Avoid Foot Problems with These Back to School Shoe Shopping Tips

Dr. Brian Nagy | August 18th, 2017

Posted In: Foot Problems, General Foot Care

Caring for your child’s feet is extremely important. Their feet will carry them through the halls, recess, play time, and gym class. You want to make sure they have the right shoes for their feet. Comfort and support are of the utmost importance to avoid foot problems. The following tips will help you make the right choices when it comes to making sure your children have the best shoes possible for the upcoming school year.

New School Year, New Shoes

Always remember, the new school year means new school shoes. Hand me down shoes may be ill-fitting causing your child’s feet to become sore and irritated. A new pair of shoes at the beginning of each school year will get them off to the best start possible. It allows them to put their best foot forward, so to speak and gives them an opportunity to look their best so they make a good first impression.

Adapt to Changes in Your Child’s Feet

As your child grows, their feet will begin to change. Their arches and the curves of their feet will gradually begin to change as their feet grow. This can mean changes in the style of shoe as well as the amount of support that’s needed. Your child may need to try on several pairs of shoes before they find one that is comfortable and fits all aspects of their foot properly.

Monitor Heel Wear

Before you purchase a new pair of shoes for your child, closely examine the pair they are currently wearing. Notice the degree of heel wear. Children often wear the heels off of their shoes much faster than other parts of the sole, simply because of how they walk and the amount of time they spend running.

If their shoes show an excessive amount of wear, you will want to pay close attention to the wear pattern on their new shoes as the year progresses. Excessive heel wear can lead to irritation and heel pain as time goes on.

Take Your Child to the Store

Don’t buy a pair of shoes for your child unless they are there to try them on and walk in them. You want to get a pair of shoes that supports their foot and is comfortable for them to walk in.

It’s also important to let them have a choice. They are the ones who will be wearing them, so it’s important that while you are making sure they fit properly, your child will be happy with the color and style.

Buy the Right Size

As a child grows, their feet may grow at slightly different rates. One foot may be a half, or even a full size, smaller than the other. If you find this to be the case, always buy a pair of shoes to fit the bigger foot. Make sure the shoes are the proper length so the toes are not crowded and the heel doesn’t slide within the shoe when the child walks.

Make Sure the Shoes Fit Properly

Shoes should fit properly. This goes beyond the length of the shoe. The width of your child’s foot may call for a wider shoe to prevent cramping and irritation. You will also need to ensure that the three curves along the bottom of the foot all have the proper support.

You should also make sure there is proper support for the ankles and heels. This is why it’s so important to have your child try on their new shoes and walk in them before you buy them. Allowing them to walk in the shoes for a few minutes will give them an opportunity to find out how they will be if they are worn for longer periods of time.

You only get one set of feet

As a child, those feet are responsible for carrying them through adventures and school halls alike. Don’t jeopardize the health of your child’s feet. Make sure they get new, properly fitting shoes at the beginning of each school year. The money you invest in keeping their feet healthy while they’re young will pay off as they grow — and avoid potential foot problems in the future.

If you have questions about your child’s feet or what type of shoes are best for them, schedule a consultation with a New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare to discuss your concerns with the staff. They will guide you in the right direction and help you make wise choices when it comes to your child’s shoes for the next school year.

At Nagy Footcare, our best day is when you wake up with no foot pain.