New Balance 373 - Beige - 5 UK

The New Balance 373 is designed as a casual lifestyle shoe for children, focusing on comfort and style for everyday wear. While they offer good comfort for walking and light play, they are not engineered for high-performance sports, intense playground activities, or rigorous athletic training.

These shoes are in UK kids' size 5. We recommend measuring your child's feet and comparing to New Balance's official kids' size chart for the best fit, as children's feet grow and shoe sizing can vary. It's always best to have about a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

No, machine washing is generally not recommended for these shoes. The linen-look material and shoe construction can be damaged by the harsh agitation and high temperatures of a washing machine. Please follow the spot cleaning and care instructions provided in the 'Care' section to maintain their condition.

These casual shoes are versatile and can be worn with various sock types. For a no-show look, invisible liner socks are an option. Ankle socks or quarter socks are also suitable for a traditional casual style. Choose breathable materials for optimal comfort, especially during warmer weather and active play.

The term 'linen-look' indicates that the material has the aesthetic appearance and texture of linen, often achieved through synthetic blends or other woven textiles, rather than being 100% natural linen. This design choice offers the visual appeal of linen with potentially enhanced durability or ease of care, which is beneficial for children's footwear.

The New Balance 373 is built for durability in casual, everyday settings for children. With proper care, including regular cleaning and appropriate storage, you can expect a good lifespan for typical play and school activities. However, like any textile shoe, consistent exposure to harsh conditions or very heavy wear without care will affect its longevity.

Ensure your child is wearing appropriate socks. If still snug, they may need to be broken in during short wear periods, or the size might be too small. If too loose, try an insole for a better fit or thicker socks. Remember that children's feet grow quickly, so regular size checks are important.

Due to the light color and textile nature, minor stains are more visible. Regularly spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Consider applying a textile protective spray before initial wear to help repel dirt and liquids. Encourage your child to avoid excessively muddy or dusty conditions when wearing these shoes.

Squeaking can sometimes come from the insole rubbing against the shoe's interior or the outsole on certain surfaces. Try removing and reinserting the insole. If it persists, a sprinkle of baby powder or cornstarch under the insole can often reduce friction and silence the squeak. Ensure the shoes are fully dry after cleaning.