Children need Good Fitting Shoes
A shoe that fits correctly is essential to look after your child's feet.
Children's feet are pliable at a young age; the last bone to form (ossify) in the foot is the Navicular bone at around age 2 for girls and 3 for boys.
The feet your children start out with are the feet they will have for the rest of their lives.
Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters or rubbing, nail changes, ingrown toenails and can encourage clawing and changes to the toes which can cause havoc later on in their life.
On the other hand, shoes which are too loose don't provide your child with the stability that they require and can increase the risk of a trip or fall.
So what are the things to look for when buying your child new shoes?
Get your Child's Feet Measured
Children's feet are constantly growing and changing .
What might be the right size 6 months ago might be too tight now.
Getting your child's feet measured in-store by a professional is the best way to avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Buying the correct size shoes is very important
Allow Some Room to Grow
The rule of thumb.... pardon the pun is to allow a thumbs width distance between the end of your child's longest toe (could be the 2nd toe) and the end of the shoe.
Make sure the width of the shoe is also appropriate for your child's feet, especially if they have a broad, flat foot.
On the other hand "too much room to grow" (a shoe which is too big) will increase your child's risk of tripping.
Check the Structure of the Shoe
A shoe should provide your child with a good support base to allow them to run, jump and play without any issues.
Shoes that twist and bend like a tea towel are not going to be the best support for your child's feet which could lead to a trip or a rolled ankle.
What to look for in a shoe:
- It is super comfy!
- A strong heel counter that doesn't collapse
- Not much twisting and bending through the midsole
Make sure you look for a sturdy shoe
Regularly Check for Growth
Children's feet can grow at rapid rates, that's why it is important to check your child's shoe fit often so that the shoe doesn't become too tight.
When a shoe becomes too tight it will need replacing; think of a new appropriate fitting shoe as an investment in your child's future foot health!
We Are Here To Help
If struggle to find the right shoes for your children's feet or feel you need a little help here, the first thing to do is book an appointment with one of the Podiatrists at Complete Podiatry for a comprehensive assessment.
Once this is done, we will develop a structured management plan that outlines our best advice on what shoes are best for your growing children and help them keep doing the things you love to do without the risk of foot pain.
Just call us on 8330 0004, I'll love to talk to you about how we can help your child build an amazing life from the feet up!
Alex Taylor
Podiatrist at Complete Podiatry