How to choose the best sports shoes for a child?

It is important to realize that a child's foot it is not just a miniature version of an adult, but changes, grows and develops from month to month, so we have to be especially careful when buying. They are children constantly in motion , so it is most important for them that the footwear provides them with adequate support for all the activities they undertake. A child's foot is significantly different from an adult's, as it is not anatomically fully formed, which does not mean that children do not need the same quality footwear or do not deserve the same comfort.

At Solomon children's footwear is divided into three segments: trekking, running and winter footwear. Within the running and trekking segment, they share footwear with an emphasis on stabilization, which ensures the safety of the foot on challenging terrain. There is also an emphasis on dynamic damping, which absorbs impacts upon contact with a harder, asphalt surface. Footwear models exist in two versions and that is with or without use CLIMASHIELD™ membrane that enables an optimal ratio between water resistance and breathability, so that children's feet they stay dry regardless of weather conditions.

Children's footwear Salomon it is made of exactly the same materials as the adult models, except that it is adapted to the undeveloped child's foot. In this way, we achieve a perfect fit, very low weight and, above all, Salomon's typical comfort, even in the range of children's shoes. One of the more useful technologies that have been transferred to children's footwear are simple laces QUICKCLACE, only these do not need to be tied and the children are more than enthusiastic about them. Zig-zag system Sensifit™ on the outer part of the shoe provides a perfect grip on the foot, as it keeps the child's foot in the right place, throughout the activity. NON MARKING CONTAGRIP™ and the sole will ensure safety and grip on all types of ground, and at the same time, it will not leave marks on the inner surfaces. Salomon children's footwear thus combines stability, protection, comfort, lower weight and breathable materials, which enable use in all multi-sport activities in nature.

Anica Živko, running coach of young athletes advises:

"Choosing footwear for children is extremely important, as quality and comfort must also be taken into account for the purpose for which the child will need the footwear. We often run with children in nature on rugged terrain, where children additionally strengthen ligaments and joints, and at the same time develop coordination and motor skills, so footwear must also provide stability, good grip and foot protection. I do not recommend shoes with a "hedgehog" lacing method or shoes that are too big for the child. Children's feet also act as two supporting pillars that support the entire body, and the arch of the foot acts as a spring that absorbs pressure. To buy children's footwear, you need to take your time and coordinate the child's needs and wishes."

ADVICE FROM RUNNING COACH ANICA ŽIVKO WHEN BUYING CHILDREN'S SHOES:

• The child should be present during the purchase, as it is important to check the appropriateness of the footwear according to the shape of your child's foot.
• Always measure your child's foot with the measuring device provided by the retailer. Shoes that are too big or too small irritate and consequently deform the still underdeveloped child's foot.
• Footwear should be stable enough to protect the foot when running on uneven surfaces, as well as cushioned and responsive enough to absorb shocks on harder surfaces.
• Footwear must be wide and long enough to allow the child's foot to develop naturally.
• Footwear should be breathable, as children are constantly in motion, and their feet sweat. As far as footwear with a waterproof membrane is concerned, it should only be of good quality.
• Take your time when buying children's shoes, because choosing the right model is more important than the latest cartoon characters on your little one's shoes.
• In addition to the price, quality should also be the deciding factor when purchasing.