Detailed below are answers to some frequently asked questions about general foot health and caring for your shoes.
How old should my child be before I buy their first pair of shoes?
Children usually start walking between the age of 10 and 15 months. It is important to remember that young children’s feet are not yet developed and are vulnerable to conditions such as badly fitting shoes and socks. Babies' feet don't have bones yet, just soft cartilage which can be easily moulded into the wrong shape if it is constricted. Even tight socks or sleepsuits can damage the foot at this age therefore it is important that your child has been walking with confidence before you purchase your first pair of shoes.
What type of shoes should I buy?
A soft, leather shoe moulds naturally to a child’s foot, is breathable provides more give and wears well. It should be shaped to allow toes to work freely and should provide good support for the foot and the ankle. The outer sole should have sufficient flexibility to follow the movement of the foot.
How important is fitting?
Ill-fitting shoes can cause problems in later life and unfortunately we cannot predict how quickly a child’s foot will grow or by how much. We therefore recommend your children’s feet are measured regularly to ensure shoes fit correctly and have plenty of growing room.
We recommend a fit check every 6 to 8 weeks when your child is toddling and every 3 to 4 months when they are older.
Indications that your child may have ill-fitting shoes are blisters, curled up toes when walking without shoes, or turned in or turned out feet when wearing shoes.
When buying shoes from our fashion range on-line where fitting is not required, we recommend that you obtain an up-to-date measurement of your child’s foot to ensure you buy the correct sized shoe.
Please see SMALL PRINT section in our on-line shop regarding our returns policy and our shoe care information below.
Where can I find out more about caring for my child’s feet?
Caring for your shoes
We at Shuzu have taken great care in selecting an extensive range of good quality school and fashion shoes. In order to enjoy these shoes for as long as possible, please take a moment to read below:
1) Please wear your shoes in the comfort and safety of your own home before you venture outside. (We are unable to honour any returns/refunds once worn outside.)
2) You should consider where and how your child wears their shoes. There are boots and shoes for every occasion. It is common sense to use the right kind and is unreasonable to blame the supplier for the consequences of the wearer. Wearing unsuitable footwear in demanding conditions may well be beyond the capabilities of the shoe – so, no running around in the playground in those sequined sandals!
3) In order for your shoes to last as long as possible we recommend initial protection (i.e. a waterproof spray) and then regular polishing/cleaning (sorry!). Nubuck & suede shoes are more sensitive and require a little more love, particularly if they are of a lighter colour. In addition, they are prone to fading if left in direct sunlight.
4) Only wash shoes if they are clearly labelled as washable and be sure to follow the washing instructions.
5) Polishes purchased through Shuzu are created by an independent manufacturer and have been selected to provide the closest possible match. If in doubt use a neutral polish.
6) If you have any queries regarding the care/suitability of your shoes then please contact us in store before the shoes are worn outside.