There is no hard and fast rule here, we are as likely to tell you it’s probably too soon rather than too late! When your child can walk unassisted around the furniture at home and is looking to venture outside is probably about right. This can be anywhere from 8 to 18 months old. If they and you are happy for them to remain indoors barefoot is best.

Again this can vary quite considerably given the speed some children can grow and what age they are at, but between the ages of 8 months and 2 years, possibly only a couple of months, moving out steadily until they may last up to 4 or 5 months around the age of 10. It doesn’t seem very long and realistically it isn’t, your children’s feet continue t grow well into their teens!

A soft breathable material that provides a snug fit but also is supple enough to allow growth and a free range of movement.

The best way to ensure you purchase the correct size is to have your child's feet measured and the shoes fitted. However once you have a measurement for your child's feet, these are only guides and can vary between stores as do the sizes of shoes which vary by brand. There is more guidance on sizing here. If you feel you are confident with the shoe size and width required please feel free to find a suitable shoe in our store. We are happy to exchange or credit unsuitable shoes subject to our returns policy, which can be viewed here.

Children’s feet grow in spurts so their footwear should be checked every 6-8 weeks when they are toddling and then every 3-4 months there after.

As there is no such thing as the average foot to ensure the shoe fits correctly it is more than just taking a measurement.

The bones in a child’s foot are not fully formed until their late teens and because of this are vulnerable to damage and deformity if the shoes do not fit properly.

Every brand of shoe has their own last (this is the mould in which the shoe is made around). As each brands last varies slightly in size , this will then cause branded foot gauges (which are calibrated to these lasts) to show slightly different readings.

Blisters and sores may develop with new shoes particularly if summer sandals aren't worn with socks to be broken in. The affected area should be treated with antiseptic and dressed immediately.

Inspect shoes to see if any unusual wear occurs (this could be an indication of poor foot or general posture and should be looked at by a registered podiatrist). Normally wear occurs at the back of the heel and the outside.

Look at feet regularly for inflamed nails and red pressure points in the top of the small joints of the toes, back of the heel and below the ankle bones.

Children have naturally sweaty feet but smelly feet may be an indication of poor hygeine