> Which shoes should I choose for my children for kindergarten or school?

WHICH SHOES SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN OR SCHOOL?

Choosing the right footwear for a toddler or school-age child is a real headache for parents, not least on 1 September. There is very little talk about footwear suitable for children to wear indoors every day. 
Children's feet are constantly developing, so it is very important to choose footwear that adapts harmlessly to the natural processes of growth and development. From the first steps to school age, feet are constantly forming, and uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes can disrupt this process. In addition, daily activity at school or kindergarten requires footwear that is not only comfortable but also functional.

Why is it important to choose the right shoes for children in kindergarten and school?

A careful search for the right shoes is necessary, as the average child in Lithuania spends about 8 hours a day in kindergarten. This then adds up to an average of 2 000 hours per year. Typically, children attend kindergarten for about 230-250 days a year, taking into account holidays and vacations.
Interestingly, the average student spends between 1 050 and 1 295 hours at school over
175-185 days per year. 
For more than 10 years, we have been selling online probably the most leather shoes for children's first steps, kindergarten and school. We would like to help you and share our experience and the recommendations of physiotherapists on the right shoes for your child.

How to choose the right footwear for children to wear inside children's shoes?

Patriot sandals for kids

We recommend that you pay attention to the following key factors when choosing footwear to wear in kindergarten:

1. Flexibility and natural foot movement

Feet have a natural ability to flex and adapt to different surfaces. It is therefore very important that the sandals allow the foot to move freely. Flip-flops that are too rigid or inflexible can restrict this natural movement, which can eventually lead to discomfort or even deformities. Choose a sandal with a flexible sole that easily adapts to children's natural way of walking.

2. Natural materials

Children's feet tend to sweat more than adults', so it's essential to choose sandals that are made of breathable materials, we recommend sandals made of natural leather inside and out. Natural leather, cotton or other organic materials will allow the foot to breathe and help prevent skin irritations or even fungus. Such sandals will not only provide long-lasting comfort, but will also contribute to foot hygiene.

3. Sturdy backstage

The backrest must be strong enough to provide adequate support for the foot. This is particularly important for pre-school and primary school age children whose feet are still developing. A sturdy backrest helps to maintain a correct foot position. Flip-flops without proper arch support can promote irregular gait or even lead to more serious orthopaedic problems. Flip-flops from brands such as "Pirmi Batai" and "Sabalin" are all made with a reinforced back, which does not deform, even in the face of weather, perspiration or other causes.

Choose shoes that the child is able to take off and put on by himself, if necessary. Flip-flops with flip-flops that are easy to unfasten and fasten are preferred by children. Some of the most popular models are the 'Smile' sandals with two flip-flops, and the popular 'Patriotas' sandals with tricolour flip-flops - yellow, green and red - a model designed by Lithuanian shoemakers especially for the Lithuanian centenary.

Sandals for kids - handmade shoes with love

4. Non-slip sole

Children love to be active, and flip-flops with non-slip soles will keep them safe during play. Whether it's the playground in kindergarten or the corridors at school, a non-slip sole will help prevent slips and injuries. This is especially important if the flip-flops are to be worn in wet environments.

5. Practicality and comfort

While children's flip-flops need to be practical and comfortable, they also need to be easy to put on and take off. Young children are often unable to put their shoes on quickly and properly, so models with easily adjustable buckles or stickers are ideal, e.g. PATRIOTAS , SMILE, LINIJA. This allows the child to put on the sandals independently and to get used to a neat and independent handling of the footwear.
All "FIRST FOOTWEAR" flip-flops have an easily moulded insole, a medium-sized rocker (a special vault) inside which allows the foot to be in the correct position, and it has been scientifically proven that the child's foot is less tired.
With an extra high heel, the ORTHOPEDIC SHOES are recommended only by orthopaedists and physiotherapists for children with foot problems. Therefore, for healthy feet, we recommend leather sandals with a heel height of 5-7 cm.


6. Proper size


Young children grow quickly, so shoes do not wear out but are simply "outgrown". Sometimes parents tend to skimp and buy bigger shoes or clothes than they need, because you won't be able to look around before your child grows again. Experts recommend that the rule of thumb when buying flip-flops is that there should be no more than 0.8-1 cm between the toe and the front of the shoe. Shoes, even if bought for 'outgrowing', should fit the foot firmly and comfortably - if the child's foot is not firmly and comfortably locked in the shoe, it will slip, which not only makes the child feel uncomfortable but also increases the chance of injury.

The Perfect School Shoes: Durable and Comfortable Sandals and Shoes for Children

A student's skills, activities and occupations are different from those of an adult, so their needs are naturally different. When buying flip-flops or school shoes for your child, keep the following points in mind:
  • We recommend you choose ONLY NATURAL LEATHER footwear;
  • Flip-flops or school shoes with a leather insole, as the foot will sweat less;
  • For boys and girls, choose KK, Sabalin shoes with toecaps as they are one of the most comfortable for children and MOST IMPORTANT, WIDE. We recommend choosing wider barefoot shoes for children to avoid ingrown toenails or deformed toes;
  • We recommend orthopaedic sandals with a slip-on, sturdy heel as they are one of the most suitable for foot development. 

top school footwear

1. Natural leather school shoes for children - why choose them?

Natural leather footwear for children at school is an excellent choice for many reasons. Firstly, leather is a naturally breathable material that keeps children's feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. This is particularly important for active students who spend a lot of time on their feet. Leather shoes also conform to the shape of the foot, allowing for natural movement and better support. In addition, leather footwear is durable and hard-wearing, helping to reduce the need for frequent shoe changes. Children, especially primary school children, are often exposed to cold or hot weather, so leather helps to maintain an optimal foot temperature. Natural leather is also a hypoallergenic material, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

2. Aesthetics and fashion trends

While functionality and comfort are the most important aspects when choosing a pair of sandals, aesthetics should not be overlooked. Children often like colourful, playful flip-flops with their favourite characters or bright details. It is important that the flip-flops not only suit the child's taste, but are also suitable for kindergarten or school. Often children tend to choose fashionable brands such as NIKE, NEW BALANCE and ECCO, but not everyone can afford them financially. We therefore recommend that you spend most of your time at school in very comfortable leather sneakers, not necessarily name brand.

3. Very easy to maintain school shoes

Finally, in order to ensure that your leather school shoes last as long as possible, it is important to maintain them properly. Natural material flip-flops should be cleaned regularly with special leather care products, while flip-flops with textile elements can be easily washed by hand. It is also important to allow the sandals to dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources that can damage the materials. We recommend that flip-flops and school shoes should only be worn with a genuine leather insole.

Thus, when choosing flip-flops for kindergarten or school shoes for children, it is essential to consider functionality, comfort and aesthetics. Quality leather sandals will not only ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the day, but will also contribute to the healthy development of their feet. It is important for parents to choose their flip-flops carefully, taking into account their flexibility, non-slip soles, tvi