Fit

Children's feet are not just the small version of "adult" feet, they are much more demanding. For this reason, LOWA has a special last for children that offers more space in the toe area - space that children's feet need for healthy development. This is because children's bone tissue is not yet fully developed. In addition, the ligaments are much more elastic and the sensation of pain is less well developed.

Around 25% of human bones are found in the feet. In children, however, the bone tissue is not yet fully developed. In addition, the ligaments are much more elastic and the sensation of pain is less well developed.

Dr Micha Bahr,

Why is it so important that shoes are developed especially for children? Couldn't you just make shoes for adults smaller?

Dr Micha Bahr: That was the fashion for years and is still common practice for many companies. However, we are talking about an organism that is growing and is unfortunately still deformable. The requirements are therefore completely different. Not least because a child moves much more "naturally" off-road. Children run with much better rolling behaviour and demand the same from their equipment. In addition, the ligamentous apparatus is softer and more vulnerable than in adults, which is why it needs to be supported more without restricting freedom of movement.

What tips do you have for parents when it comes to finding the right shoes for their children?

Dr Micha Bahr: In general, one thing is particularly important for children: a shoe must not be too big or too small. That's why I always advise parents to take the inner sole out of the shoe and place the child's foot on it. There should be about a child's thumb's width of space in front of the big toe. I then advise twisting the sole of the shoe once to check how soft it is. If it is far too easy to "twist", then the shoe can go back on the shelf. You should then ask the child to move their toes in the shoe. If this is possible, the shoe will fit perfectly. Children have a reflex that triggers them to curl their toes in various movement situations. For this to be possible, they need sufficient space in the toe box. Ultimately, of course, it also depends on whether the child likes the shoe - otherwise, as a parent, there is no chance that it will be worn at all.