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Choosing Children’s Shoes: Mechanical Considerations

If you let a child choose their own shoes you’ll probably be surprised by their choice, it will certainly look good, but it may not be the most practical option.

Of course, you may want to get your child shoes that look like yours, but this is also not necessarily the best option.

In fact, despite many children’s shoes looking very similar to adults, children do not have the same movements as adults. As children grow they need different shoes to ensure that their feet are properly supported; giving them the right footwear can help to avoid them having issues later in life.

It’s a lot of responsibility for any parent and the reason specialist shops like Garvalin, Australia exist.
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
The first thing to understand is that a shoe serves several roles:

       Protection

A long time ago humans didn’t wear shoes, but shoes are seen as an essential means of protecting feet from scrapes and other abrasions.

It’s worth noting that adult footwear is trending towards a more minimalistic look which has helped shoe manufacturers to re-evaluate what is important in a shoe.

       Support

The secondary role of any shoe is to provide support. This is especially important in children. A shoe should support the arch of the foot, but, this is only actually necessary in older children. Children under 4 aren’t active enough for the arch support to matter. Select shoes with arch support at this age can actually hinder the proper development of the foot.

However, plantar support is important from a very young age.  The loading pattern of a foot is relevant from when a child is as young as 2 ½ years old, which means a shoe should have cushioning under the heel.

It is also important for shoes to offer forefoot flexibility, the range of movement can be significantly different in children to adults, it’s essential to choose shoes that allow the forefront of their feet to move in all directions.

Once children hit 14-15 years old their feet will stop growing and their needs are effectively very similar to adults, allowing you to comfortably purchase adult shoes for them. At this stage, the important factors are motion control and support at the rear of the foot.
Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels

       Style


Although it can be argued that style is not very important in the correct development of feet. Style is an important consideration when you choose shoes and when your children are old enough to appreciate what they are wearing.

This is actually the reason that so many children’s shoes look similar to adult ones.

Additional Factors

By understanding the role of the shoe and how it supports your child’s foot and ongoing development, you can choose the right shoe for your child. But, you should also consider
these additional factors:

       Minimalistic Shoes

The current movement towards minimalistic shoes is actually a good one and worth considering for your child. Minimalistic shoes allow your child’s foot to develop more naturally, they are worth considering.

       Know Your Child

Your child may have a weak front foot, back foot, or a weak arch. You need to have a good look at their foot and even consult a pediatrician to ensure you identify weak areas and choose the shoes that give the right support.

We hope these tips will help you with your shoe buying process for your child.

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Is Your Child Wearing The Right Shoe Size?

Survey Finds That Minority of All Kids Wear the Right Shoe Size

Your kid’s cool Adidas sneakers may look great, but do they fit properly? Shoes that are too small put children at risk of foot deformities and other serious health issues. The bad news for parents; almost two thirds of all children are wearing shoes that are too small!
Blitzresults conducted a survey and found that 65% of all kids are wearing shoes that are too small. Of these, 47% are one size too small and 18% are even two. Only 35% are wearing the correct size and only 11% of those have “room to grow”.

Improperly fitting shoes can cause hallux valgus. This is a foot deformity, it happens when the big toe starts to angle inward, which causes a swollen lump just below the big toe. A study conducted by the National Health Institute found that almost 30% of children had irreversible foot deformities, like hallux valgus.

To help parents make sure they are buying shoes that fit their kids properly, keep the following advice in mind:

  • Go by the longer foot: The right and left foot are rarely the same length. A difference of up to half an inch is normal, that’s almost one whole shoe size. Therefore, parents should always go by the longer foot when buying shoes.
  • Don’t rely on the shoe size: Shoe manufacturers label shoes with standard sizes, the ones we all know. But, there is no mandatory industry standard for shoe sizing, so each brand will vary. Be sure to try on every shoe carefully.
  • Give ‘em room: Most parents are aware that feet need some room, but usually underestimate the actual room needed. At least ½ inch of additional room is optimal, it’s the only way kids can roll their foot properly when walking.
  • Do a regular check: Tim Lilling, expert at blitzresults.com, tells us that, "Because the sense of touch isn’t fully developed in children yet, they have a tendency to squeeze their feet into shoes that are much too small, they don’t even notice it. Therefore, parents must measure their children’s feet every 2 months." A measuring guide, useful conversion tools and a lot of information on how to choose shoes with the perfect fit can be found at https://www.blitzresults.com/en/childrens-shoe-size.

