Junior sneakers on clearance

First steps: soft sole and Velcro

For a little one starting to walk, the shoe must first and foremost bend with the foot. Baby sneakers, like the adidas Duramo, the Runfalcon Spider-Man, or the Geox Nashik, have a thin and flexible sole that twists in hand, and a heel counter that supports the heel without squeezing it. The Velcro closure opens wide to slide the foot in without curling the toes. We check the shoe size often: at this age, the foot grows by about half a size every two or three months, and a child doesn’t always complain when shoes become too small.

Other clearance items

The junior lifestyle clearance also includes:

• Jackets.
• T-Shirts.
• Dresses / Skirts.
• Trousers.

All clearance items are gathered on the lifestyle junior page.

Geox Amphibiox: stay dry at school

The Geox models marked ABX, for Amphibiox, include a waterproof and breathable membrane between the lining and the upper: rain and puddles stay outside while perspiration escapes. The Magnetar, in low or high versions, the Savage and the Flexyper follow this principle with a rubber sole that grips on wet ground. The Italian brand became known for its breathable perforated sole, and it has extended this idea for children. For those who are in shoes all day, it’s a good compromise between a rain boot and a canvas sneaker.

Barefoot and classic canvas

The Mikk-Line barefoot, from the Danish brand, has a very thin sole, with no height difference between the heel and the front, and a wide front that allows the toes to spread: the foot works like bare feet and strengthens its muscles. Classic canvas shoes are worn as soon as the weather is nice: Superga, born in Turin in 1911, with its Cotjstrap buckle, Gola, an English brand founded in 1905, with the Daytona, and Victoria, with dyed or washed canvas. The Asics Gel-1130 and Gel-Quantum Lyte, available in PS and GS sizes, transpose the running aesthetics of adults for the older kids.

Children's shoe size: the growth margin

You measure the child's foot standing up, at the end of the day, by tracing its outline on a sheet: the longest length, plus about one centimetre for margin, gives the size to choose. Too much margin can cause tripping and rubbing at the heel, while too little can squeeze still-malleable toes. Brands classify their sizes into baby, PS for preschool, which covers the kindergarten years and the start of school, and then GS, for grade school, up to the first adult sizes. Placing a thumb at the end of the shoe, with the child standing, allows for a quick check of the margin, both in-store and at home.

Frequently asked questions

Velcro or laces: at what age to switch to laces?

Most children can tie their laces by around six or seven years old. Before that, Velcro makes them independent at school; afterwards, lacing holds the foot better for running, as long as a double knot is made.

Do you need high-top shoes to learn how to walk?

No, a low and flexible upper is enough: it allows the ankle to move freely and work on balance. The high upper is mainly to keep the shoe in place on a child who easily takes it off.

How to wash canvas children's shoes?

Remove the laces and insole, then brush the canvas with warm water and Marseille soap. A machine wash at thirty degrees, in a mesh bag, is possible for simple canvas; always air dry.

Can shoes be passed from one child to another?

Yes, if the sole isn't deformed and the support remains firm. A pair that has taken the shape of the older child's foot, worn more on one side, may however impose a poor posture on the younger one.

How many pairs to plan for a child?

Two pairs are often enough: one for school and a spare pair that lets the first dry after a damp day. A pair reserved for sports prevents everyday shoes from wearing out too quickly.