The cold weather is approaching, and in some regions it has already arrived. And of course, parents rush to take care not only of their health, but also of the condition of their children. It is known that there are a large number of nerve endings in the feet, and if the foot freezes, then a cold is not far away. After consulting with the older generation, they begin to lean towards choosing felt boots, because they became generally popular already in the eighteenth century and are traditionally made from felted sheep’s wool. However, modern ones are better and more practical.
Choosing felt boots for a child
In order for shoes to last a long time, they must be chosen correctly, so we do not recommend buying them in online stores. It is necessary to control the softness when choosing. Take the sock and the boot in your hands and bend them, these places should be soft. A product made by hand will be of better quality. The reason for this is the processing of wool in factories. GOST provides for acid, but the same cannot be said about the health benefits. A characteristic smell can give this away.So when you come to a factory store, don’t be shy and smell the felt boots.
If your child is of an understanding age, you will definitely instill in him independence and one detail that will contribute to this will be a shoe fastener. So a lock or Velcro should be feasible for the younger generation.
Material as previously mentioned, it must be natural. Even doctors recommend felt boots made from sheep wool, since such models evaporate moisture well and, accordingly, the feet will not sweat in them, thereby preventing the occurrence of fungal diseases. This will ensure that you can wear it even in the coldest places. For even more warmth, you can find shoes not only made of felt, but also with insulating fur inside. The insoles are often removed and washed separately.
Sole It can be made of polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer, but according to reviews there is no difference between them. Instead, there may be no sole at all. This happens with hand made products. There are galoshes that are worn over the top especially for them. By choosing transparent ones, you will preserve the original style of felt boots for a longer period. A plus to the side of galoshes is also the fact that after removing them, your shoes can be easily washed and dried from moisture on a radiator, and not just with special dryers.
Smell may reveal production features. We dealt with acid earlier, but in addition to it, we can also note the fumes. When you feel it, be sure that felt boots are fired in factories and this is not good. In very bad products you can “hear” the paint. It’s safer to buy a product with a natural color; besides, paint reduces the heating properties.
Appearance should be pleasant not only to you, but also to the baby. If he is already able to talk, then ask what colors he likes and how comfortable the shoes are.There are many options for appliqués and decorations, but first of all, pay attention to the quality of the roll. Will the felt boots fall apart, will shreds be visible after the first wash? Since there are several manufacturing methods (molding, glue, sewing), it is better to choose injection molding. It is considered to be the most wear-resistant.
Manufacturers there are many on the market. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the main ones.
- Russian production by NORDMAN. They use material from Europe and high-quality equipment. They are expensive, but guarantee heat retention down to -30. There is warm fur on the inside, and a rubber sock on the outside, which ensures longer wear, since the felt will remain intact longer. For convenience, there is a zipper on the side.
- Finnish quality guarantee from REIMA. Very popular among users thanks to the non-slip sole, which helps in icy conditions. They have Velcro and are easy to use.
- KAPIKA will be a great friend in slush and mud, because they are waterproof.
Color Any color is possible, but try to avoid anything unnaturally bright. Most likely, such dyes are dangerous and will leave their color on the child’s socks and pants.
Tips for choosing
There are several selection tips to make your search easier:
- Do not buy very high shoes, they will make it difficult for the child to move.
- With the expectation that your foot will grow and you will wear a wool sock, purchase a maximum of 1.5 sizes larger.
- Felt boots should fit snugly, but some companies still produce them very wide.
- A small heel on the sole will only help when walking.
- Beware of rough seams.
- Choose a lightweight model.
- Don't forget about care in the summer.
We wish you happy shopping!