Unfortunately, many parents still use these "tricks" to judge whether shoes fit:

  • Trick: Hold shoe to foot. The shoe sole is held up to the child’s foot to estimate the size, but the length on the inside of the shoe can’t be estimated from the outside, and is often much shorter than you’d expect (lining, seams, foot bed). Better: Use an appropriate measuring device.
  • Trick: The thumb test. The thumb presses on the toe of the shoe to see how much room there is to grow. The problem; children often draw their toes up by reflex, so the foot is rolled under. It may seem like there’s enough room, although, in reality, the shoes are too small. Using the heel test is just as bad for judging free space in the heel. Many kids push their feet forward until their toes are crammed in. Better: Carefully feel your child´s foot inside the shoe. Place one hand on the front of the shoe, so the child can’t draw their toes up. Then, with the other hand, check the position of the toes. This way you can feel whether there is enough room to grow.
  • Trick: Size comparison using a stencil. The shape and size of the foot is traced and compared with the shoe sole, but this comparison is usually imprecise. Better: If there is a removable insole, take it out and place the foot on the insole, there should be 1/3 inch of space behind the heel and half an inch in front of the toes.
  • Trick: Asking them how it feels. Parents ask kids; "Does the shoe fit?" Unfortunately, the answer will likely be wrong. Often, the nerves in kid’s feet are not fully developed yet and their awareness of pain is clearly lower than an adult’s, so, kids don't realize if the shoe fits. Better: First and foremost, measure their feet.


Converters, measuring guides and tips and tricks to find the right size can be found here.

Main findings of the survey:


  • 65% of all kids are wearing shoes that are too small. Of these, 47% are one size too small and 18% are even two.
  • Only 35% are wearing the correct size, and only 11 % of those have room to grow.
  • Of the parents surveyed, 52% said they’d never measured their kid's foot length, but instead relied solely on sensorial and visual tests.


About the study:
2109 parents were asked about their kids’ foot length and shoe size. Afterward, special measuring devices and instructions on how to measure feet properly were given to the parents. The measurement values were used to calculate the actual shoe size, then these results were compared with the parents’ hit or miss values.

About BlitzResults.com:
BlitzResults is an open source educational platform with focus on science, consumer affairs and technology. A wide variety of tools, converters and checklists help users to calculate optimal results. All tools were created in collaboration with educational institutions and every info-graphic is licensed under creative commons and may be used free of charge in educational context.
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The Best Things to Wear With Leggings, Jeggings and those Skinny Jeans

They’re a classic part of our wardrobes at this point: leggings, jeggings, and skinny jeans. Basically, anything that doesn’t put a lot of fabric around our ankles and show off just how long our legs are. These are comfortable, fun, and tend to be easier to wear than anything else. However, it can get a little difficult to find something that you really want to wear with them.

Add Some Scrunched Up Hobo Socks
Looking for a little more warmth over your leggings or jeggings? Adding a great pair of socks at any length can make the look feel warmer and cozier. Go for the classic legwarmers look or just add a chunky pair of socks. There are so many options out there with great detailing, from buttons to lace.

Just make sure that you have some breathing room and that your socks are at the same height.

Dare to Go High with High Shafted Boots
How high are you willing to go? Since leggings, jeggings, and skinny jeans are all tight all the way up, it is easy to pair them with high shafted boots – go to the knee or to the thigh for a put together look. No matter what else you have on, these boots help you to look just a little more put together.

Have smaller legs? Add the socks mentioned above under the boots for a better fit and extra warm protection.


Don’t Be Afraid of Sky High Heels
Part of the reason we wear skinny jeans and leggings is because they make our legs look amazing – but so do high heels. When you pair a great pair of pumps with this type of legwear, you get a really amazing final look that will make you look leaner, taller, and more confident with every step that you take.

Make sure that if you are wearing leggings you use closed toe shoes – especially if you have a little bit that has to stick near the toe!

Classic, Cool, Country Cowboy Boots for Casual Days
One of the classic ways to wear your skinny jeans is with a great pair of cowboy boots. Whether you are going to a country concert, a music festival, Target, or even working outside, cowboy boots are always a lot of fun.

Just make sure that your belt and your boots match – no fashion faux pas.

Modern, Patterned Tunics Make a Perfect Pairing
Tunics have returned in a big way, and they have no sign of going away anytime soon. Whether you pick a simple tunic that skirts around your curves or you belt your tunics, they look great with a pair of leggings sticking out from under them. Mix and match styles for a fashion forward look or pair them with similar styles for a cohesive feel.

Even better, take one small element from the tunic and match it to your leggings or jeggings.

