger children have softer, pliable bones and cartilage that gradually harden over time. Their feet also tend to be wider in relation to their length, and their arches may not be fully developed until later in childhood. So what should you look out for? Frequent complaints of discomfort: If your child often complains of foot pain, discomfort, or tightness while wearing shoes, it might be a sign that their current footwear is too narrow. Red marks or blisters: Inspect your child's feet after they remove their shoes. Red marks, blisters, or calluses can indicate that their shoes are putting too much pressure on certain areas of the foot. Overlapping toes: Overlapping toes may be a sign that your child's shoes are too narrow. Toes should have enough room to move freely without overlapping. Bulging sides: If you notice the sides of your child's feet bulging out from their shoes, it's a clear indicator that the shoes are too narrow. Difficulty putting on or removing shoes: If your child struggles to put on or remove their shoes easily, the footwear may not have the right width. When it comes to selecting the right shoe width for your child, here are some important tips to keep in mind. If possible, we always recommend having your child’s feet regularly measured by our Shoes & Sox Fit Squad in-store to ensure an accurate fit. If you are noticing any of the above signs, take both your child and the shoes you are concerned about in to visit us in-store, and our team can assess the fit of your shoes for you. If you can’t make it in-store, you can check the fit of a new pair of shoes with two simple checks – a width check, and a length check. Check the length of a shoes by feeling for the child’s toes while they are standing in the shoes. It’s important to keep the toes flat, as when the child lifts their toes, they move backwards in the shoes. You usually want to allow a thumb space of room to allow for growth. To check the width, attempt to pinch the upper material of the shoe across the widest part of the foot. There should be some movement, however you should not be able to pinch the upper in your fingers. If there is no movement, or you can feel excess pressure on the sides of the shoes, the shoe is too narrow. So you’ve discovered your child needs a wide fitting shoe – what now? Check out the below options for a wider fit in our Summer range. The Clarks Shelly and Sterling are available up to a G fitting for an extra wide fit. Check out Bobux for an all-round, high quality brand that is well-suited to wider feet. For the beach, our Ciao Beach styles are great for wide toddler feet, or try Crocs for older kids!

Summer is here, and it's time to get your little ones ready for some beachside adventures! Whether you're planning a family holiday or a trip to the beach, the right footwear is essential to keep your kids comfortable and protected. At Shoes & Sox, we have a fantastic collection of kids' beach sandals and slides, including popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Ciao and Kicks, that are perfect for those sunny days by the shore. When choosing a pair of shoes to wear to the beach, there are many factors to consider to help you decide which style will be best for you. Use this checklist to break down our Beach range to pick the perfect pair. Easy on and off One of the key features of beach sandals and slides is their ease of use. They are designed for convenience, allowing your kids to slip them on and off easily. If they need to run to the water or build sandcastles, these shoes won't slow them down. Whether it’s a quick and easy slide like the Nike Kawa or Kicks Kenna, or a fully covered slip on like the Native Jefferson, check out some of our favourite slip on and off styles below: Native Jefferson Nike Kawa Slide Kicks Kenna Slide Durability for playful adventures Kids can be tough on their footwear, especially during beach outings. That's why our beach sandals and slides are built to last. They are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of beach activities, ensuring you get the most out of your shoes. For hard wearing sandals to take you from the park to the water, check out styles like the Clarks Thelma, Merrell Panther, or the Pablosky Surf Cage: Clarks Thelma Merrell Panther Pablosky Surf Cage Traction for safety Safety is a top priority, especially when kids are near the water. Our beach sandals and slides are equipped with non-slip soles to provide excellent traction on sandy and wet surfaces. You can relax knowing your child will have a secure grip while exploring the beach. For some high-grip options, take a look at styles like the Ciao Sunshine, Clarks Wales, and Crocs Crocband: Ciao Sunshine Clarks Wales Crocs Crocband Protect little feet The beach can be filled with hidden shells, rocks, and sharp objects. For extra protection for your child's feet, look for styles with a covered toe, allowing them to enjoy the sand and water without worries. Check out styles with covered toes like the Kicks Sweetheart Jellies, Adidas Nemo Sandal, or the classic Nike Sunray Protect 2: Kicks Sweetheart Jellies Adidas Nemo Sandal Nike Sunray Protect Easy to clean Beach days often result in sandy and dirty shoes. Our beach sandals and slides are super easy to clean, so you can quickly rinse off the sand and saltwater, keeping them looking fresh and ready for the next adventure. Some of our favourite easy to clean beach styles include the Ciao Beach, which is machine washable, and the easy rinse Crocs Classic Clog and Adidas Adilette Shower Slides. Ciao Beach Watermelon Crocs Classic Clog Adidas Adilette Shower Slide Don't miss out on the opportunity to give your kids the best beach experience possible with our selection of beach sandals and slides. Shop our collection now and make this summer unforgettable! To view our full range of beach styles, click here. Need help deciding which brands are perfect for your child this summer? Read our Ultimate Kids Sandals guide here.

