The design is of course important but should not be the main criterion when choosing: Above all, shoes must fit correctly - they must be neither too small nor too large in order to avoid harmful effects on the development of the shape of the foot and the movement! Since the little ones do not yet have a strong sense of pain, a child usually cannot recognize that the fit is too tight.
The growth of the feet should therefore be checked regularly, every two to six months depending on the growth phase: Since even small foot sizes are subject to daily fluctuations, the measurement should take place in the afternoon if possible. To do this, you can place the bare feet on a cardboard box (if the child can already stand) and trace the outline with a pen held vertically to the cardboard - then about a good centimeter (12mm) should be added to the longest of all toes and the template should be cut out . If this can then be inserted into the selected shoe easily, flush and without deformation, it can be shortlisted. Alternatively, you can take out the insoles of some children's shoes - such as POLOLO - and make a direct size comparison by placing them on your feet. That is of course the best. Even when wearing it, you can always easily check where the toe print is on the sole. If the toe is already very far forward, your child has grown again and needs the next size.
However, the official size information and selection using the template or sole cannot replace the child trying things on, especially since the individual shape of the feet must be checked in all directions. You can then use the thumb test, preferably with the child standing, to check whether the length of the shoe fits: The thumb must fit between the longest toe (not always the big toe) and the toe of the shoe - but make sure that children Applying pressure to your toes can cause them to reflexively contract and the shoe could then appear larger than it really is: Therefore, you should place one hand across the shoe and hold your toes in place!