Transitioning from Summer to Autumn Footwear: Tips for Children

Autumn has truly arrived in Denmark, and it's time to think about how we can prepare our children's shoe wardrobe for the cooler season.

At Zido.dk, we know how important it is to ensure children have the right footwear to keep their feet warm and dry while still having fun outdoors. But just like with outerwear, it can be difficult to find the perfect footwear for the transitional period.

Therefore, here are our tips for a smooth transition from summer to autumn footwear for children.

Before you start buying new footwear for autumn, it's a good idea to take a look at your child's current shoe collection. Are there shoes that still fit and can be used for the coming season? Remember that children grow quickly, so you may need to update their size several times during a season. Shoes that are a little on the large side might fit perfectly in a couple of months.

When it's time to sort out old footwear, it's important to be critical and honest about which shoes are actually used and which are just taking up space in the closet. The condition, comfort, and whether the shoes still match current needs and style should be carefully assessed. Pairs that are worn, leaky, or cause sore feet should usually be discarded, as they no longer serve their purpose. Remember to recycle them.

This approach helps avoid accumulating too many shoes that just gather dust, and makes space for new, practical pairs that suit the current lifestyle.

Autumn shoes should be waterproof or at least water-repellent to keep feet dry in rainy weather. Autumn can be a rainy time, so it's important to have waterproof shoes as part of your child's shoe wardrobe.

Rubber Boots:

Rubber boots are a classic and perfect for rainy days, but also consider water-repellent sneakers or boots that can be used for everyday wear. Waterproof shoes are designed to completely keep water out, so feet remain dry even in heavy rain, or when children play in puddles. They often have a membrane or seal that prevents water from penetrating. This makes them perfect for younger children who happily play with water, jump in puddles, and run around on the playground in all kinds of weather.

Water-Repellent Shoes:

Water-repellent shoes, on the other hand, can withstand light rain and moisture, but they are not completely sealed. If the shoes are exposed to a lot of water or are wet for an extended period, moisture can penetrate.

Older school children are often seen in water-repellent shoes, as they largely don't need fully waterproof shoes for their normal everyday life. Water-repellent shoes are therefore good for slightly damp days, while waterproof ones are necessary when the weather is truly wet.

Even though shoes need to be waterproof, it's also important that they are breathable so that moisture and sweat can escape, and feet remain dry and comfortable. The advantage of breathable shoes is that they help keep feet dry and comfortable, as the material allows moisture and heat to escape. This reduces the risk of sweaty feet and unpleasant odors, which is especially nice if children are very active and wear the shoes for extended periods. It can be compared to workout clothes, which are also best when the skin can breathe through them. Furthermore, breathable shoes can be more comfortable on days when the weather fluctuates between cool and mild.

Material Selection:

There are several materials that are particularly good for making shoes breathable. Mesh is a popular choice as it is lightweight and has small holes, allowing air to circulate easily around the foot. Leather is also breathable, especially if it is untreated or only lightly treated, and it also adapts to the foot over time. Textiles like cotton and certain synthetic fibers are often used in sneakers and sports shoes because they are both flexible and allow moisture to escape.

If you're looking for shoes for active children, it's a good idea to look for models with these materials, as they help keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Consider Your Options:

The downside is that very breathable materials are often not entirely waterproof, meaning water can more easily penetrate on wet days. Therefore, feet can get cold or wet if the shoes are exposed to rain or playing in puddles. It's about finding a good balance between breathability and protection against wind and weather, depending on the child's needs and activity level. Think about what your child needs and what is most important to you.

Choose shoes with appropriate insulation that can keep feet warm on cold days without overheating them on milder days. When autumn truly arrives in Denmark, temperatures can drop quickly, making it extra important to choose shoes with good insulation for children. Insulated shoes help keep feet warm, even on cold and windy days, which makes a big difference for comfort, especially when children play outdoors for extended periods.

What Insulates?:

Insulation can come from a warm lining, such as fleece or wool, and from the shoe's construction, which protects against cold from below. By choosing shoes with insulating properties, you reduce the risk of cold toes, which helps prevent colds and makes it more fun for children to be outside, regardless of the weather.

But be careful. Shoes can actually be too insulated. If the shoes are too warm and tight, it can lead to overheated and sweaty feet, especially if the child is very active or if the weather changes and is not as cold as expected. Over-insulation can also prevent moisture from escaping, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of odor or even athlete's foot.

Therefore, it is important to choose shoes where the insulation matches the season and the child's activity level, so that their feet are neither too cold nor too warm.

Make sure the shoes fit well and provide the necessary support for children's growing feet. Here you can advantageously choose a high-top shoe.

A high-top shoe provides extra ankle support compared to lower models. The higher shaft protects and stabilizes the ankle, which is particularly beneficial for children who run, jump, or play wildly, as the youngest ones do in kindergarten and during breaks.