What you need to look for and know when buying kids’ sandals As we come into the warmer months of the year, it’s time to refresh your child’s summer wardrobe. But with so many sandals on the market, how do you choose the best ones for your child? This comprehensive guide to our sandal range gives you all the information you need when choosing your next pair of children’s sandals. Ciao Ciao are designed and developed by Shoes & Sox, generally run true to size and come in a range of styles to suit all lengths, widths and depths. Most Ciao styles feature self-fastening straps, which can be more accessible for little ones who struggle with buckles and provide significant adjustability to suit all widths and depths from narrow to wide, shallow to high. You’ll see a few different sole units across the Ciao range. One option is the toddler sole unit found on the style Breeze, which is broad fitting and segmented rubber, making the sole flexible and an excellent option for children gaining confidence with their walking. The junior sole on styles like the Hudson and Glitz can vary in fit, but features a moulded innersole and structured rubber outsole to provided added support for all day wear. Finally, the senior sole found on the Gina and Getal is lighter and flatter for more occasional use. This sole unit tends to suit narrow feet quite well. Key to the Ciao Summer range is our Ciao Beach range! A much loved style, you can read more about the Ciao Beach range here. To view our Ciao sandals range, click here. Clarks Originating in the UK, Clarks are part of the Brand Collective family and identity their styles by their first initial, including the M, S, P and H series for sandals. The M Series (Marigold, Mateo) features a flexible sole with matte leather uppers. We generally find the M Series sole to fit longer than average, so we recommend choosing your measured size. The S Series (Shelly, Sarshi, Sterling, Sebastian and more) is more true to size, and comes in multiple widths so we recommend choosing half to a full size up from your measured size. The P Series is a junior/youth and features a moulded insole for added support, and grippy rubber soles. This series also comes in multiple widths, and we recommend sizing up by half to a full size in this range, as they are true to size. The H Series is a senior range that features a soft innersole and is less adjustable than younger self-fastening styles. This range also fits longer than average and as such we recommend choosing your measured size. To view our Clarks sandals range, click here. Bobux New Zealand’s Bobux comes in three different size ranges which determine how Bobux manufactures the sole of the shoe based on research into a child’s walking development and age group. The Step Up sole ranges from size 19 to 22EU (European sizing). Bobux Step Ups are flexible and soft for growing feet but feature harder wearing rounded soles for outdoor adventures, and generally have a wide toe box to suit toddler feet. Next comes iWalk – this sole is firmer for our more advanced walkers, ranging from 22-26EU. Bear in mind that while both Step Up and iWalk include a size 22EU, we find iWalk to be a larger make. Finally, there’s Kid+, starting in size 27EU and up to a size 33EU in some styles. Bobux sandals typically fit longer than other brands such as Clarks and Ciao, so we usually recommend sticking to your child’s measured size. Bobux are usually made of soft genuine leather – a soft, breathable material that makes for a more comfortable fit straight away rather than wearing the shoes in to soften them over time (this is sometimes required for particular styles). The Bobux Quick Dry styles (Tropicana and Tidal) are very popular each Summer season and come in an array of different colours (this season this range comes in seven different colours) and allows worry-free play with its splash-resistant leather uppers. To view our Bobux sandals range, click here. Birkenstock When it comes to iconic footwear known for its comfort and quality, Birkenstock sandals are a top choice for kids. Birkenstock is a brand synonymous with unparalleled comfort. The contoured cork footbed, designed to support the natural arches of the feet, ensures your child can walk, run, and play without discomfort. Plus, the timeless design of Birkenstock sandals means your child can stay stylish while enjoying maximum comfort. Our Birkenstock collection boasts a wide range of styles and sizes to cater to different preferences. From the classic Arizona two-strap sandals to the kid-friendly Rio sandals, you'll find the perfect pair for your little one. The built-in arch support in Birkenstock sandals is a game-changer for growing feet. However, it's important not to size up too much, as the arch can become uncomfortable if there's too much room. A snug fit ensures that your child's arches are properly supported for all-day comfort. To view our Birkenstock sandals range, click here. Old Soles Old Soles is an Australian brand that caters mostly to infants and toddlers for their Summer range. Old Soles is a great value brand that uses high quality soft leathers for a stylish and comfortable sandal for your child. The Old Soles pre-walker Sandy Sandal comes in six colours this season and is the perfect first sandal if your child is learning to walk through the warmer months. This shoe has a flexible rubber sole and is soft and deep to suit a toddler foot. This style fits longer than average, so we recommend choosing your child’s measured size. A step up from the Sandy, the toddler sandal Free Ground is more enclosed than some other sandals and can easily be worn with socks. This shoe is slightly wider than average and offers great added protection while still being breathable. Other sandal options from Old Soles this season offer padded, comfortable innersoles and gorgeous metallic uppers. To view our Old Soles sandals range, click here. Saltwater Sandals Saltwater Sandals have been a favourite choice for families for generations. Known for their durability and timeless design, these sandals are perfect for beach trips and everyday wear. Whether your child prefers the classic Original style or the trendy Sun-San range, you'll find a variety of colours and sizes to suit their taste. The Original SS sandal is a shallow fitting style making it perfect for narrower feet. Available in eight colours, this style is made with a durable leather upper and comfortable rubber sole. This style also features a buckle closure for a classy finish. The Sun-San sandal is a more adjustable option for younger children with a chunky sole, a super cute option for summer outfits. To view our Saltwater Sandals range, click here. Teva When it comes to combining comfort, durability, and adventure-ready style, Teva sandals are the go-to choice for active kids. Teva is renowned for its innovative designs that prioritize both form and function. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these sandals are built to withstand the rigors of playtime while providing a comfortable fit. From rugged outdoor trails to beachside strolls, Teva sandals are up for any adventure. Our Teva range includes the iconic Universal sandal which is a versatile style great for beach wear or trips to the park. A super adjustable style, this shoe features two self-fastening straps ensuring maximum comfort, and the range of colours means that this shoe can be matched with any child’s style.  To view our Teva sandals range, click here.