At Sure Step Podiatry, we are passionate about all aspects of children’s feet and fitting correct school shoes is no exception.
This is a good time of year for parents to do an annual check of their children’s feet to see if they are developing properly and check what shoes they are wearing. Every school term throughout the year there will be some kind of change in growing feet, however after the long summer break it’s good to remeasure feet and purchase correct fitting school and sports shoes, for the new year ahead. This is also a good time to ask your kids about their feet and how they feel, to see if there are any underlying problems.
Parents should also consider the activities their kids will be doing in the new year and seek out the right footwear. There are different styles of sports shoes for the different sports. There are three main types of feet: normal, flat and high-arched. A person with normal feet needs a stable shoe with moderate control features. A flat footed person should have motion control shoes or high stability shoes with a firm midsole and control features that reduce the degree of pronation. The high-arched foot needs cushioned or neutral shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion. However, no child’s foot is exactly the same so there is no single best shoe that will be ideal for everyone. The fit can be affected by their height, weight, foot shape, biomechanics and stage of growth development, so choosing the correct shoe for the individual is what is important.
If foot problems run in the family or if you have any concerns, Sure Step Podiatry advises to have your child’s growth progress checked periodically by an experienced Podiatrist. Handing down shoes to other children should also be avoided where possible. An old shoe belonging to someone else will take on their shape and be deformed according to the way they walk, which will not be the same for each child.
Tips for purchasing school shoes:
- Choose a store that measures your feet properly to ensure the best fit
- Buy shoes in the afternoon as the feet can swell and will be larger at this time
- Always walk around in the shoes before purchasing, checking for comfort and tight spots
- When standing, you should be able to wriggle your toes
- High heel should be avoided
- Ensure the midsole of the shoe is firm and only bends across the ball of the foot
- The material breathes well and is flexible – leather is the best for this.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s feet please contact Sure Step Podiatry.