Children's shoes: how to pick the size and buy at a good price
Count the size by the insole, not the number on the box
Size charts of different brands differ by half a size or more. It is safer to measure the child's foot: stand it on a sheet of paper, trace it, measure from the heel to the longest toe and add some room. For summer shoes about half a centimetre is enough, for closed winter shoes a little more, so the foot doesn't feel cramped in a tightly packed boot.
In your request write both the size and the insole length in centimetres, for example “size 28, insole 17.5 cm”. Then sellers compare using the same measure.
What to put in your request
- type of shoes — sports shoes, school shoes, winter boots, sandals, rain boots, slippers, orthopaedic;
- size — the standard size and the insole length;
- for whom — boy or girl;
- season — summer, rainy season or winter;
- brand, for example Geox or Kuoma;
- material — leather, fabric, waterproof membrane, rubber;
- features — orthopaedic insole, Velcro or laces, narrow or wide last;
- condition, budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need new boys' sports shoes, size 28, insole 17.5 cm. Breathable, with Velcro, light enough for school. Budget up to $43, courier delivery to Perth.”
Season and material
For the rainy season, look for water-repellent or rubber shoes with a grippy sole, and for hot months breathable mesh or perforated leather. In cold regions, winter boots need a lining and insulation, but remember that boots that are too warm tire the foot indoors. The sole should be flexible, not “wooden”, and shouldn't slip on wet floors: ask the seller to describe the tread.
Rain boots are bought with some room for a sock. For orthopaedic shoes it is better to consult an orthopaedic doctor first: he or she will tell you whether you need a firm heel counter, an arch support or a special insole.
How to compare offers
Check size, material and season, and then the terms: whether you can return or exchange if they don't fit, who pays for return delivery and how many days you get to try them on. For children's shoes this matters more than a small difference in price. A brand without a model is not specific enough, so ask for the name of the collection.
Consider used shoes carefully: a worn-down sole and a deformed heel spoil how the foot is set. Just ask for photos of the sole, inside and outside.
How it works in BlaBlaPrice
You describe what you need and shoe sellers reply in the chat with the price, whether your size is in stock and the exchange terms. BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer first, judged on what it contains, and reviews of the seller are next to it. Your phone number is hidden and only the seller you choose gets your contacts. More on the “How it works” page.
While you are here, you can look at children's clothing or school supplies.
