Improper shoes, both in size and shape, are the number one reason behind foot-related problems, with 60% of kids losing some anatomical health in their feet by age six. Given that the bones in a child’s foot do not fully develop and harden until at least age 13, the shoes that your child wears in the early years are incredibly important.
Ten Little shoes differ from the majority of kids’ shoes on the market, which are often mini versions of adult shoes with narrow, tapered toe boxes and raised, chunky outsoles, which can negatively impact gait and posture. We prioritize a natural shape in our barefoot-friendly shoes, which we designed in collaboration with doctors to support healthy development. Our shoes have flat, flexible outsoles for optimal ground feedback and natural gait, and a wide, foot-shaped toe box with plenty of wiggle room for toes to splay. Children’s feet are not just smaller versions of adult feet, so their shoes shouldn't be smaller versions of adult shoes either!
In addition to the right shape, the right size is also key to a healthy fit. 2 out of 3 kids are wearing the wrong shoe size. Wearing shoes that are too small as well as too big can adversely impact foot development and movement.
Every brand has different sizing, and it is difficult to tell if your child’s shoes fit well or when they may be ready to size up. We make it easy for parents to find their child’s correct shoe size seamlessly, now and later, using our Fit Finder Quiz, our Printable Fit Finder, and our Signature Fit Finder. When it’s time to size up, we make it easy to verify your child’s fit with our removable cheetah insoles and the size chart in our shoe boxes. We also offer size-up text and email reminders for when your little one might be ready to graduate to the next size. If you have any questions about sizing or size-up notifications, please email us at hello@tenlittle.com.