FAQ

Q: When will my child start walking?
A: The average age for walking ranges from about 10 to 18 months. However, this can vary either way. The most important thing is not to force a child to walk before he/she is ready.

Q: When should my child be fitted with his first pair of shoes?
A: Your toddler will not need shoes until he/she is walking unaided. Generally speaking this will occur at approximately 4 weeks after your toddler has started taking his/her first steps. At Tammy’s we stock a range of very soft pre-walking shoes which offer toddlers protection.

Q: Where should I go to buy my child's shoes?
A: Only buy from shops with a fully trained children's shoe fitting staff. It is very important that you choose a retailer who stocks whole and half sizes and offers a choice of width fittings. Never buy shoes for your child without him/her being present and never hand down shoes from one child to the next.

Q: What does being a Clarks Platinum Specialist mean?
A: Clarks Platinum Specialists are an extremely select group of fitting experts who guarantee a complete fitting service and offer a comprehensive range of Clarks styles and width fittings.

Platinum assures total care for your children’s feet

Q: What happens when First Shoes are fitted?
A: Our Trained Fitters understand that buying first shoes is a great milestone for parents and their children. Firstly, a fitter at Tammy’s will measure both of your child's feet. (Never get stuck on a child's shoe size because it will vary from make to make and style to style.)

Then, she will determine the parent's preferences and advise the parent which styles are the most appropriate. Then she will carefully guide the toes into the chosen shoes and fasten them securely. Your child will need to stand so that she can feel around each shoe to check that it fits comfortably across the toe, instep, ankle and heel. The Trained Fitter will then watch your child walk to see that the shoes are not slipping.

This process can take about 20 - 30 minutes. For a first fitting, we recommend that you try to visit the store during a week day when it is less busy.   We are quieter during school hours.

Q: Which shoes are suitable for my toddler?
A: Never buy shoes for children 'off the shelf' without a proper fitting service. Look for shoe shapes that closely resemble the natural shape of the foot. In a toddler this is wide at the toe and narrow at the heel. The inside edge should be straight to avoid pressure on the big toe and they should fit snugly around the heel.  Buy shoes made from, and lined with, natural materials - for instance, leather.

This will allow the feet to breathe, will mould to the feet and offer safe, gentle protection. Choose a shoe with an effective fastener across the instep so that your child doesn't curl his toes to keep them on. Look for soles that are lightweight, flexible and non-slip with cushioning. In older children, heels should not be too high.

Q: Why are width fittings so important?
A: Less than 30% of children have 'average' width feet. To allow the healthy development of all young growing feet, it is obvious that a wide choice of width fittings is essential.

Q: How often should I have the Fit checked?
A: Children up to the age of 3 years old should be checked every three months. From 3 years old and onwards, a 6 monthly check is sufficient.  

Q: Why did my child measure differing sizes in two different shops?
A: Fitting is an art as well as a skill. It requires several years of experience and training to become an expert Fitter. Being Clarks Platinum fitting experts at Tammy’s we pride ourselves on having the highest fitting standards and the best fitting team in Queensland.

Q: My child appears to have a walking/foot problem. What shall I do?
A: In the first instance consult your doctor. If necessary your doctor will refer you to either an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Podiatrist. If you are not happy with your doctor's advice get a second opinion.

Q: Is it usual to have two feet exactly the same size?
A: Many children have one foot bigger than the other. Generally the difference is slight and does not require the parent to buy two pairs of shoes. A Trained Fitter knows to gage the fit based on the largest foot.

Q: At what age is fit no longer vital?
A: Even when your child's foot looks more like an adult's, it is still growing and vulnerable. Children's feet stop growing at approximately mid teens and until then the correct shape and fitting is as vital as ever.



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