How to choose your child’s sandals?

Summer is approaching and the first hot days too: it’s finally time to put the winter shoes away in the cupboard to make room for sandals! With all the different models on offer, it isn’t always easy to know how to choose the best suited pair of sandals for your child. Discover our tips on how to choose a model which best meets your child’s needs.

Choosing the right size sandals

Your toddler’s little feet grow fast. A few tips will help you choose the right size sandals according to your child’s age.

The growth margin

This tip consists of placing your child’s foot on a flat surface against the wall. Hold a book or other object with a straight side perpendicular to his or her longest toe and measure the distance between the toe and heel. Once you have the length, the recommended growth margins are:

  • For toddlers up to the age of 2, the growth margin shouldn’t be more than 1cm, or it could hinder their walking;
  • For older children, a growth margin between 1cm and 1.5cm is ideal for closed-toe sandals models, such as Salome sandals ;
  • For open-toe sandals, it is recommended that you choose a model with a growth margin no bigger than 1cm.

The size

Generally, your child’s feet grow one shoe size every 3 months until the age of 3. Then, they grow one size every 6 months until the age of 8. However, since all children and all feet are different, a small tip allows you to check if you have chosen the right size – with your child’s foot in the sandal, you should be able to fit your thumb behind the heel.

Choose the right model of sandals

To make the best choice of sandals for your child, make sure they respect certain criteria.

Soft materials that feel pleasant to the skin

Leather is one of the best materials for children’s sandals because it is supple and allows feet to breathe perfectly. Most sandals for boys and girls proposed by DPAM are made from real leather. The model you choose should have a fastener at the ankle and at the front of the foot to ensure good support during movement.

Sturdy heel support

Ideally, the chosen model should have a rigid support at the heel because it is part of the sandal which wears out the quickest. A non-slip sole To allow your toddler to move freely and securely on any type of floor or ground surface, a non-slip sole is an indispensable feature to consider when choosing your child’s sandals.

Sandals for all and for all occasions

For girls or boys, DPAM has selected a wide collection of sandals for wear in good weather.

Sandals for girls

DPAM offers a large collection of sandals for girls which are suitable for all ages, from their first steps to the school playground. These open-toe shoes go well with all kinds of summer clothes for your little girl. Some models are designed with Velcro gripping tape to make wearing and removing them easier.

Sandals for boys

DPAM offers a selection of sandals for boys in darker or more dynamic tones which will combine well with your little boy’s favourite clothes and please you and your boy’s tastes. Your boy will always have both a trendy and casual look at the same time.

Sandals for the beach

For holidays by the sea, opt for practical footwear. DPAM has a selection of ultra-practical sandals for the beach. For girls, sandals and flip-flops make up part of the girly details. For boys, plastic beach shoes allow them to run in the sand and bathe without worrying about pebbles! And let’s not forget the essential pair of flip-flops for walks along the seafront after a swim.