From The Straits Times    |


GOOD OUTER SOLES
Shoes with good outer soles provide protection on different surfaces, from rough concrete to slippery tiles, giving your kids the confidence to run without the fear of slipping and falling. Look for rubber outer soles with studs for a better grip.

THIN INNER SOLES
These allow the feet to perceive movement and the force of impact, to keep the entire body balanced during play. With thin innersoles, your child’s feet can feel and absorb ground forces in every step.

SOFT, BREATHABLE UPPER MATERIAL
The upper is the part of the shoe that covers the foot, from toe to heel. Hard materials don’t allow for good ventilation, making the shoes uncomfortable after a while.

WIDE TOE BOX
This allows the toes enough room to spread out. A narrow toe box restricts toe movement. Your child should have space to wiggle his toes.

NEUTRAL SHOE BASE
The base of the shoe should not have a slope or a higher platform on any side, to make for ease of running.

FLEXIBLE STRUCTURE
The shoe should bend according to the foot’s movements, allowing a natural toe-off motion from the ground during walking or running. You can also bend the shoe with your hands to check – if it’s too unyielding, that may be a sign that it isn’t as flexible.

This article was first published in August 2015.