Under Your Boyfriend’s (or Husband’s Shirt)
Have to dressed in a hurry? Want to be comfortable? Take an oversized shirt from your husband or boyfriend (or buy one for yourself, this is 2017!) and throw it over skinny jeans, jeggings, or leggings. The different between the tightness on your legs and the bagginess of the shirt will make for great visual appeal. This is a great look for just hanging out around the house or spending lazy weekends running errands.

Just make sure he hasn’t left any stains on it!

Cute and Comfy Oversized Sweaters
Just like an oversized shirt, oversized sweaters are a great way stay comfortable and still look cute. For days when it is just a little chilly outside, adding an oversized sweater or even a hoodie can be a comfortable look.

Add sneakers to make the look more casual or high shafted boots to look a little bit like that famous pop singer…

Chic Belted Trench Coat For Rainy Days
Raining outside? Most of us reach for the skinny jeans or leggings on those days because they fit easily into our rain boots and they don’t get as wet if we step into a puddle. Throw a cute trench coat over for some more protection and a cute look. Add a belt to give your body more shape, especially if you have a longer trench coat.

Match your wellies and your trench coat and then go for a pop of color with your leggings if you are feeling fun.

Professionally Tailored Blazer At the Office
Want to be comfortable and casual but still look like a tough business woman? Add a nicely tailored blazer and a crisp shirt overtop your leggings or skinny jeans. This look is still approachable and comfortable but still professional enough. It is also a look that easily transitions from work to picking up the kids, going to coffee, or even going out.

With a Kicky Mini Dress
Have patterned leggings? Put them under a great solid mini dress and add a blazer for a look you can wear into the office. If you have solid leggings, you can put them under just about any dress to really set off the pattern and rich colors of the dress.

No matter what you do, make sure that you have a great selection of skinny jeans, leggings, and jeggings in your wardrobe. They come in many different colors, washes, styles, and levels of distressing, so you’ll have a great option for every event.

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9 Types of Shoes Every Woman Should Own (Guest Post)

Even though people say that diamonds are every woman’s best friend, Carrie Bradshaw, as well as thousands of other, will disagree and say that shoes are the one thing that really makes them happy. In this article we are going to look at the classic shoes a fashion sensitive woman should own.

    I.Pointed Pumps

The black pump can pull together any outfit. Choose a black suede or leather pump, combine it with a gray top and suede trousers, and you’re ready to go and take over the world.

    II. Ankle-Strap Sandals

A high heel shoe, adds style and comfort, lengthens your legs and can be combined with almost anything. Sandals are a great choice for the summer season!

    III. Ankle Boots

If you are looking for that little edge that you want to give to your look, ankle boots are an excellent choice to do that. Pair them with jeans or a black letter dress for a ‘wow’ effect.

    IV. Luxe Loafer

This shoe, initially menswear, is the excellent daily shoe. It’s flat and comfortable, slips easily and looks great on slimmed jeans.

    V. Animal-Print Heels

Every one of us needs to have an animal print in their closet. I know it’s not the everyday shoe that you are going to wear, but you will need them to pair with the gorgeous black dress you own.

    VI. Metallic Heels

Metallic heels are an excellent choice for an evening look. They are neutral, smooth, and add just the right amount of glamour for your night out. The great thing about them is that you can also rock them during day time. You can even use this aldo shoes coupon code for more savings.

    VII. Casual Sneakers

So far, we’ve mostly talked about heels and boots, but then again, what is a woman’s closet with a fashionable sneaker? They are perfect for the weekend and can be worn with both jeans and dresses.

    VIII. Flat Sandals

At this point you are probably looking at your wardrobe, thinking, well all of those are great, but none of them fit my cut-off shorts and flo-ral sundresses I bought for the summer. The flat sandals are perfect with pretty much anything and as we’ve already mentioned, look great with floral dresses! Go and check Revitalign Sandals for some great look-ing and extremely comfortable sandals.

    IX. Tall Flat Boots

Tall Boots will never go out of style. They are the essential go-to footwear for the fall and early spring. Just use them to add style to the t-shirt and jeans look or combine them with a short skirt and long coat, to add flair to your style.

Conclusion: Those are our top picks of shoes every woman should have in their wardrobe. This way, you will never be unprepared for any event, whether it be to just quickly jump to the store or by some lucky coincidence, the Oscars. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the list and if so, stay tuned for more great tips on fashion.

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The 7 Types of Boots Every Woman Should Have In Their Wardrobe This Fall

Knee high boots. Rain boots. Riding boots. Combat boots. Low boots. Thigh high boots. Black boots. Brown boots.

