If you are the parent of a school-aged child, now is the time to secure all the school supplies and new clothes that your child needs to be successful during the upcoming school year, and proper-fitting shoes should be at the top of your shopping list. When shopping for shoes for your child, make sure to consider these important factors:
Children's feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes can change every few months as children's feet grow, so make sure you measure your child's feet before buying shoes and check their fit regularly. If your child's shoes are too small, they can cause foot irritation.
Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe fits one child comfortably, doesn't mean it will fit another in the same way, even if they are the same size. People have different shaped feet and gaits, which means that not all shoes are right for all people, especially if they were broken in by someone else. Additionally, sharing shoes can spread fungi, such as athlete's foot and nail fungus.
Examine the heels. Children often wear through the heels of shoes more quickly than they outgrow them. Make sure to buy shoes with stiff heels that don't collapse when you press on either side. You should also check for uneven shoe wear as your child wears them since this can often be an indicator of foot problems.
Bring your child shopping with you. Every pair of shoes fits differently, and bringing your child with you allows them to have a say in which shoes are the most comfortable. It also helps promote healthy foot habits down the road.
Always buy for the larger foot. Usually one foot is larger than the other. Make sure both feet have enough room by fitting the shoes to your child's larger foot.
Buy shoes that don't need breaking in. To avoid blisters or irritation, buy shoes that don't need to be broken in. New shoes should already be comfortable, and if they are going to be worn with socks or tights, those items should be brought along for when your child tries the shoes on.
Flip flops and ballet-style slip-ons are not proper shoes. These types of shoes are not supportive enough for daily wear and should not be worn on a regular basis.
A proper fitting shoe should have a stiff heel, a flexible toe and a rigid middle. The shoe's toe should bend with the child's toe, but should not bend too much in the toe-box area. Shoes should also never be flexible enough to twist in the middle or collapse in the heel.
Healthy feet help keep your child happy and healthy. Wearing shoes that fit properly is one of the easiest ways to look after your child's feet.
