Secondhand Kids Shoes: What You Need to Know from a Pediatric PT
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
7 Things to Look For in a Toddler Shoe
Shoes for New Walkers: A Pediatric Physical Therapist's Guide
How to Measure A Toddler’s Shoe Size
Shoes for Chunky Toddler Feet
I will never forget the summer that my daughter went through three shoe sizes in three months. We went from a fresh new pair of kicks to quickly pivoting to secondhand, yet I felt so lost on how to judge a good secondhand shoe. I’m hopeful these tips will help you buy shoes secondhand with confidence (and some savings too!)
Know your little one’s shoe size but be prepared to test in-store. So many brands have different sizing charts, so a size 4 in one brand may be a size 5 in another.
Slip the shoes on your sweet babe and have them stand up (remember, unless they're independently standing and walking, they don't need to be in shoes like this, they should be in a soft-soled moccasin where able).
Use your thumb or pointer finger to feel on top of the shoe where each toe is. This isn't the easiest thing in the world to do, but take the time to push your finger on either side of each toe to ensure there's adequate space. Observe how they look in standing--do their feet look scrunched or uncomfortable? Do they act like it's painful? Some resistance to shoe-wearing at first can be common: they've never worn shoes, after all. But you know your child best--trust your gut. If it's telling you it's not a proper fit, try a different size or a different shoe style.
Look for uneven wear: This is quite possibly the biggest thing to look for aside from proper fit. Notice in the photo below how the right shoe has less sole on the inside. This means the kiddo who wore them before compressed that side of the shoe. We don’t want to purchase shoes like this because it could affect your little one’s walking pattern!
3. Know tried and true brands to look for: When you’re not just going in digging for any shoe in the bin, it helps to streamline your process (especially if your kids are like mine and are quickly pulling toys off the shelves which somehow are conveniently located near the shoes in our secondhand shop). Below are tried and true brands that are consistently made well and made to withstand the wear and tear of your toddler’s day :) Bonus: they also have great resale value so if you end up purchasing new, be sure to sell to your local consignment or on Buy/Sell/Trade groups.
Brands I love as a Pediatric PT are:
Keen (if looking for a durable summer shoe that protects against sharp lakeside rocks)
New Balance (their first walkers primarily, their other shoes are too thick IMO)
Here’s my Spring + Summer Shoe Guide and my Back to School Shoe Guide for reference!