Overwhelmed yet? There are so many different kinds of boots on the market today that it can seem overpowering at times – what is the right boot to pick or do you have to buy 20 different pairs? Well, the true answer is that there really isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to the boot problem. However, you’re in luck because we have narrowed the number of boots to 7:



Overjoyed with Over the Knee

The shaft of your boot can go just about as high as you are comfortable with this fall – whether that means above the knee or all the way to your thigh.  Some people don’t think that boots that go over the knee can be comfortable, but a pair with added stretch or laces ensures a comfortable, tailored fit. Over the knee boots are a great option for those nights when you want to look a little more formal, but it is too cold to wear traditional high heels or strappy sandals.

It’s best to stay classic with black, brown, or gray for the fall, especially when you are wearing rich patterns and heavy fabrics. Over the knee boots look best with dresses and tunics with tights, though you can also pair them with jeggings. To double up on trends, over the knee boots in velvet are a splurge piece that you will cherish.

Comfortable Cowboy Boots

No matter what part of the world you come from, cowboy boots have a place at all fall activities. Fall is a huge time for music festivals, and cowboy boots while obviously great for country music, they fit right in and classic rock concerts too. They are also comfortable enough to go apple picking or pumpkin picking, and for a night around the bonfire.

You can’t go wrong with cowboy boots, during fall they are especially great with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into them or a great pair of simple tights or if it’s warm enough your favorite dress. Add in a denim jacket or a paisley scarf to continue with the theme, or do something completely out of the box and find a pair of boots with embroidery or glitter.

Ever Ready Lace Ups

Fall has a way of presenting us with opportunities to do many different activities at the drop of a hat – one moment you are going to a football game, and the next you are sitting on a hayride getting scared out of your mind. For fall, you will definitely need a pair of shoes that can “do it all” with you.

A simple, sturdy pair of lace up boots can cover just about any situation that you put them into. They are perfect to keep your toes warm while you find your way in a corn maze and still comfortable enough that you won’t have to worry about blisters.

Classic lace up boots come in black and brown, but many stores have them in deep cognac or burnt sienna. With the plethora of color options, they add an outdoorsy touch to your jeans or a hip look to your sweater tights.

Fashion-Forward Chelsea Boots

If you don’t recognize the name “Chelsea Boots,” don’t worry – not many people do. However, you will recognize the classic style and pattern of the boots. The iconic side panels make the shoe more comfortable when you are wearing it, thanks to the added elastic stretch, and the leather ensures that classic boot look that everyone loves.

Wear these when you will have a lot of walking to do but you still want to have a sleek, chic look. They are best paired with your favorite pair of dark colored pants.

Dutiful Duck Boots

Winter weather happens, even in the fall, and it is always a damper on your wardrobe to slip and break a heel (or an ankle). Classic duck boots are the newest “pretty ugly” trend to hit popular culture this year. While you won’t find them on all of the Paris runways, you will find them on people who do a lot of walking on treacherous grounds.

If you have to walk across ice to get into the office or there are puddles everywhere at the holiday parade, you won’t have to worry about slipping, wet socks, or even cold feet. These have extra insulation, extra tread, and added rubber.

Duck boots come primarily from L.L. Bean, but you can get them just about everywhere now that they have become popular again. These work best with slim-legged silhouettes, but they can work with just about everything as they are more purposeful than they are fashionable.

Rockin’ Rocker Boots

You’ve seen them on everyone from Juliette Louis to Steven Tyler, so you know that they are a little edgy but they still bring the comfort to have a good time and not worry about getting blisters or breaking a heel.

Rocker boots have thick, chunk heels that are about 2-3 inches high with no platform. They are usually made out of suede, though a few lines have recently shown them covered in glitter. While they might sound a bit outlandish, they are actually the perfect pairing for the rich patterns and materials you wear only in the fall. They look absolutely amazing with long skirts, jeans of all kinds, and even with dresses.

These boots aren’t for the faint of heart or those who aren’t willing to break out of their comfort zones – but they can work on every single woman.

Cozy Sock Boots

They make boots that are extended in the ankle, they make boots that are normal in the ankle, but what about those of us who have bony ankles? Boots that sag or sink down are never comfortable or chic, but for many people, it is the only option that we have if we want to wear boots.

These boots fit close to the ankle (but many pairs have stretch so just about everyone can wear them) and make a streamlined look. If you are the type of person who gets cold ankles or feet while you are walking outside to attend fall festivals or watching a game, then you will love that these shoes block all of that cold air from getting to your foot.

