Cheat Sheet for Back-to-School Shoe Buying
If there’s one test every parent wants to ace, it’s shopping for shoes for their children to start the new school year. At NY Foot Health, we want to provide a study guide to make this end-of-summer task a bit easier to accomplish.
Size up your child’s feet—buying shoes that fit correctly is one of the biggest and best ways to keep young feet healthy and safe. Have your child’s feet measured by a footwear professional. Both feet should be measured while your child is in a standing position. While it’s true that children’s feet grow fast, don’t be tempted to buy a size up in hopes that they’ll last longer. It will only lead to blisters, foot pain, and possibly even an ankle sprain or other injury.
Don’t cheat with online shopping—even if you think you know your child’s size, have them try on the shoes to ensure they are comfortable. The fit will also depend on the style of the shoe and manufacturer.
Shop at the ideal time—shop at the end of the day when feet have swelled to their largest. This ensures the shoes your child puts on in the morning will feel comfortable throughout the day.
Be sure shoes make the grade—good quality shoes should have no loose or uneven stitching. Run your hand around the inside of the shoe as well to check for rough spots. Look for a roomy toe box that allows toes to wiggle freely and a cushioned insole for comfort. The tread should be patterned to minimize slips and falls. Avoid fads and heels! Choose natural materials like leather and canvas that allow feet to breathe.
Get expert advice—if your child has previously injured their foot or is dealing with a chronic podiatric condition like Sever’s, plantar fasciitis, or recurring ingrown toenails, make a pre-shopping appointment with your podiatrist. The foot doctor will check on old injuries and evaluate the current condition of your child’s feet. Podiatrists can make recommendations of shoe styles and features that will benefit your child’s unique foot health needs. Use our online directory to find a podiatrist in your community if you don’t currently see one.
To learn more ways to be proactive in the health and care of your child’s feet, contact us and consider subscribing to our free e-newsletter.