Posted on: 12.09.2024.

Froddo: Your Guide to the Perfect Fit

Children's feet are remarkable – they grow, develop, and change shape rapidly during the early years of life. Choosing the right footwear for your child is essential for their comfort and healthy growth and development. 

At Froddo, we understand the importance of selecting footwear that supports your child’s natural foot development, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Here’s how to ensure your child’s shoes fit perfectly, every time.

How often should you measure your child’s feet

Between the ages of 1 and 3, children's feet can grow up to 1.5 mm per month, while between the ages of 3 and 6, they typically grow about 1 mm per month. 

This rapid growth means it's important to measure their feet regularly to ensure they wear the right size.

Here’s a general guideline for how often to measure your child's feet:

  • 1-2 years: every two months
  • 3-4 years: every four months
  • 5-6 years: every 6 months

If your child complains of discomfort or if you notice their shoes look tight or worn, measure their feet immediately. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, discomfort, and even impact their foot development.

Step-by-step guide to measuring your child’s feet

Ensuring the correct shoe size starts with accurate foot measurement. Here's a simple guide to help you measure your child's feet at home.

1. Prepare the tools

To measure your child's feet accurately, you'll need a few simple tools: a blank piece of paper that is large enough to fit their entire foot, a pencil or pen, and a ruler or measuring tape for precise measurements.

2. Trace the foot

Next, place the paper on a hard, flat surface. Have your child stand on the paper with their weight evenly distributed on both feet, ensuring they stand up straight, as feet naturally expand when weight is applied. 

Carefully trace around the entire foot while holding the pencil upright, keeping it as close to the foot as possible without angling it underneath. This will provide an accurate outline of your child’s foot.

3. Measure the length

Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the length of the traced outline from the heel to the longest toe. Record this measurement in centimeters for accuracy. 

Be sure to repeat this process for the other foot, as it's common for feet to differ slightly in size.

4. Consult the Froddo size chart

Refer to the Froddo size chart, which provides the recommended foot lengths in centimeters for each size. Compare your child's measurements with the chart to find the appropriate shoe size.

 



Be sure to choose the size that matches the longer foot, and remember to account for the additional space needed for healthy foot development.

Creating space for proper growth

Once you've found the correct size, it’s essential to ensure there’s enough space inside the shoe for your child’s feet to grow. 

In all Froddo shoes, the length of the inner tread is increased by 12 mm (for closed shoes) and 6 mm (for open shoes). This extra space allows healthy foot development, preventing issues caused by shoes that are too tight or restrictive.

This additional room helps in two ways:

  • Growth space: Children's feet grow quickly, so this space allows for growth without constantly needing to buy new shoes.
  • Movement space: It allows the toes to move and wiggle freely, which is crucial for natural foot development.

Choosing the right footwear for your child

Over half of children wear shoes that don't fit properly, which can cause discomfort, blisters, and long-term foot development issues.

Here are some key considerations to ensure you’re choosing the right footwear for your child.

Consider foot shape

Children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, so it's essential to find shoes that fit their unique needs. To help you with this, Froddo offers three types of fitting options to accommodate different foot shapes and widths. 

  • S-M fitting: Designed for narrow to medium-width feet, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for children with slimmer feet.
  • M fitting: A universal fitting that adjusts to all foot widths, providing flexibility and comfort for a wide range of foot shapes.
  • M-L fitting: Ideal for medium to wide feet, offering the extra space needed for children with broader feet.

For detailed information on how each shoe fits, please refer to the product descriptions on our website.

Flexibility and support

Shoes should be flexible enough to accommodate natural movement, allowing your child’s feet to bend and stretch comfortably with each step. At the same time, they need to provide adequate support to ensure stability, especially around the heel and arch, to prevent any potential issues.

For an optimal blend of flexibility and support, consider the Froddo Barefoot collection. Designed to mimic the natural feel of walking barefoot, these shoes offer exceptional flexibility while maintaining essential support. 

Breathable materials

Breathable materials are essential for preventing excessive sweating, which can lead to discomfort. Opt for shoes made from premium leather, known for its natural breathability and durability. Additionally, consider options that feature eco-friendly materials and soft textile linings for added comfort and sustainability.

Choosing footwear crafted from these high-quality materials helps keep your child's feet dry and healthy, reducing the risk of unpleasant odors and infections.

The right fit matters

Remember, even with the perfect size and style, keeping an eye on changes in your child’s feet and adjusting as needed ensures ongoing comfort and support. Additionally, involve your child in the fitting process to help them learn about proper footwear and develop good habits.