It reduces the risk of twists and injuries, as the shoe helps keep the foot in place and provides extra security if your child often walks on uneven surfaces or participates in activities with many changes of direction.

Comfort and Fit:

Fit is crucial for the comfort and health of children's feet. The shoe should neither be too tight nor too loose, allowing room for the toes and natural foot movement. Choose models with good heel support and a flexible sole so the shoe follows the foot's movements without pinching.

It is also an advantage if the shoe can be adjusted with Velcro, laces, or elastic, so that it fits snugly on the foot and does not slip off during play.

We all probably know it well from our own childhood. The game is on, it's drizzling, and suddenly one foot slips on the tree stump you were standing on. You get scared, startled, and maybe a little embarrassed?

Surfaces, Wind, and Weather:

Autumn can bring slippery surfaces, so a non-slip sole is essential to prevent falls and injuries. A non-slip sole on children's shoes is often made of rubber or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), as these materials provide good grip on the surface. Rubber is flexible, durable, and has a natural ability to create friction, which reduces the risk of slipping on wet or slippery surfaces.

Some soles also have a pattern or grooves that help channel water away, so children stand more securely, even when the playground or sidewalk is wet. Non-slip soles are especially important in autumn, when rain, wet leaves, and muddy paths can make surfaces slippery.

A good non-slip sole protects the child from falls and accidents, so they can safely run, play, and explore without you having to worry about them losing their footing. It provides both greater safety and freedom to be active. Even when the weather isn't completely dry.

Children are active, and their shoes must withstand wear and tear and play in various environments. The durability of a pair of children's boots in Denmark depends on several factors, including material choice, how often they are used, and how active the children are.

Generally, a pair of quality shoes can be expected to last one to two seasons for a child before they either wear out or the child outgrows them. But there are always exceptions to the rule, of course.

How Long Do Shoes Last?:

For children's boots used daily in Danish autumn, it is quite normal for them to show signs of wear after a single season - especially if the child is very active outdoors. However, if the boots are primarily used as extra footwear, they can often last longer. It is therefore a good idea to regularly check the sole and stitching and consider whether it is worth investing in an extra pair for changing weather and use situations.

Two Different Qualities:

Sneakers and boots are a good combination for autumn. Sneakers can easily be used in early autumn, when the weather is often still mild and dry. They are perfect for days when the temperature is pleasant and there isn't too much rain or mud. Sneakers are typically light, flexible, and breathable, making them ideal for active children who play outdoors, as long as the ground is relatively dry and firm. If there's only a little moisture in the air, or if the child just needs to quickly go in and out, sneakers can also work fine.

When autumn truly shifts to more unstable weather with rain, wet leaves, and muddy paths, it's time to switch to boots. Boots are often both waterproof and insulating, protecting feet from cold and getting soaked. If you find that the grass is wet in the morning, or there's a risk of the child playing in puddles or muddy areas, boots are the best choice. They keep feet dry and warm, even on raw, cold, and rainy days, and also provide better support and protection against the more challenging autumn weather.

Typically, the school autumn break, week 42, is a good marker for when the weather in Denmark shifts to colder and wetter autumn weather. This is a good time to go through shoe cabinets and outerwear wardrobes so that everything is in tip-top condition for Denmark's wet and windy autumn.

It is important that children learn to be self-sufficient when putting on shoes and outerwear because it strengthens their independence and self-confidence. When children are allowed to handle these tasks themselves, they develop important motor skills and learn to take responsibility for themselves in daily life. At the same time, they experience a sense of pride when they can manage the task without help, which motivates them to try new things and believe in their own abilities.

Self-sufficient:

Furthermore, it is also a task they quickly need to learn to manage themselves, for example, when they are in childcare. Being self-sufficient certainly makes it easier and quicker to get out the door, both at home and in institutions, as the child does not have to wait for help from an adult. This saves time in everyday life and gives the child more freedom to participate in play and activities with other children.

Therefore, it is a good idea to choose shoes and outerwear that your child can easily put on and take off themselves, for example, with Velcro, elastic, or large zippers, making it easier for the child to manage themselves. You are the one who knows what your child can do, and what he/she is about to learn. Buy footwear and outerwear according to your child's abilities so that your child can experience the success of being able to put on shoes and outerwear themselves.

Children often have opinions about their clothes and shoes, so involve them in the selection process to ensure they will happily wear the shoes. While functionality is important, it doesn't hurt to consider fashion. Autumn offers many opportunities to play with colors and styles.

Autumn fashion for children's footwear in 2025 is characterized by both functionality and colorful details that match children's active daily lives and the changing weather conditions in Denmark. The latest collections focus on practical high-top sneakers and robust boots with water-resistant materials, while designers play with warm shades such as ochre, forest green, and deep burgundy.

