Tandem Cycling - cycling shoes for kids

I am looking to buy some cycling shoes for spd pedals for my five year old. Smallest size that they make? Any recs on where to buy?

We are using platforms now and are a bit limited by foot slippage, so she wants to transition to clipless pedals. I have heard others configure pedal cages so they are always up, how do you do that, I have never used cages on any bike. if we can't find any shoes that may be the way to go.
J

We used Power grips first,and then switched to Frogs when the kids got big enough

We started them on well worn Frog cleats and pedals,which are easier for them to get into.

Power grips worked quite well for the little ones.

I have heard others configure pedal cages so they are always up, how do you do that, I have never used cages on any bike. if we can't find any shoes that may be the way to go.
J

I think you do that with a bungee cord or similar running from the nose of the toe clip to the captain's pedal.


I have just used regular toe clips and straps with my 4-y/o, on a child stoker arrangement. But I hold the bike and help him in, then I cinch down the straps, then I get on, lifting my leg over the top tube.

The manufacturers generally go to 36 or 37 (3-3.5 mens). Some will have a few 35 offereings.
There are a few manufacturers that have some 34's (Vittoria, Northwave), but I think they also advertise those as size 3 equivalent. I did find one website that specializes in kids outdoor gear and advertised these kids shoes from Answer at size 32 (http://www.upsideover.com/Kids-Cycling-Shoes-s/147.htm) (mens 2). SixSixOne is another shoe manufacturer that may have smaller sizes, but 33 seems to be lower limit.

+1 on the bungee or between the pedals as the method to keep the toes up.

We are using toeclips with a hard plastic strap. We do not bother to cinch them down, they give a little extra hold from slipping off and it keeps their feet better positioned on the pedal. It has worked fine.

Let us know if you find something better.

Our 5 year old wears SPDs with no problem. It took a little while for her to get clipped in the first few times, but now she's fast enough that its really not an issue. She can also clip out when needed.
We bought shoes from Nashbar in a small enough size that she does fine with thick socks.
As an aside, and a not insignificant benefit is that they feel more part of the process when they are wearing the right stuff like everyone else.

thanks for the info. i forgot to measure her feet this weekend. we may have to go with the thick socks option.
j

I have used Look pedals for both my kids as they seem to be easier to get into. My LBS had some old pedals knocking around they gave me for free. My kids are older (size 3 feet). I found small road shoes at Nashber on sale for over75% off and I have also found small road shoes on ebay.