Should I get my 18 month old a different pair of shoes?

Question

My 18 mo. old son went from a size 5 (Munchkin) to a size 6 1/2 (Stride Rite). But he has fallen twice on sidewalks since he got the new shoes. The old ones were Munchkin and we didn't have any problems I can remember. The new ones are Stride Rite - twice the cost and I lost the receipt. Is it normal to fall with new shoes? He has been walking since 13 mo.

Answer 1

I have no idea about brand name shoes and departments stores that sell them, but I would say that they are a bit too big and he needs time to adjust.  Yet, I just question all this because maybe I'm too old fashion?

Here's what I do when I buy a pair of shoes for anyone, including myself:

1.If it all possible you put on both pair of shoes with the socks/hosery you are most likely going to wear them with.

2.You verify that their heel is back against the shoe and then lace them up properly.

3.Then you have your child stand straight up and bear equal amount of weight on both feet (If they have their shoulders squared with their feet this should distribute their weight).

4.Then you find the end of their big toe, place your thumb at the end of it, and if you have a thumb length of distance before the tip of the shoe, then you have a good fit.

5.Then have them walk normally up and down the aisle watch to see if the shoe slips on the heel or gaps at the sides when they walk, if it does, then it's not a good fit.

My husband or older son always goes with me when I go shoe shopping and performs these steps.

I've found that when I get measured, they only measure one foot and one of my feet is a few inches larger than my other one and some brands don't fit well.  I've had to argue with department store employees/managers to measure both my feet just to get a good size, so I either avoid these stores or say I'll measure myself, my way; just bring me the shoes!

hope this helps

Answer 2

I totally agree with Kristy. Stride rite has done that to me as well!

Answer 3

Yes, it's normal and he will adjust to the new size.  He needs to wear shoes that are about half a size big so that he can be comfortable.  Both my kids always wear stride rite, I love th ebrand and the shoes last forever!  

6.5 for an 18 month old boy sounds exactly right and I think you had been squeezing his feet in those other shoes for too long, he got used to it.

Answer 4

It sounds like the shoes are just a little to big.

Stride Rite probably measured your son as a size 6, but sold you a size 6 1/2. I had that problem with Stride Rite last time I bought a pair of sneaker for my daughter. They advised me they always recommend buying a 1/2 size bigger because toddler's feet grow very fast.

Just give him some time to get used to them.

Answer 5

Well I have a different opinion.  Your son has been walking for quite awhile so I don't think it is because he is a new walker.  I also don't think it is because the shoes are the wrong size.  Munchkin shoes are not just for early walkers the sizes go up to at least a 12 which is kindergarten age.  

What is going on is that the stride rite shoes have a more inflexible sole and your son is adjusting to them.  I would work on bending them to break them in and scratching up the bottoms on the asphalt (because they can be slippery).  I always do this with my heels as well.  My sons all received physical therapy and walked at 15,13, and 14 months.  It was recommended to us for them to have lightweight shoes that are very flexible.  Ones I like a lot are Tsukihoshi's and Bibi's.  They are pricey but no more than stride rite and you can get them on sale.

2 of my kids are mild low tone, and one is mild high tone but all within normal limits.  So I don't know if soft, lightweight flexible shoes are recommended for all kids or just kids like mine.  I was told that any shoe like this is ok and have bought cherokee ones from target for under 10 dollars and they work just fine.  

My niece falls a lot.  My sister puts her in low top chuck taylor converse sneakers.  She is 34 months.  I think it is the sneaker.  She has no physical delays and walks and runs and climbs fine, but in these sneakers she falls a lot.  I think it is because the soles are inflexible.  I suggested trying something else that is flexible, it fell on deaf ears.  Oh well, I bought my sister the neosporin antibiotic spray that attaches to your keys neo to go for my nieces constantly scraped knees. My sister was probably annoyed.

Answer 6

I agree with huskergo. Trying the shoes on in the store gives you the best idea of what fits. If you buy him a size larger than what he can fit now, he's going to have to get used to walking in bigger shoes. Which might result in falling at first.

Answer 7

He just needs to adjust to walking in "big boy" shoes. The Munchkin line is meant for younger children who are just learning to walk and are mostly toddling around. I used to buy these for my son as well, and he had a bit of a time adjusting to the "big boy" shoes, too. If you look at the Munchkin shoes compared to the ones he's wearing now, you will see that the Munchkin shoes look more like crib shoes, and are soft and pliable. It helps pre-walkers feel as if they are walking on bare feet. Once they get out of that stage, they move onto shoes with actual soles. If you are really concerned with your child falling, however, take a look at Pedipeds. They are great, and also give toddlers the impression that they are walking on "bare feet". Hope this helps.

Answer 8

I also bought a new pair of sneakers for my 18mnth old a while ago and he had trouble walking at first but has gotten use to them now. Just wait a bit and put them on when he's in a safe in environment so he has a safe space to work them out. The best thing for tender growing feet is as much barefoot time as you can handle be careful not let those new shoe's hurt his feet.