Ah, the pitter-patter of tiny feet. But are they pitter-pattering in the right shoes?
This week, we’re visiting a shop in Guelph that specializes in children’s footwear. The shop is called SoleKidz, and is owned and managed by Kim Ryan, herself the mother of three children.
Not only is Kim aware of the importance of proper footwear, she’s totally passionate about it!
SoleKidz is a bright, friendly store, which offers a warm welcome. The wall displays immediately draw the eye to the amazing selection of quality shoes in sizes from infant to size six youth (equivalent to size 6 men’s or size 8.5 women’s).
There are some toys to keep the little ones occupied, and special stickers for the kids once they’re done!
When it comes to style, SoleKidz carries a fantastic range of shoes for all seasons, in a wide range of designs that are sure to please the most fashion-conscious youngsters. They have colours, they have sparkles and they have lights!
They have a selection of adorable boots, a superb selection of running shoes, and dozens of cute sandals.
They carry well known names like Stride Rite, Birkenstock, Saucony, New Balance, Keen, Bogs, Geox, and Tsukihoshi, just to name a few.
SoleKidz even carries shoes designed to accommodate orthotic inserts.
Upon arrival at the store, the child’s feet will be measured by staff. Both feet are measured, since our feet are not always the same size! The feet are measured with the child seated. This allows for a more consistent measurement from one visit to the next.
You might be surprised to learn that a baby’s feet are mostly cartilage, and have very little hard bone in them. This makes them more vulnerable to damage from ill-fitting shoes. The foot bones continue to form right through childhood, which is another reason to make sure your children wear shoes that fit properly as their feet develop – not too tight, and not too large.
The growth rate of a child’s foot is impressive, especially in the first two to three years of life. During this period, a child’s feet can grow up to a full size every three months. That’s why it’s so important to ensure the growth is unhindered, and that the child’s shoes fit properly to allow for a comfortable and healthy development.
At SoleKidz, the highly trained staff measure the child’s feet in order to ascertain the suitable size and fit. Once the shoe is on, the staff will check the fit by feeling where the child’s foot sits in the shoe. A fit with the widest part of the foot in the widest part of the shoe will ensure that the shoe functions ergonomically and flexes with the child’s foot. They create a chart for each child, which keeps track of sizes, growth spurts, and style preferences.
Each time the child returns for new shoes, the chart is updated. Why is this necessary? Well, although they may vary with each child, these spurts actually have a pattern. This pattern can be ascertained from the chart, which then provides an indicator for when the next growth spurt is likely to occur. It’s a useful reference tool for staff and parents alike, since it can project an estimate of when the child may require a new fitting.
Customers are always afforded the highest level of service. No one is rushed; everyone is treated with the best attention. SoleKidz has acquired a large and loyal following. If the store is busy, it’s well worth the wait.
Although footwear is their main focus, SoleKidz also carries a selection of seasonal outerwear, as well as some fun “back to school” accessories, such as cute lunch packs that the kids will love!
SoleKidz takes the worry out of buying shoes for your children. You can rest easy knowing that those little feet are comfortably ensconced in shoes that fit properly, in a style that meets with your child’s approval!
SoleKidz is located in the Campus Estates Plaza in Guelph (Harvard and Gordon Street), so it’s easy to find and there’s loads of parking.
SoleKidz
35 Harvard Rd, Unit 22
Guelph, ON
N1G3A2
Tel: 529-827-0614
info@solekidz.ca
www.solekidz.ca
Store Hours:
Mon – closed
Tue 10am – 6pm
Wed 10am – 6pm
Thu 10am – 8pm
Fri 10am – 6pm
Sat 10am- 5pm
Sun 12pm – 4pm
