Children spend thousands of hours in their shoes each year – and they need to be comfortable so they can concentrate on learning, participate in school sports and enjoy recess and lunchtime play. Well-fitting shoes help keep kids healthy, happy and pain-free.
So, when you buy school shoes online, it can be a great way to save time and money. But here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your purchase:
1. Look for a reputable retailer
A good school shoe is important for your child’s comfort, foot health and posture. A poor-fitting shoe can cause pain in the feet and legs, as well as impact their daily activities. So, it’s a good idea to find a retailer with a reputation for selling high-quality school shoes.
If you’re shopping online, look for a retailer that offers a generous return policy. That way, if your child’s new school shoes don’t fit or are uncomfortable, you can easily exchange them for a better pair.
It’s best to get your children fitted for shoes in-store rather than buying them “off the shelf”. A shoe fitting will ensure that their toes aren’t touching the ends and that there’s no pressure on the sides of the feet.
Avoid second-hand shoes that other children may have worn, as they’ll have moulded to the shape of those feet. Also, slip-on shoes aren’t recommended for kids by podiatrists, as they can cause damage to their feet and legs over time. A pair of lace-up school shoes is a far better option.
2. Compare prices
When you have to buy school shoes online, it is important to compare prices. It will help you find the best deal and ensure that you are getting a quality pair of shoes at a fair price. You can also save money by taking advantage of sales and promotions. By comparing prices, you can get the best deal on school shoes for your children without breaking the bank.
One of the best times to buy school shoes is towards the end of the summer holidays or early September. It is because children’s feet tend to grow at a rapid pace, and purchasing them at this time will give them a chance to wear them before the new term starts.
3. Check the return policy
Children spend hours in their school shoes, and they must have good quality, comfortable shoes that fit well. If their shoes are ill-fitting, they will suffer from pain and may even develop foot health problems. It is why a good return policy is essential for any footwear ecommerce business.
Many online retailers have a generous return policy for footwear, but it is important to read it carefully. Many retailers only offer a refund on unworn, undamaged shoes but do not cover shipping costs. It can cause problems for customers who are unable to afford to ship their shoes back.
4. Check the delivery time
Children spend five days a week in school shoes, so they need to be comfortable. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pain and lead to problems down the road. It’s important to buy shoes in person and get them fitted properly. It’s also a good idea to bring your child’s socks with them when getting the shoes fitted. It ensures that they’re not wearing someone else’s used socks, which could be a hygiene issue.
If you buy school shoes online, make sure to choose a retailer with fast delivery and click-and-collect options. It will help you avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure that your child has a comfortable pair of shoes to wear.
It’s a good idea to buy shoes around 2-3 weeks before the beginning of the term, as this will leave room for any growth spurts that may happen. For the best fit, it’s important to have your child try on their shoes in the afternoon when their feet are at their largest. During this time, your child should walk and skip to ensure that their toes are not touching the end of the shoe and that there’s no pressure on the outside edges of their feet.
5. Check the reviews
Whether they’re walking to school or running around at break time, children spend the majority of their time in school shoes, so they must be comfortable and fit properly. When trying on new shoes, make sure your child’s toes don’t touch the end, and there’s room on either side. Also, check that they can wiggle their toes and that the laces create a straight line across their foot when they are laced up.