Choosing the right shoes for your child is a decision that has a significant impact on the comfort, safety and healthy development of their feet. Parents often wonder which fastening will be better for their child - laces or Velcro? Both types of fastening have their advantages, which can be important at different stages of a child's development and depending on their activity and personal preferences. Below is a comparison of lace-up and Velcro shoes to help you make the best decision.
Velcro shoes – comfortable and quick to put on
Velcro shoes are a popular choice among parents of preschool and early school-age children. With a simple Velcro fastening, a child can put on and take off their shoes on their own, an important step on the path to independence.
Advantages of Velcro Shoes
- Easy to put on and take off – Velcro allows the child to quickly put on and take off shoes, which is especially practical in kindergarten or school. The child does not have to master the difficult art of tying shoelaces yet.
- Independence – children feel more independent when they can put their shoes on without the help of adults. Velcro allows them to acquire this skill faster, which has a positive effect on their development.
- Safety – no laces coming undone means less risk of tripping. Children are active and running around a lot, so no loose parts that could get tangled is important.
- Adjusting the shoe width – Velcro allows you to easily adjust the width of the upper, which is beneficial for children with different foot widths.
Disadvantages of Velcro Shoes
- Less precise fit – Velcro shoes may not offer as tight a fit to the foot as lace-up shoes, which can affect stability during intense activities.
- Durability of Velcro – Velcro can lose its grip over time, especially if it collects dirt and dust. For children who use their shoes a lot, frequent maintenance or replacement of Velcro may be necessary.
- Limited choice for older children – Velcro shoes are more popular for younger children, so older children may have a smaller selection of shoes with this type of fastening.
Summary: Velcro shoes are a convenient solution for younger children who are learning independence. They are safe, easy to use and allow for quick adjustment of the shoe width. They are ideal for children of preschool and early school age.
Lace-up shoes – better fit and foot support
Lace-up shoes are a classic choice, especially for older children who need stable footwear for longer periods of time. Shoes with this type of fastening provide a better fit to the foot and can be used at different stages of a child's development.
Advantages of lace-up shoes
- Better fit – thanks to the laces, the shoes can be tightly fitted to the foot, providing better support and stability. This is especially important for older children who are more physically active.
- Ankle stabilization – properly tied laces can provide greater ankle stability, which is important when practicing sports and intense activities.
- Greater durability – laces are more durable than Velcro and can be easily replaced if worn out. For children who quickly wear out their shoes, this may be a good solution.
- A wider range of models – for older children and teenagers, lace-up shoes are definitely more accessible. They can be found in sports, elegant and everyday models.
Disadvantages of lace-up shoes
- Need to know how to tie shoelaces – for younger children, lacing shoes can be difficult and time-consuming, so Velcro shoes are better for preschool children.
- Risk of laces coming undone – laces can come undone during activity, which can lead to tripping. For children who are constantly on the move, it is worth choosing models with additional lace protection.
- Time to put on and take off – Lace-up shoes take longer to put on, which may not be practical for a child who needs to change shoes quickly, such as at school.
Summary: Lace-up shoes provide better fit and stability, so they are perfect for older children and teenagers who are more active. For this reason, they are especially recommended for sports shoes and longer outings.
What shoes should you choose for your child?
The choice between Velcro and lace-up shoes depends primarily on the child's age, activity level, and the occasions for which the shoes are to be worn.
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For younger children (3-7 years old) : In this age group, Velcro shoes are the best option because the child can easily put them on and take them off on their own. Velcro allows for quick adjustment and security, which is important in preschool and early school age, when children are very active and change clothes often.
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For older children (8+ years) : Older children who have already mastered the skill of tying their shoes can use lace-up shoes. Laces provide them with more support, which is especially important during sports or longer walks. Lace-up shoes are also suitable if the child is attending more formal occasions.
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For kids who play sports : No matter their age, active kids can benefit from well-fitting lace-up shoes that offer better stability and support for the foot during intense activities. Laces prevent the foot from sliding inside the shoe, which can help avoid injuries.
Summary: Laced or Velcro?
- Velcro shoes are a convenient option for younger children, allowing independence, quick putting on, and safety. They are ideal for everyday walks, play in kindergarten, and school.
- Lace-up shoes provide better fit, support and stability, making them suitable for older children and teenagers who need sturdy footwear for sports and everyday activities.
Each type of shoe has its own advantages and may be a better choice in different situations. The key is to match the shoe to the child's age, activity, and occasion to provide full comfort, safety, and support.
