Among the various models of children's shoes are particularly popular sandals., they are especially relevant for preschool children. This rather open shoe at the same time fixes the foot well, helping the gait to develop properly and protecting children's feet from injury.
Types and models
Children's sandals are presented with options for both boys and girls. A wide range of styles and colors can not please the guys themselves and their parents. All this diversity can be divided into the following groups:
- Products with a closed heel and toe - The most popular option especially among toddlers. In this case, the heel is rather stiff, which best fixes the baby’s foot. Orthopedists advise to wear a soft backdrop only for children from 5 years old. A closed toe protects toes from damage. This model is recommended for children who tend to stumble frequently. Closed styles most often have small cuts or pin holes for air penetration.
- Closed heel with open toe - less popular type of sandals, while having its fans. An open cape is optimal for a hot summer, but is not recommended for children who have not yet stabilized gait. Note that the heel should not be too high, otherwise it binds the ankle joint and such fixation will prevent the development of muscles.
- Open heel with closed cape. This model is in high demand lately. Note that such sporty sandals are more suitable for boys, replacing them with lightweight sneakers (for example, when playing football). And girls, as a rule, prefer elegant sandals.
In addition, children's sandals are divided into conventional and orthopedic. It is advisable to wear the second type of footwear during the first two years of the baby’s life, when he only masters upright walking. For children with special problems with the musculoskeletal system, experts prescribe special anti-torn sandals. They are distinguished by a special structure, which not only strictly fixes the foot, but also, due to the high back, fixes the desired direction of the ankle and knee joints.
Parents are very popular preventive sandals, which are intended for the prevention of flatfoot due to the small heel and arch support. In such models, the sole bends well in the area of the fingers, and the rigid heel does not allow the foot to fall inward.
As for the arch support (it is also called the subsupper), today the vast majority of children's sandals have it, although in principle healthy support is not needed for healthy legs. In a newborn baby, instead of a dimple, there is a fatty layer on the foot, which disappears on its own by about 6 years due to the strengthening of muscles.
For active kids, designers are developing sports sandals, Equipped with high quality thermoplastic sole. They are very comfortable to run, and a soft roll will prevent the child from stumbling. Non-rigid material of the top ensures the absence of corns and corns.
Another kind of children's shoes - beach sandals (they are also called crocs), which are also suitable for swimming pools, outdoor recreation and playing in the sandbox. Made from high-quality synthetic material, they are easy to wash and remarkably worn. Beach models are characterized by a convenient form, an interesting catchy design and the presence of various decorative elements.These shoes are usually equipped with buckles in the form of a strap or velcro, which securely hold it on the leg. There is a special insole that does not allow the foot to slide. A distinctive feature of such sandals is their light weight.
If you want to please your son or daughter, get luminous sandals. This model has built-in LEDs - when a child is walking, they start flashing with cheerful lights. In addition, these shoes will enhance the safety of the baby in the dark. It is clear that the lighting from these "flashers" is not very bright, but it will help the child to orient in space in the evening, and you will not lose it in the crowd.
On very tiny little children who have not yet learned how to walk, knitted sandals look lovelywhich warms the legs and perform a decorative function. Moms who have knitting skills can make their own. Options for girls usually have laces and flowers, while boys are more serious.
Most sandals today come with a velcro fastener.which the baby himself can easily fasten and unfasten. But many orthopedists advise for a child just starting to walk, to choose models with laces, because in them shoes will be better fitted to the stem. But since the laces tend to untie, and the crumb at risk of falling, parents should securely secure them with a knot.
Sandals with cork soles are popular, which, being more flexible, adapts to the anatomical structure of the children's foot. Indentations in the heel area keep it in the right position, which improves stability while walking. In addition, the cork sole absorbs excess moisture if the leg is sweating.
As for the teen models of sandals, by design they are already close to adults. For example, girls of this age are popular models in the Greek style on a flat sole or very small heels with interlacing straps or tapes that cover the leg (sometimes almost to the knee). These sandals are preferably worn with light cotton sundresses or dresses and loose hair, casually intercepted by a ribbon.
Material
The most popular material for the production of children's sandals, of course, genuine leather. Every mother knows that she is plastic, stretches, absorbs moisture and ensures good air circulation. Artificial leather on these sandals can be trim or decorative elements.
However, if you are constrained in the means, choose a model from imitation leather, where at least the lining will be leather.
