When it comes to children’s boots, fit isn’t just about comfort or style - it’s about supporting healthy foot development during a time of rapid change.
As Watson once said, “change is afoot”, and that couldn’t be truer for little feet. They go through a lot in the early years. At birth, there are 22 soft cartilage bones. By the time we start school, we have up to 45 bones and still have some cartilage! Our feet mature to having around 26 bones between the ages of 16 and 21. That’s a huge amount of growth and reshaping happening in a small section of the body - and that’s precisely why the right footwear is so important. Boots that don’t fit properly can affect everything from balance to how those bones develop and settle.
Thankfully, we’ve been fitting growing feet for generations, and we’ve seen first-hand what a difference a well-fitting boot can make. That’s why we’re here to help ensure the boots you choose will support your child’s every step, skip and stomp.
It’s tempting, isn’t it? You certainly wouldn’t be the first to buy a size bigger and hope those new boots will last the season and beyond. But when it comes to boots, bigger isn’t better. Oversized footwear can cause just as many problems as shoes that are too tight - from tripping over loose boots and painful blistering, to poor posture when standing or walking. A loose boot won’t support the foot properly, and that can lead to long-term issues with gait and balance.
Our advice is always to stick to the correct size – in fact, all Start-Rite footwear is designed with ‘wriggle room’ in mind. Boots should fit snugly but not tightly, with enough room for natural movement.
Use the same process as you would for any shoe. That means measuring both feet - ideally in the afternoon when feet are at their largest. If your child will be wearing thicker socks with their boots, measure with those on to get an accurate fit.
For younger children, it’s best to buy close to the time they’ll be wearing the boots. Growth spurts can sneak up quickly, and a perfect fit one month might be a squeeze by the next. And if you’re shopping for styles that suit seasonal fashion, like our chelsea boots, or looking for something sturdy and durable for winter walks, buying closer to the time helps to ensure they suit your child’s feet and their tastes, ready to be worn and loved before the next growth spurt.
Let’s get practical. A well-fitting boot should feel comfortable, supportive and secure. But helping your child understand how boots should fit and feel can be tricky, especially when they’re more interested in the colour or pattern than how it actually feels on their feet.
Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Below are our top tips for assessing fit, plus a few simple questions you can ask your child to help ‘fit-check’ together. It’s a quick, confidence-boosting way to make sure their boots are doing the job they’re meant to:
What to ask: “Can you wriggle your toes easily?”
What to ask: “Does anything feel tight or squashed across your foot?”
What to ask: “Does your heel stay in place when you walk, or does it slide up and down?”
What to ask: “Does the boot feel comfy around your ankle - not too tight or scratchy?”
What to ask: “Can you bend your foot when you walk, or does the boot feel stiff?”
These questions help translate fit into feelings your child can recognise and describe. If they say the boot feels ‘funny’, ‘scratchy’ or ‘too big’, take it seriously - children often sense poor fit before it’s visibly obvious, even if they’re not sure how to describe it.
New boots can often feel a little stiff at first - and that’s perfectly normal. But there’s a difference between a boot that’s ‘settling in’ and one that’s simply not right. Boots should never need “breaking in” to the point of pain.
At Start-Rite, we pride ourselves on using only the highest quality materials, carefully selected for their suitability in children’s footwear. From premium leathers to breathable linings, every fabrication is chosen to support growing feet. Our testing processes go beyond industry standards, too – ensuring durability, flexibility and comfort.
So, what does a good fit look and feel like in a new boot? Here’s what to watch for:
In short, new boots should feel supportive, not restrictive - and they should quickly become part of your child’s natural stride!
From first boots to senior school styles, our range is built to support growing feet every step of the way. Whether you’re after flexible ankle boots for everyday play, smart Chelsea boots for special occasions or waterproof wellies for wet weather adventures, we’ve got a fit for every foot and every moment for girls and boys! Our boots are designed with healthy foot development and health in mind. So, wherever they’re headed, our boots are made for walking!
