Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are Ciciban shoes manufactured?
What type of lining should children's shoes have: leather or fabric?
What is C-TEX?
When should my child start wearing shoes?
Should my child wear shoes indoors?
What do you recommend for use in Daycare and Kindergarten?
How fast do children's feet grow?
What time of day should I measure my child’s feet?
Should I use the “Thumb Test” to determine if the shoe is properly sized?
Does lined winter footwear have to be purchased one size bigger?
How can I check whether my child’s shoes still fit?
Should I "hand down" my older children's shoes?
What’s the best way to put on new shoes?
How should I store new shoes?
How should I dry wet shoes?
How do I care for my child’s new shoes?

Where exactly are Ciciban shoes manufactured?

Ciciban and Loppta footwear is manufactured in Europe, mainly in Slovenia, Italy and Serbia.

What type of lining should children's shoes have: leather or fabric?

Leather is a natural product that absorbs and releases moisture. We recommend leather lining for warmer weather (Spring, Summer, and early Fall) and for indoor use. Synthetic fabrics that may be combined with a membrane such as C-TEX, are also very breathable and comfortable for feet, but offer warmth and insulation for colder weather in late Fall and Winter.

What is C-TEX?

C-TEX is a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane inserted between the outer material and warm inner lining. The C-TEX membrane is manufactured by SympaTex Technologies GmbH. It is used in most of our winter boots as well as a number of our fall shoe models.

When should my child start wearing shoes?

Children should start wearing shoes from the time they begin raising themselves up on their feet. The optimal first shoe should provide anatomic support and be light, soft and flexible. It should adapt to the movements of the foot, not the other way around. It should be supportive and encourage heel-to-toe movement. Always look for shoes with an anti-slip sole.

Allowing small children to spend some time each day in supportive, anatomically correct shoes will help prevent later foot problems.

Should my child wear shoes indoors?

Children should spend time barefoot each day in order to develop healthy and strong foot muscles. However this is best practiced only on warm and uneven surfaces such as soft carpeting. If your home has a lot of floor area covered with tile or hardwood we recommend the use of Ciciban Canada shoes, sandals, or slippers.

What do you recommend for use in Daycare and Kindergarten?

Our indoor slippers are ideal for use in daycares and kindergartens. They are light and well-constructed with anti-slip and non-marking soles made of natural rubber. The slippers all come with a leather insole with arch support and side vents that keep the child’s feet dry. Our slippers feature fun prints and appealing colours while the Velcro straps make them extremely easy to put on and take off. For even more support, our shoes and sandals are also a great choice.

How fast do children's feet grow?

Children's feet do not grow at a steady pace. Instead, they grow in spurts. Children's feet can grow up to 1/16 ” (2mm) per month. This is roughly three (3) shoe sizes per year, although this can vary from child to child. Check your child’s shoes and feet each month to ensure that nothing is tight, rough, or rubbing.

What time of day should I measure my child’s feet?

You should measure your child’s feet in the afternoon or evening, because all feet swell as the day goes on.

Should I use the “Thumb Test” to determine if the shoe is properly sized?

Don’t rely on the thumb test when checking your child’s shoe for size. Pressing on the toecap is not a reliable method of measurement. Children automatically pull their toes in when pressure is applied, making the shoe appear bigger than it really is.

Does lined winter footwear have to be purchased one size bigger?

The warm lining is taken into account when the shoes are produced, but we still recommend purchasing shoes that are one size bigger to accommodate thicker socks typically worn during the winter months. If winter boots are too tight, the insulation will get compressed and will not be as warm.

How can I check whether my child’s shoes still fit?

The best way is to have your children's feet measured every two to three months using proper measuring equipment. The size may also be checked by using the insoles. Remove the insoles from shoes and have your child stand on them. If the shoes become difficult to put on, it is most likely time to get a bigger size.

Should I "hand down" my older children's shoes?

The problem with second-hand shoes is that they have usually been "worn in" meaning that they have lost their neutral properties. A shoe that has been worn in will force the next child’s feet to conform to the shape established into the shoe by the previous owner's feet.

When shoes have not been worn in (i.e. they have not been exposed to excessive wear and tear), there is no reason not to have another child to wear them. However, if the heels, for example, are worn down on one side then it is best not to reuse those shoes. The foot bed also provides an indication of how a shoe has been worn: Has the foot already "dug its own bed"? If so, it may be assumed that it’s been exposed to excessive wear and that it’s been worn in. Simply replacing the insoles with new ones won't necessarily correct the problem. If the shoes look fresh, then handing them down should not be a problem.

What’s the best way to put on new shoes?

A shoehorn should be used when putting on shoes so that they keep their correct shape and form for a long time. If you don’t have a shoehorn handy when putting on your child’s shoes, have them push their toes forward first, and then follow in with their heel. Do not press with the heel on the leather edge of the shoe because you might damage it by collapsing the heel cap. Make sure that the straps are fully open.

How should I store new shoes?

Shoes should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated area that does not expose them to direct sunlight.

How should I dry wet shoes?

You should be careful when drying already wet shoes. They must be dried at room temperature and you should not expose them to direct sources of heat, because they will lose their softness and flexibility. You also should not dry shoes in the sun, because they will fade and the natural materials will dry out. It is also recommendable to put some newspaper into shoes to take away the extra moisture and to keep their correct shape.

How do I care for my child’s new shoes?

Ciciban Canada footwear is all made from natural leather that is processed in an environmentally-friendly manner and is dyed with water-soluble colours. In order to maintain the original quality of materials and appearance of the footwear it is necessary to treat the exterior and to always put shoes on properly.

Smooth leather and suede shoes are already impregnated with waterproofing and care products during manufacturing. However, we still recommend that new shoes be treated again before the first use to provide protection from rain, snow, mud, and stains, and to allow the natural materials to be more resistant to moisture and maintain elasticity. The appropriate sprays for smooth and suede leather and other materials are available from footwear retailers and shoe repair shops. They provide protection against dampness and dirt and should be re-applied after each shoe cleaning.

  • Nubuck Leather (Suede)
    Products that contain wax should never be used on Suede or nubuck leather. Brushes with rubber nubs, plastic or coarse hair bristles can be used for cleaning dirt and restoring the finish. Special care products for suede are available for renewing the original colour. The shoes should be roughened with a brush after treatment with such a product. Then the shoes should be protected with a matching-colour suede spray. You should use it before you wear the shoes for the first time, and leave them to dry well after the application. You should use the protective spray once a week.

  • A good tip:
    the colour on suede shoes may be refreshed by briefly holding them in steam from boiling water. But they shouldn't be allowed to get too wet!

  • Smooth Leather
    Dirt and old shoe cream is best removed with a dry brush. We recommend that an appropriately coloured shoe polish then be applied with a soft brush or thin cloth. Once the polish has dried, the shoe may be polished with a soft cloth or buffing brush.

  • Engineered Materials
    Shoes made from modern engineered materials should never be treated with care products containing oil or grease. Usually, they only require cleaning with a dry or moistened brush followed by a treatment with an appropriate protective spray.