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Kids Shoes - Our step by step guide

At Donaghys we have the widest range of kid's shoes across over 20 brands to suit all sizes and styles. From prewalkers and toddler's shoes right up to children's shoes we have a variety of trainers, boots, wellies, slippers and sandals to suit every season. 

Established in 1960 by Eileen and Peter Donaghy we are proud to be renowned as the largest retailer in Ireland for kid's shoes. Since our founding days, Eileen and Peter instilled a passion for the careful development of kids' feet. They witnessed first-hand the variety of issues which can arise in children, teenagers and adults from wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear. 

  • Did you know - 70% of people suffer with adverse foot problems from wearing ill-fitting shoes during childhood* - the most crucial time of foot development.

Hello World

When your little one enters this world their bones are not fully developed. A baby's foot begins as cartilage which as they grow only finishes turning into bone when they are approximately 18.

It’s important to look after their feet through these few simple steps: 

  • Trim their toenails straight across, but don't cut them too short. This will prevent ingrown toenails which can be very painful.
  • If you're at baby massage classes, use the techniques to gently massage your babies feet which helps them get used to their feet being touched and cared for. 
  • Try and let your baby be barefoot as much as possible to give their feet freedom to grow. 
  • Always check their baby grows and socks to ensure they are nice and big, giving their toes lots of wiggle room. 
  • Cotton is key on babies' feet as it allows the air to circulate around their skin. 

Let’s explore

As your baby grows so does their muscles and movement. All children develop at different stages, some may crawl, bum shuffle or even surprise you and go from sitting to walking. To help your toddlers' feet develop and give them the best support for exploring we would recommend prewalkers as their first shoes. 

Pre-walkers - 

Trust your gut, if you notice your little one's movement starting to increase it’s time for prewalkers. 

  • These have flexible lightweight soles which give your toddler grip and support without restricting their growth. 
  • Come in a variety of width and sizes to best suit your toddlers individual needs. 
  • Made out of leather, cotton or synthetic materials will keep the feet cool and allow their skin to breathe. Will be easily accessible and secure on the foot. 

Toddler Shoes - 

Now your toddler is walking or nearly walking it’s time for their first toddler shoes

  • These will have a rubber and flat supportive sole.
  • Provide additional support to the toddler's ankle.
  • Make out of a natural material to help the skin breathe, preventing fungal infections. 
  • Will be easily accessible and secure on the foot.
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Time to visit us?

Now you have learnt more about the importance of correctly fitting shoes here’s what happens in our store: 

  • Visit our store and come down to our kids section where one of our experienced team will look after you. 
  • Our staff receive over 12 hours of training each year and they are experts in measuring your toddlers or child's feet. 
  • You and your child will be asked to sit on our comfy seat ensuring the little one is sitting upright. 
  • We will gently place the foot in a gauge which will measure the length and width of the foot. Don’t worry if your little one gets a bit upset by this. It’s a new experience and our team will be there to keep them calm and relaxed. 
  • When you have chosen a selection of shoes which you like we will let the toddler try the shoe on to check it’s fit. 
  • Brand sizes vary which is why it’s important that we check it’s fit all around the foot using a variety of techniques. 
  • When you and your little one have picked your shoes we will take you to the till. 
  • If it’s your little one's first shoes we will give you a little photo frame as a keepsake to place their picture on. 
  • We recommend getting your toddlers feet measured every 3-4 months as toddlers feet grow approximately 1 size every 4-6 months. 

Our First Shoe Brands:

Donaghy Shoes Registered office 25-31 Newry Street, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 3EA, Registered in GB. Company Registration Number NI613874 VAT no. 253217384
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