Go to the Head of Class Shoe Shopping Tips

At NY Foot Health, we know one of the rituals that signals summer’s end is back-to-school shoe shopping. Although parents have many more options for shoe purchasing than ever before, the necessity of putting children in high-quality shoes that fit correctly remains the same. Podiatrists believe wearing good shoes can be one of the most effective ways of preventing common foot problems. Below are some tips to help ensure your shoe choices make the grade.

• Shop with your children. While it may be tempting to leave them home or shop for their shoes online, every shoe fits differently. The only way to be sure of a comfortable fit is to have children try on both shoes and walk around in them for several minutes. Remember, there should be no “breaking in” period.

• Don’t use hand-me-down footwear. can pass on athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and other infections. In addition, shoes mold to the owner's feet and are not likely to be comfortable for another person.

• Get your child’s feet professionally measured. It’s common for one foot to be larger than the other. Always buy shoes to accommodate the bigger foot.

• Bring the right socks. You should try on shoes with the socks or hose that you typically wear.

• Check for fit. There should be about half an inch of space (the width of your thumb) between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe. Heel counters should be snug so that the foot doesn’t slip out but should not rub against the skin. Examine the feet of younger children after they take the shoes off to look for redness or other signs of irritation.

• Examine shoes frequently. Children’s feet grow quickly! Look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn-down heels, and replace shoes when damaged even if they still fit. If you notice unusual wear patterns on the heel or sole of the shoe, talk to your podiatrist as it may indicate a foot problem. Don't have a podiatrist? You can find one through our online directory. To learn more about improving pediatric foot health, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.