Once your little one is up and about, everyday life becomes an adventure. A walk to the shops, a morning at nursery or a trip to the park can mean plenty of opportunities to move, play and explore.
Choosing their next pair of shoes should feel reassuring, not confusing. You want something comfortable and flexible, with a fit that gives growing feet the room they need without feeling loose.
At North Shoes, we’re a small, family-run business with over 150 years of shoe-fitting experience. We’re here to help you find the right pair - and to let you know when the shoes your child already has are still doing their job.
What is Pepino by Ricosta?
Pepino is Ricosta’s range for younger children. Our collection in EU sizes 18–28 includes shoes, boots and sandals for different seasons and everyday adventures.
Ricosta has been making children’s footwear for generations, with styles designed to provide comfort, flexibility and support for developing feet. For toddlers moving on from their first pair, choosing the next shoes is still about finding the right fit for their individual feet - not simply buying the next size up.
Softer, flexible soles for little feet on the move
One of the features we like about Pepino shoes is their softer, flexible soles. Rather than feeling stiff underfoot, they allow the shoe to bend as your child moves.
That flexibility is worth looking for when choosing everyday toddler shoes. Little ones spend their days walking, crouching, getting back up and changing direction, and their footwear needs to move comfortably with them.
But flexibility is only part of the picture. A soft, flexible shoe still needs to fit well around the heel and across the foot. Buying extra-large shoes for growing room can leave your child with a pair that feels loose rather than comfortable.
A helpful fit check: Pepino’s removable insoles
It isn’t always easy to work out where a toddler’s toes finish inside a shoe. Pepino’s removable insoles offer a useful way to take a closer look.
The insoles have two guide lines, with “OK” marked between them. With the insole taken out of the shoe, you can stand your child on it and see where their toes reach.
To check:
- Remove the insoles from both shoes and place them on a flat surface.
- Help your child stand on them, with each heel positioned correctly at the back.
- Check where the longest toe on each foot comes to in relation to the lines.
You want their toes to sit between the two lines, in the “OK” area.
- Before the first line: the shoes are too long.
- Between the lines: their toes are within the indicated length range.
- Over the second line: the shoes are too short.
This is a helpful check of length, rather than a complete fitting assessment. Once the insoles are back inside, you still need to check how the shoes fit when fastened and how your child moves in them.
Fit is about more than length
Two children wearing the same size may need quite different shoes. Width, depth and the overall shape of the shoe all matter, too.
A well-fitting pair should feel secure without squeezing. When your child tries them on, take time to check the fit across the foot and around the heel, rather than concentrating only on the space at the toes.
Let them walk around in both shoes. Look for any slipping or rubbing, and notice whether they seem comfortable moving in them. If something doesn’t look or feel right, we’re always happy to offer advice.
Fastenings that help you adjust the fit
Our Pepino styles have riptape or lace fastenings, with some boots featuring a combination of zip and lace.
Riptape straps are practical for everyday putting on and taking off, while allowing you to adjust how securely the shoe sits around the foot. Laces also allow adjustment, helping you find a comfortable fit.
With zip-and-lace boots, use the laces to get the fit right first, then use the zip for easier access. Whichever fastening you choose, undo it properly before putting the shoes on and readjust it once your child’s foot is inside.
When should you check the fit again?
Children’s feet can change quickly. We recommend checking their shoe fit every two to three months, and sooner if they seem uncomfortable or you notice a change.
A shoe that fitted perfectly a few months ago may no longer offer the space your child needs. Equally, a fit check doesn’t automatically mean it’s time for a new pair.
Our experienced in-store fitters will happily assess their current shoes and tell you whether they are still comfortable and suitable.
A little help, online or in store
You’re welcome to visit us in Bourne or Stamford for a children’s shoe fitting, with appointments available.
Shopping from home? Our downloadable measuring guide helps you measure your child’s feet, and our fitting guide explains what to look for when their shoes arrive.
Behind our website are real people who care about getting the fit right. Whether you’re choosing a new style or wondering if their current pair still fits, we’re here to help.
Explore our Pepino collection to find your little one’s next pair.