Your Questions Answered
When should my baby start wearing shoes?
When should my baby start wearing shoes?
Barefoot is always best during the early stages of development to allow little feet to breathe and feel the floor beneath them. Of course, this is only sometimes possible. That's why our shoes are expertly designed to provide lightweight, barefoot freedom. They comfort and protect while giving extra grip for safer steps.
How can I keep my babies feet healthy?
On average, your baby's feet grow three sizes in their first year, then two until they start school. That's why we recommend measuring your baby's feet regularly to ensure they're wearing shoes that fit perfectly so their feet have the freedom they need to develop healthily and happily.
Keeping your baby's toenails trimmed is also essential, and socks made from natural materials will help keep feet cool.
Should my baby wear shoes when they're learning to walk?
Should my baby wear shoes when they're learning to walk?
It is best to allow your child to go barefoot as often as possible in the early stages of walking to allow feet to feel the floor for stability. However, make sure there are no sharp objects that might cause injury, and pop some shoes on when walking outside or in public places.
I think my child has flat feet; does it matter?
I think my child has flat feet; does it matter?
Young children don't have a visible arch in their feet; soft tissue protects the growing bones. Combined with the posture babies adopt when they first walk, this gives the appearance of a stompy flat foot, but they'll usually adopt a more adult walking style by the time they start school. If your child complains of pain in the foot or lower limb, if it interferes with engagement in activities or if they are unstable on their feet and 'clumsy', please check with your podiatrist.
How quickly do babies' feet grow?
How quickly do babies' feet grow?
Kids' feet grow very quickly. During their first three or four years, your child's feet can grow as much as two whole shoe sizes each year – possibly even three sizes in their first year. By school age, this slows to about one whole size each year. That's why it's important to have your child's feet measured regularly to ensure they always have shoes that fit correctly.
How often should I replace my child's shoes?
It depends on general wear and tear, but most importantly, it's about fit. You should measure your child's feet every six weeks by visiting us at your nearest Clarks store or doing it at home using a Clarks foot gauge.
Does my child need insoles?
Insoles for kids are usually used to help correct posture or foot development issues. So, they should only be used if recommended by a foot health professional (Podiatrist). If you are concerned about your child's physical development or walking pattern, it's best to get them checked out by your GP or Podiatrist.
My child has knock-knees or is bow-legged. What should I do?
It is a part of normal development and growth for a child's knees to go from being bow-legged to knock-kneed and is usually nothing to worry about. It typically disappears at the age of 6 or 7. However, if you notice your child's feet adapting to this by rolling inwards – known as pronating – you should speak to your GP.
Why is it important to measure my child's feet?
Shoes that don’t fit can cause discomfort and interfere with healthy foot development. On average, your baby's feet grow two to three sizes in their first year, then two sizes until they start school, and one size until they're in their late teens. But, of course, every child is different, so it's important to get their shoes checked and feet measured regularly by trained fitters.
Is it normal that my child's feet turn inward?
This is very common in young children as the developing leg and ankle bones cause the feet to rotate inwards. Their feet will usually align by the age of 7. However, if you're concerned and find their walking style is causing problems with their movement or is not improving, visit your GP or Podiatrist.
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