Reflectors and visible details have become more widespread, so children can both be seen and stand out on the playground. The style is casual and urban, where classic models are given a twist with fun prints, contrasting laces, and soft linings that provide extra comfort.

Materials for Children:

Functionality goes hand in hand with fashion. Velcro and elastic make shoes easy to put on, and there is a strong focus on sustainable materials, so both children and parents can choose with a good conscience. This season's must-have are shoes that can withstand mud, rain, and play, but also have a modern look, so children can feel smart and comfortable, whether they are indoors or outdoors.

When it comes to children's shoes, lightweight materials are a big plus because they make the shoes easier and more comfortable to wear, especially for children who are constantly on the move.

Lightweight Shoes:

We've all seen a toddler who has just learned to walk dragging around some overly heavy shoes on their tiny feet. We need to avoid that.

Shoes made from materials like mesh, lightweight nylon, or microfiber weigh significantly less than traditional leather or heavy rubber shoes. This gives the child more freedom to run, jump, and play without getting tired legs. At the same time, many modern lightweight materials are both flexible and breathable, contributing to good comfort throughout the day. If you want to choose environmentally friendly options, there are several sustainable alternatives.

Environment and Shoes:

Many manufacturers today use recycled polyester, organic cotton, or plant-based materials like cork and natural rubber in their children's shoes. For example, mesh can be made from recycled plastic bottles, which both reduces weight and protects the environment.

Natural rubber is another sustainable choice, as it is biodegradable and comes from renewable resources. By choosing shoes with these materials, you support both your child's mobility and the environment at the same time.

When buying new shoes for your child, it's worth considering how much you want to invest. Children grow quickly, and it can feel like you constantly need to buy new shoes. Many parents therefore choose to balance quality and price to find shoes that both meet the child's needs and fit the family's budget.

Shoe Sales:

It can pay off to keep an eye out for sales or buy shoes out of season, when prices are often lower. Also consider how much the shoe will actually be used. For daily use, it makes sense to invest a little extra, while a pair of extra shoes for changing or special occasions can easily be cheaper models. Some even choose used models for their children. There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing new or used shoes for children.

The advantage of new shoes is that they mold to the child's foot from the start, providing optimal support and comfort. New shoes are also free from wear, loose soles, or deformations that can arise from previous use, and you avoid any bacteria or fungi that may hide in used shoes.

Conversely, used shoes can be an economical and sustainable choice, especially if they have only been used for a short time and are still in good condition.

However, it is important to check that the sole is not excessively worn and that the shoes have not been shaped too much by another child's feet, as this can affect your own child's gait and comfort. Ultimately, the choice is about finding the right balance between economy, comfort, and the health of the child's feet.

Quality shoes can be an investment, but it is important to find a pair that balances price and quality so that they meet all the above requirements without breaking the bank.

Before you start investing in new children's footwear for autumn, it's an excellent idea to take a thorough look at your child's existing shoe collection. Are there shoes that still fit and can be used in the upcoming autumn season? Remember that children grow quickly, often making it necessary to update shoe sizes several times within a single season.

Sort Your Footwear:

When it's time to sort through old footwear, it's important to be critical and honest about which shoes are actually used and which merely take up space in the closet. The condition, comfort, and whether they still match needs and style should be carefully assessed. Pairs that are worn, leaky, or cause sore feet should generally be discarded, as they no longer serve their purpose. Remember to sort them for recycling.

This approach avoids accumulating too many shoes that simply gather dust, and creates space for new, practical pairs that suit the current lifestyle.

· ZIDO CLARA is a lightweight shoe with color-changing lights in the sole, perfect for girls who want to stand out. The shoe features Velcro closure, decorative laces, and a simple design.

The model is available in several colors, so they can perfectly match your child, and they are easy to put on and take off, making them ideal for both play and school. The sole is made of EVA foam, while the exterior is PVC and textile. The battery cannot be replaced or removed, so be aware that the boot should be treated as hazardous waste after use.

· ZIDO THEO combines style, comfort, and functionality for both spring and autumn. The minimalist design meets solid construction with good support around the entire foot. The shoes are of high quality and ideal for changing weather.

The model has a modern look with high comfort. They are made of textile and PVC, and they have both a zipper and decorative laces, making them easy to put on, and the water-resistant materials protect against moderate rain.

· ZIDO UNICORN boots combine comfort with a stylish unicorn motif and glitter details.

They feature a minimalist design, a magical motif, extra sparkle, a practical side zipper, and warm inner fur against the cold, as well as a thermal sole. Again, we are dealing with a shoe where the sole is made of EVA foam, and the rest of the boot is made of PVC. The boot is easily cleaned with a damp cloth to maintain its sparkling look.