What shoe size does my child need?
How can you check whether the shoes still fit?
Should you "hand down" children's shoes or shouldn't you?
What is Sympatex and what is RICOSTA-Tex?
From when should children wear shoes?
Do first shoes / learning-to-walk shoes have to be ankle-high?
What type of lining should children's shoes have: leather or textile?
How fast do children's feet grow?
Do lined winter shoes have to be bought one size bigger?
What shoe size does my child need?
We recommend that you visit a shop that prides itself on its service and advice and where tiny feet can be measured using the WMS feet measuring system. The equipment allows the length and width of the child's feet to be determined – so that the best fit may be found. Experienced assistants will be glad to help with the selection of the properly fitting WMS shoes.
How can you check whether the shoes still fit?
By using your thumb? No, because children pull in their toes as a reflex. It's better to have your children's feet measured at your shoe shop every two to three months. The size may also be checked with the help of the insoles: remove them from the shoes and have your child stand on them.
Should you "hand down" children's shoes or shouldn't you?
The problem with second-hand shoes is that they have usually been "worn in". They might have lost their neutral properties. A shoe that has already been worn in will force the next child's feet to do something "wrong" and will perhaps mould them to the shape of the previous owner's feet.
When shoes have not been worn in, i.e. they have not been worn or exposed to much wear and tear, there is nothing against allowing another child to wear them. But if the heels, for example, are worn down on one side then it's best not to. The foot bed also provides a good indication of how a shoe has been worn: has the foot already "dug its own bed"? If so, it may be assumed that it has been exposed to much wear and that it has been worn in; just replacing the insoles with new ones won't necessarily correct the problem sufficiently. If the shoes look fresh, then passing them on should be all right.
What is Sympatex and what is RICOSTA-Tex?
Sympatex is a special waterproof and breathable membrane. It allows water vapour molecules that accumulate when the shoe is worn to escape but prevents drops of water from penetrating the shoe from the outside.
RICOSTA-Tex is a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane located between the upper material and lining.
From when should children wear shoes?
From when they can walk properly and start exploring the world. Until then and beyond, they should walk barefoot as much as possible so that healthy and strong foot muscles can develop.
Do first shoes / learning-to-walk shoes have to be ankle-high?
The shoe should hold well on the foot, the height is not relevant to this. Children should try on a variety of shoes at the shop to see and to feel which ones fit well.
The ankle doesn't need to be protected by a high shoe. Children learn to walk and train the muscles in their feet best when they're barefoot.
What type of lining should children's shoes have: leather or textile?
Leather is a natural product that absorbs and releases moisture. Technical textiles that are combined with membranes, for example, Sympatex, also fulfil this task very well. It's just important that moisture is transported away.
How fast do children's feet grow?
Children's feet do not grow at a steady pace, they grow in bursts. Children's feet can grow up to two millimetres a month; that's three shoe sizes a year. This differs from child to child, so no absolute statement may be made here. Our tip: have the feet measured before making your purchase!
Do lined winter shoes have to be bought one size bigger?
The warm lining is taken into account on shoes produced to the WMS system so that winter shoes may be purchased in the measured size.