As these shoes are meant to be thin, you won’t want to stuff denim or leggings into them, so these require a look all of their own. Sock boots look best with wide legged trousers or on bare legs, if it isn’t too cold.

With these seven boots, you will be prepared for just about every situation you encounter this fall. You won’t have to worry about blisters, weak ankles, slipping, tripping, or cold feet. Instead, you will be able to enjoy the little things that make fall the best season of all.

Thank you Jennifer Monahan for this guest post. 
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Warm up those cold feet this winter with Heat Holders Thermal Socks (Giveaway)


Although winter is still not officially here, it certainly feels like it is in many parts of the country. Last week we saw lows in the 30's! I was listening to news reports about the wind chill in the mid-west, with temperatures in the -20's! Now that is cold! One of the things my kids always dramatically complain about the minute the mercury drops, is how freezing it is and how they may not make it through the winter. Both of my girls' rooms are downstairs and they are partially beneath the ground. This makes it cooler down there than it is upstairs. I find myself always saying, "Wear layers and put on socks". I received a couple pairs of Heat Holders thermal socks for review. They are supposed to be the warmest thermal socks. 
My daughters put them to the test. Their first impression when they slipped on the socks was, "Whoa, cozy!" Both girls couldn't believe how quickly their freezing feet warmed up. My older daughter likes to wear hers on days she has to wear her rain boots. They provide extra cushion and most importantly, warmth. She does a lot of walking around her college campus so Heat Holders have been a great asset to her feet. My high school daughter sent me a text last week telling me she couldn't wait to get home and slip into pajamas and her new favorite socks. She said it is like having mini heaters for her feet. Needless to say, Heat Holders work!

LEARN WHY HEAT HOLDERS ARE THE WARMEST:

Heat Holders® are the warmest socks ever! They are over 7x warmer than regular cotton socks and 3x warmer than ordinary thermal socks. They are better than heated, electric or battery operated socks because you can just put them on without fussing with batteries, wires etc. Heat Holders® means No more cold feet! They are made using a unique 3 step process which makes them the Warmest Thermal Socks! See the video below so you can learn what makes them so warm and comfortable!



Giveaway: One Momfiles reader will win a pair of Heat Holders thermal socks in their choice of color ( black, navy, charcoal, forest green, earth brown, denim, stonewash, red, raspberry, pink, indigo, deep fuchsia, light pink and purple) from the original line, ladies or men's ($15.99 value)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 14, 2013. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize.  Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
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Mom's fashion should be No nonsense

This post brought to you by No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being a mom is a tough job in itself, but being a mom who looks like she's got some sense of fashion sometimes seems impossible. For me, my fashion sense usually refers to wearing black, grey, denim and of course, black. My family often expresses how I need to add some color to my every day look. No nonsense tights and leggings  are an affordable and simple way to incorporate a splash of color. No nonsense tights and leggings can be easily found at food and drug stores as well as mass retail stores.This is great news especially if you are on a tight budget.  I created a look that takes my usual love of black and kicked it up with some purple tights. What do you think? I could see myself exploring different colors and looks with these fun tights. I plan to show my family that my wardrobe can consist of another color besides black!

No nonsense is teaming up with fashion expert Jill Martin to show women how to wear the latest trends that include colored tights and essential leggings. She will be very active on social media to give her tips and advice. I know I need to take some time to get some of her advice. I am turning 40 this year and really could use some fashion help! Check out the short video below:

Be sure to stay connect to No nonsense on Facebook and Twitter @benononsense for more ideas and fashion inspiration. 
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Go AWAY Spring!

I know everyone will think I am insane but I feel royally ripped off that winter really never happened this year. I really enjoy chilly days, sipping hot beverages,  wearing boots and sweaters and sitting by the fireplace. We burned one fire this year. One. I feel like I have to refrain from turning on the air conditioner because it is getting too warm in the house. If I open the windows we all start sneezing from all the pollen that is blowing in. I can't win.
I won these super cute boots by Crocs (who knew they made boots?) from Army Wife 101 and I don't think I will get to wear them this year. As a matter of fact I actually purchased some gorgeous black boots and have worn them maybe 3 times so far. I am truly a cold weather lover. I love open-toe shoes but it seems wrong to be wearing flip flops in February. I guess I better not complain. It beats being stuck in winter storms, right? I am so not looking forward to what the summer will be like. It scares me to think how hot it will be. Hopefully before the actual winter season is over we will be lucky enough to get a few cold days.

So what's the winter been like in your city?

Shelly, Mom Files
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