Tips To Remember For School Shoes
Children’s feet are constantly changing. The school shoes they wear need to be durable, supportive and well fitted while also allowing for growth. It’s the time of year when we start thinking about school footwear and preparing the kids to go back to school. Here are some common back to school mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.
Mistake#1: Buying school shoes and insisting they last the whole year
Not only are school shoes worn almost every day, they are also stomped on, scuffed, splashed and buried in the sand pit. As the shoes get worn out it is important to replace them immediately.
Children’s feet should be measured correctly when purchasing new footwear. It’s not unusual for a child to go through a rapid growth spurt. This may mean it’s necessary to purchase new shoes midway through the calendar year.
Mistake #2: Leaving Your Child at Home
Would you let someone else go out and buy shoes for you? How would you know if they fit properly without trying them first?
It is simply not enough to go out and pick the next size shoe for your child. You must bring children with you to the shoe store to take advantage of fitting services to ensure, as parents and carers, we don’t do more harm than good.
Ask if the sales assistant is a trained shoe-fitter, as shoes that are not correctly fitted for width and length can damage your child’s feet.
There are a number of reputable shoe stores that can take care of your child’s feet and assist you in finding the right shoes for your child. Posture Podiatry can help you with shoe store recommendations.
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Mistake #3: Buying shoes for school that are NOT school shoes
Sneakers can be good for a particular purpose, but not for everyday wear. Ballet flats might be ok for casual wear or special occasions, but not for the daily rigours that face the playground.
Posture Podiatry also recommends avoiding shoes with very high heels as this can lead to further leg problems and gait instability.
Some Questions to Answer Before Purchasing New School Shoes…
Do your child’s shoes show uneven wear and tear on the sole, or scuff marks anywhere? YES or NO
Do you feel that your child has a ‘hard to fit’ foot? YES or NO
Is it hard to understand which shoe types are most suited to your child’s different activities? YES or NO
Does your child experience skin rashes, hard skin on their feet, lumps, bumps, excessive sweating, itching or ingrown toenails? YES or NO
Does your child complain of foot and/or leg pain? YES or NO
Does your child trip or fall frequently? YES or NO
Did you answer ‘YES’ to one or more of the above questions? If so, it would be best to consult a Podiatrist before buying school shoes for your child.
Where Can I Find an Adelaide Podiatrist for My Child’s Feet?
You can always BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Low or No Gap* Assessment or Call 8362 5900 and ask for our Initial Low or No Gap* Assessment
Some school shoe related tips:
- The length should be a thumbs width longer than the longest toe – approximately 10 to 15mm of extra length is needed to enable normal foot function.
- The heel should have a wide base and be made from a shock absorbing material
- The shoes should fit snugly around the heel with no allowance for the heel to slip in and out
- Leather and natural fibres can be better for your child’s feet
- Check the inside for seams and stitching that might irritate
- Make sure the shoes are not too heavy or rigid for small feet
- Shoes should bend where the foot bends – at the toe joints.
- Avoid sling back or open back shoes – Laces, velcro or buckles will be more secure on your child’s feet, help to support the foot and help prevent any unnecessary gripping of the toes.
Also, remember that blisters may develop with new shoes. Children’s feet are naturally sweaty, and the inside of their shoes are potential sources of infection. So make sure any blisters or abrasions are dressed with antiseptic and a band-aid.
Be mindful as well that older children may be embarrassed and hide foot problems from you, so don’t be afraid to check their feet every so often.
So, that’s it! We hope these simple ‘Back to School Shoe Tips’ are helpful in finding the right shoes for your child. And, of course, we would be more than happy to help if you have any further questions.
Where Can I Find an Adelaide Podiatrist for My Child’s Feet?
You can always BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Low or No Gap* Assessment or Call 8362 5900 and ask for our Initial Low or No Gap* Assessment
We’ll help you find the right solution to alleviate your child’s foot and leg pain to ensure the feet last them a lifetime.
