Kio Trend Children's Shoes, Baby Steps Big Moments

Happy Tapping Elmo

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:09:27 +0000

Meet the owner, Kitty

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:27:51 +0000

Kitty is passionate about kids’ shoes and she’s definitely on the move. With a great eye for detail, her shoes are sure to set fashion trends with each season.

Kitty Qiu is an 18-year veteran of the North American shoe industry, a mechanical engineer by training, and a self-styled fashionable mom, by design.

She is founder of Kio Trend Kids’ Shoes and an expert on children’s footwear.

The first steps of a child mean so much – not only as a major achievement milestone in their physical development, but also a great leap forward in how they observe and interact with the world around them.

However, choosing the first pair of baby shoes is a daunting task for many new parents. There are many questions to consider: When do little babies need shoes? How often do they need new shows? How do I check for a good fit?

Well, take a look at our Kio Talk or Talk the Walk sections for information that’s relevant to you.

Production in China

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:26:17 +0000

Kitty has conducted a rigorous selection process to choose her network of suppliers and factories.

Her knowledge of the Chinese culture and language and her engineering training provides her with unique access and quality control on the factory floor.

Kitty works directly with the factory to ensure quality workmanship – from clean stitching to safe add-ons.

Shoe Design

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:25:58 +0000

Playful leather designs are sewn onto the shoes to add a fashionable look, that is safe for young children.

Padded and aerated insoles – breathable.

Clean Stitching – no rough ends.

Checking for problems

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:22:36 +0000

Are you buying shoes a couple of sizes larger – to save money, for fast growing feet?
This is risky because a child is likely to trip when the heel slips out the shoe. It may also cause foot problems.

Check for Problems in Fit – Look for Ripples on Leather Upper
A big ripple – the shoes are too wide. No ripple – the shoes may be too narrow.

Checklist for Signs of trouble

Limping?
Avoiding a shoe?
Redness of the foot?

Fitting Tests: Sitting, Standing and Running

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:09:58 +0000

Sitting Test
Extend the shoes as much as possible, twist them into your child’s feet and check if the heel fits well in the back. After fastening the shoes, hold gently your kid’s ankle and pull the shoes in the back to check if they slip easily.

Standing Test
Ask your child to fully extend both feet in standing position and make sure the toes are not curled up inside shoes and there’s no gap at the heel. Your child should always be able to wiggle toes comfortably inside shoes.

Running Test
Have your child do a couple of laps and ask if they feel comfortable.

Shoes shapes and measurement

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:06:25 +0000

Choosing the Shoe Shape
Kids’ shoes should look like their foot shape. Infant shoes must always be wide in the front and narrow in the back.

Measure their foot, in-store every time

Bring your child to the store for the best fit and test. Have your child’s feet measured every time you buy new shoes. Measure both of your child’s feet for proper fit.

How often do you need to buy new shoes for your child?

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:55:27 +0000

Before three years of age, children grow very fast. Their feet also grow around half a size every two or three months. So check monthly if your kids’ shoes still fit well. If your kid’s feet have calluses or blisters, or if the toe and heel areas of bottom areas of the shoes are worn, it’s time to buy new ones. From three to six years of age, children’s feet grow up half a size every four to six months.

When to buy your baby’s first pair of shoes?

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:53:46 +0000

Children have different foot care needs, from newborns to teens. Newborn babies do not have bones in their feet. Even tight socks may damage the cartilage which is surrounded by flesh. Pediatricians suggest that infants learn to crawl or walk barefoot before wearing their first pair of shoes. The only exception would be a pair of soft shoes that are loose around toes. It should simulate barefoot conditions, and bend easily. This will keep your baby’s feet warm and protected. Stay away from sneakers with thick soles because they are not soft enough.

Should my baby wear shoes when learning to crawl?

kitty — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:36:26 +0000

Infants grow very fast before they learn to crawl. Barefoot is still the best choice for natural foot development. However, keeping them barefoot is not always practical and you will need to protect your babies’ feet from bruises and scrapes from furniture or hard objects.

That’s where a pair of shoes with ample room for toe movements and flexible sole can help.