Another version of the material for sandals - split. This is a second-rate raw material that remains after cutting off the outer layer of the skin. Unlike the actual skin, the split is heavy and loose, after stretching does not regain its shape. It is usually used as a shoe lining. However, some unscrupulous manufacturers to reduce the cost of the products are made of split leather upper part of children's sandals, marking it as a natural leather - such things are low durability and comfort.
There is one more variant of sandals - from textiles. Such footwear perfectly fits a children's leg, has the big range of bright coloring and costs not much. Fabric products perfectly breathable. They are ideal for quiet walks, games in the sandbox, as homewear as an alternative to slippers. However, textiles have many shortcomings: it gets wet, it is easy to dirty and poorly cleaned. And because of the impossibility to make a hard backdrop in such shoes, experts do not advise children under 7 years of age to wear it constantly.
As for beach children's sandals, they are usually made of rubber or a combination of materials. based on high quality synthetic leather. Popular products from ethylene vinyl acetate - a form-stable raw material, elastic, light, with high hygienic properties.
Teenage Greek sandals are usually made from leather, suede or textile.
Colour
The range of children's colors is truly huge.. In stores, you can easily choose a model for any outfit. For outdoor action games, it is preferable to choose dark colors, as they are less easily soiled.
OfDelia for girls have a distinctive color scheme in pink, yellow, purple hues. Elegant models often have white or metallic color. The boys' sandals are often made in a variety of shades of blue.gray and brown. As for sandals for older children, their color palette is more relaxed. For example, Greek sandals for teenage girls are usually characterized by neutral tones (beige, brown and gray).
Brands and firms
Many domestic and foreign shoe brands specialize in the production of children's sandals.
Among foreign trademarks, we single out an American company Tommy Hilfiger products which perfectly complement the children's summer wardrobe.
As always, Italian brands are out of competition. So, comfortable models Geox equipped with a "breathable" sole as well as a preventive insole. Well, the design of these sandals is simply incomparable.
Another shoe company from sunny Italy - Naturino - produces children's sandals with the “sand effect” technology. Special soft layer simulates the feeling of sea sand under the feet of a child. Shoes take into account shock absorption and have the ability to neutralize shock vibrations, minimizing the risk of injury. Another advantage - non-slip outsole.
Russian trademarks also produce very good quality shoes. So, shoe factory "Antelope" presents models for nursery, preschool, school age of leather, suede, nubuck, of decent quality. The brand has developed a special line of anatomical sandals for children antilopaorto with preventive properties and orthopedic leather insole.
Domestic firm Vitacci keeps track of the latest fashion trends and produces childlike models for adults, with a soft upper part and a special sole that contributes to safety. The company's products comply with medical requirements and undergo mandatory certification.
Many parents prefer brand products. "Kotofey". All sandals of the company have a minimum weight, equipped with a comfortable leather sole. This shoe also contributes to the prevention of flatfoot development and the formation of correct posture. The assortment of sandals includes lace-up items.
Shoe factory "Fast walker" (St. Petersburg) focuses on European technology. For children's sandals is characterized by the absence of unnecessary elements, because, according to the developers, this only complicates the wear. The fasteners of the products are very simple, even a child in the nursery can handle them. Most importantly, Velcro does not lose its properties even with a long sock, and the laces do not tend to be untied when walking.
How to choose?
The choice of sandals for your child should be approached especially thoroughly., because an unsuccessful model can disrupt the formation of gait and foot, as well as expose the spine to excessive load.
If these are ordinary regular sandals for kindergarten or summer walks, then, first of all, pay attention to the convenience of the model and the quality of the material. If your baby needs orthopedic shoes for medical reasons, then here analyze the design properties of the product.on which the therapeutic effect depends.
An important part of children's sandals is the sole, since the formation of the arch of the foot depends on it. The sole must be flexible and fairly soft to perform the shock absorber function. The required difference between the toe and heel is about 5 centimeters - this will not lead to gait disturbances.
Note the stiffness of the backdropthat is especially important if your baby is toddlers. You should not be too zealous: the child should have different shoes for all occasions (slippers, sandals), although for everyday wear the ideal solution is still models with a backdrop.
In children's models, it is difficult to overestimate the role of the fastener, because it is a guarantee of reliable fixation of the foot. Although most models today have a velcro fastener, it is still preferable to have a metal mount or a less heavy plastic one.