Kids Shoes are more Important than You Think: Featuring See Kai Run

Hi Mamas!

Today I'm wanting to talk about your kid's feet. I know it's not the sexiest topic, but believe it or not they are more important than you think! Did you know that baby and toddler feet are not miniature versions of adult feet? In fact, they are entirely different in structure. One of the main differences is that rather than having a rounded arch, many kids' feet maintain a flat arch with fat padding as their ligaments and muscles mature... and this is totally good and normal! The problem is finding and buying shoes specifically made for baby/toddler feet. Buyer beware, all shoes and brands are NOT created equal...

Therefore, be sure and look for the following when considering a shoe brand for your kiddos:

• Ensure the brand is "ACCEPTED" by the American Pediatric Medical Association or recommended by pediatricians/podiatrists
• Ensure the shoes are FLEXIBLE
• Ensure the toes have ROOM TO MOVE 
• Ensure the shoes stay ON (duh)

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One of our favorite kid's shoe brands, See Kai Run, was founded on the aforementioned principles, knowing that kid's feet are entirely different, and thus requires an entirely different kind of shoe. With each stage of growth, See Kai Run has intimately studied the changes that take place and engineered their shoes to specifically fit those needs. 

There are many things that I love about See Kai Run shoes, which includes the following:

1. The shoes are specifically made for baby/toddler feet.
2. The shoes promote healthy foot development.
3. The shoes are fun, sophisticated and trendy!
4. The shoes are comfortable.
5. The shoes' nicely withstand wear and tear.

For more encouragement, check out their "PHILOSOPHY" below:

While selecting the proper brand of shoe is important for your child's foot development, it is also crucial to purchase the proper sizing. 

One day I was at Nordstrom buying a pair of shoes for Lincoln. The salesperson measured his foot, and instead of asking for his true size, I asked for a size up from the measurement. I mean, the little guy grows so fast, he'll be out of them in a heartbeat, I thought. The salesperson quickly discouraged my decision and proceeded to lecture me on why buying shoes true-to-size is critical for proper foot growth and development. Nordstrom believes in this principle so much that they will actually email you when it is time to purchase a larger size for your kids.

At first I thought this was a genius marketing ploy to get people to buy more shoes from Nordstrom. Because of my skepticism in their so-called theory, I did what any mother would do and googled it. Needless to say, my skepticism was proved wrong. Site after site through blogs, podiatrists, governments agencies, you name it, all discussed the significance and requirement of proper sizing in children's shoes. In fact, they  mentioned it necessary to promote proper foot growth and development. Some sources even mentioned the harm in buying improper sizing, noting that improperly sized shoes can cause long-term damage to your child's feet and growth. OMG, I thought! Never buying oversized shoes again.

Because proper sizing is important, I recommend going to Nordstrom or even to a podiatrist every six months and having your kid's feet professionally measured. What could be more fun than a trip to Nordstrom with your kids? Get a balloon, take some measurements and make a habit of it to ensure that you have the correct sizing for your kiddos. Then, when purchasing from brands such as See Kai Run, use their trusty Sizing Guide, and you'll sleep easy knowing that your baby's feet are growing healthily as they should be!

Lincoln See Kai Run, "Dane" Shoe  |  V See Kai Run, "Stevie II - Crib" Shoe

I know that making sizing and shoe brand a priority high on the importance list may not be in your best interest, but it should be! Have a little fun with it and purchase shoes that are not only adorable and fun, but also promote healthy foot growth for your littles!

Happy Sole Shopping, Mamas!

xx, ILA