For children, determining the correct shoe size is particularly important. Otherwise, if shoes are too small, their feet can be permanently deformed, and the resulting damage is irreversible. Conversely, shoes that are too large are also problematic, as the child's foot may not have sufficient support.

Key points at a glance:

• Special fit for children, women, and men: VADO works with shoe lasts specially developed for children, women, and men, which address the anatomical differences between feet.
• Size differences: VADO shoes generally run true to size, but there may be slight variations depending on the specific model and category. Compared to other brands, VADO shoes, especially the GTX models, tend to run smaller. Many customers therefore choose half to a full size larger, with the VADO two-width system providing additional flexibility here.
• Often run smaller: VADO shoes with GTX differ from other brands in that they are usually more compact. A general recommendation is to choose the larger shoe size if in doubt or when dealing with half sizes.
• Size charts for online shoe purchases: To find the perfect size, every product page features "Fit & Size Charts" for first-walker shoes, children's shoes, women's shoes, and men's shoes. VADO also offers a measuring sheet for children's feet to print at home.

Every foot grows at a different rate, but one thing is certain: little feet grow quite fast. On average, children's feet are estimated to grow 1 to 1.5 millimeters per month. That's more than 1 cm a year – quite a lot, isn't it?

With VADO shoes, you can easily remove the insole, place your child on it, and directly read from the markings on the sole whether the shoes still fit.

Generally, it is recommended to check the shoe size of little ones at the following intervals:

• 0 – 3 years: every two months
• 3 – 6 years: every two to three months
• 6 – 10 years: every four to five months

All VADO shoes are equipped with a removable footbed that can be machine washed at 30°C, and with the typical VADO midsole. This can also be removed when the feet have grown, to extend the wearing time – or when space is needed for orthopedic insoles.

In short: Yes, unfortunately. A child's body is still growing. The younger the child, the softer their bones. Children's feet are very sensitive and prone to deformities if they wear the wrong footwear.

Children's shoes that are too small or tight can therefore deform a child's foot – as can a shoe's poor footbed. In the long run, this leads to misalignments. On the other hand, children's shoes that are too big can also cause postural damage. Footwear that is too loose, in which the child's toes have to "clench," can also lead to long-term deformities of the child's foot. The unnatural posture can result in damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

The right size with a cardboard template? Of course! Only with us it's not so complicated.

On our website, you can find a measuring sheet to print out here, which your child can stand on so you can determine the perfect size for shoe shopping. Please let your child walk a few steps in socks beforehand so their feet can stretch completely. Then choose a smooth spot on the floor that forms a right angle with a wall, door, or baseboard. Use tape to fix the measuring sheet from our website to the floor. First, loosen the sock at your child's toes to create some space.

The rest is easy: place both feet on the measuring sheet, push heels against the wall, stretch toes, and stand up straight. Then take a book or ruler on its side and guide it parallel to the longest toe onto the measuring sheet. Now mark the length on the side and write down the result in centimeters (cm). You have now together determined the perfect size for the new children's shoes. With these values, you should be able to buy children's shoes online without difficulty and soon bring great joy to your little one.

Please note: You do not need to add 12 mm to the determined value. Growth allowance and room for growth are already included in children's shoes, so you no longer need to do that. If your child has a growth spurt, please remove the gray midsole in the children's shoe.