Children are usually very hard on their saddle shoes and as a result, they tend to wear them out much more quickly than others. It is the moral responsibility of the parents, to constantly monitor the  children's shoes and inspect them for uneven wear, stressed seams, holes in the soles, etc.            

The first indication of improper fitting of the saddle shoes is that, they start to bulge out from the sides and toes curving upwards. Finding this, one must immediately change their saddle shoes.

One must follow these tips while shopping for kid's saddle shoes:

• Shopping for shoes must be done either in the afternoon or evening, because during the day the feet swell and the shoes will fit differently in the afternoon than in the morning.
• Always measure the children's feet each time before buying saddle shoes. The child's feet should be measured while standing and should always have both feet measured since one foot will usually be larger than the other. Always buy shoes to accommodate the larger foot.
• While fitting the shoe to the child, leave approximately a half inch of gap between the end of the shoe and the edge of the child's toes. At the same time do not buy shoes that are more than one size too large for child. Buying shoes that are too big can cause child's foot to slip within the shoe and make them trip. Also, be sure that the heel of the shoe rests comfortably around the back of the foot while at the same time, not too tight.
• Buy such saddle shoes for children that have laces so that they can be adjusted and tightened properly. Also, buy children's shoes from breathable materials such as canvas to help alleviate odor and promote comfort.
• Saddle shoes for children must have flat bottoms and sturdy, flexible soles with a patterned grip to prevent slipping.
  

Signs Of Improper Fit:

• toe of shoes are curled or excessively worn
• soles are worn unevenly
• heels are run over
• upper part of shoe bulges over the sole
• heel counter is broken down
• child's toes have worn pockets into the shoe lining
• child complains of hurting feet or legs
• child has corns, calluses, or blisters on feet

            Saddle shoes fitting correctly are comfortable from the start and do not need "breaking in." Consider the following points, while the  child is being fitted:
Length:
            ½ to ¾ inch longer than the longest toe. Let the child stand straight, so each foot equally supports the body weight. Press the end of each shoe with the thumb to test for adequate length.
Width:
            Each toe should have space to assume a natural position on the sole of the shoe. Widest part of the shoe should fall at the widest part of the foot. As the child stands in the new shoes, one must be  able to pinch a small crease in the leather between thumb and forefinger.
Toe Height:
            The toe of the shoe should be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the foot without pressing down on the toes or pinching them.
Length from Heel to Ball:
            The main support of the foot is across the ball or widest part of the foot. If the shoe is correctly fitted, the ball joint of the foot and the arch above the shoe meet at the same point. The arch of the foot rests comfortably on the full length of the shoe shank. To check the heel-to-ball length, have the child walk across the room. Make sure there are no excess puckers or wrinkles in the shoe near the ball of the foot.
Instep:
            The instep should be full enough to permit freedom of movement. If the instep is the proper width, the shoe will not pull or strain across the top of shoe or lacing.
Heel:
            The heel should be snug enough to hold the foot without being tight. One should not be able to insert a finger between the heel and the back of the shoe. Check to see that the back of the shoe does not cut into the heel of the foot. The side of the shoe should not rub on the ankle bone.
Shape of Shoe: