Buying toddler shoes second hand?

[wishIwasonholiday10]

What do people think about buying toddler shoes secondhand? Is it OK to just buy some in the same brand and width but a size bigger than what is currently being worn? Usually I like to buy things that are expensive but don’t get used for long secondhand from a good brand but I’m a bit worried about getting the fit right even though I have one of those measuring gauges. That said I’m not sure how great local shops are at fitting toddler shoes either. We only have Clarks and John Lewis here and both gave different sizes when we brought DD’s first shoes (both staffed by teenagers who didn’t inspire confidence at the weekend).

I bought the start rite measuring gauges and DIY at home. They have loads of info if you’re unsure. Needs must during covid and actually it’s remarkably simple, to the point I was annoyed I hadn’t discovered it sooner and have carried on! Sizes are pretty typical too so I use them as a guide for ordering say Nike trainers online too then just do a quick fitting check at home when they arrive. I’ve never got a fitting wrong so it really is easy!

Shoes are the one thing I wouldn’t buy second hand as they shape and mould to the previous owner’s feet. The exception being if they come from a friend who I know is being honest when they say they were worn twice before DC had an unexpected growth spurt!

Measuring guide link
In case it helps!

I generally like their main shoes to be new, because as @InTheRainOnATrain says, they mould to the wearer's foot. Wearing shoes that have moulded to someone else's foot and with the sole worn to someone else's gait is not great for anyone, but particularly bad for a toddler whose foot bones are still soft and their gait and balance are still developing. I've heard barefoot-friendly shoes are less bad for this, but I'd still avoid anything at all clearly worn.

Shoes for more occasional wear, sandals, party shoes, etc., I will buy secondhand if clearly very lightly worn (look at the soles and ideally the inside). I've also sometimes bought a back up pair secondhand, like during potty training, but then the risk is that little one decides they like those better and wants to wear them every day!

I'm a trained Clarks kids shoe fitter & spent 2 years in their kids department fitting shoes. I buy my kids shoes second hand. It's not rocket science. Check for width & growth & you'll be fine.