I used to
think that kids could get by with almost any old boot.
(They just outgrew them, or tore holes in the toes,
right?) Then I started selling boots...thirty years ago.
To sell them, you need to study them. Then, you talk to
a podiatrist or two, and a pediatrician or two. I spent
time with orthopedic guys, chiropractors, and all. You
might look at some of their little bones.
Then you
really understand that while they are growing, the
footwear they wear today will affect the health of their
feet, legs and backs for the rest of their lives. Buy
them a used warm coat at goodwill, but protect their
feet with the best you can afford. After all, we know
that "No hoof-No horse" rule. Are we taking
better care of our animals, than our children?
I didn't
think so. We all just need a good understanding, and
someone to trust in the area of kid's boots. Then we can
rely on them like we do the vet, the farrier, and the
auto mechanic. We can't all be experts at everything.
But, I can tell you that Cultured Cowboy extensively
looks at how our children's boots are made. There are
boots we will not sell.
Buying a good leather boot, the leather will form
fit, and stretch as the foot grows. (This is impossible
with "all plastic" shoes. They often warp with
heat and humidity, really messing with growing tendons
and tissues.)
We want your
children to have some growing room, but not grossly
oversized. We want to fit the arch of the foot. That
means the widest part of the boot matches the widest
part of the foot. There should always be adequate room engineered
into the toe of a boot, for growing, if the arch is
fitted. Mashing a toe is not a good way to fit your
child. Instead, if you can pull up just a little leather
at the arch, and rub a little sideways, there is room to
grow.
We get
hundreds of pictures of horse backs in our emails for
fitting saddles. If you have any doubt about fitting
your child's boots, call us and email some pics. Horses,
and children are better off barefoot, than with ill
fitting support. But their little toes get so cold! (Not
to mention remembering stepping on a pine cone.) We want the best for your family and
ours. So, we offer the best to you. God
Bless, CC.
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