What should parents look for when buying children shoes?
As parents are getting their children ready to go back to school in September, it is important to choose footwear that will have a positive impact on the health of their feet and decrease the risk of injury. Here are some factors to consider:
Fit: Regardless of the quality, footwear will hurt your child’s feet if they do not fit properly. It is important to have your child’s feet measured by a professional and ensure that there is wiggle room for your child’s toes. We recommend a finger-width space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Although most parents often buy bigger shoes that their children and grow into, that can lead to blisters and injury. We would recommend shopping at the end of the day when your child’s feet are their largest and bring the type of socks that will be worn. Have your child try on both shoes and have them spend a good amount of time walking around the store to ensure optimal comfort.
Purpose: take into account the activities that your child will be doing while wearing these shoes. If your child is active or into sports, you should purchase shoes for that purpose.
Construction: a parent should choose shoes that are well-made and sturdy. We would recommend inspecting the shoe to ensure there are no rough spots, loose stitching or unfinished edges.
Materials: choose footwear that allows your children’s feet to breathe. Avoid material that will hold in moisture such as plastics, vinyl and other similar materials as they can lead to fungal infections.
Designs: although styles will vary, all good shoes will have strong arch support, cushioned insoles, slip-resistant tread and firm heel counter.
It is important to take these factors into account as you choose your children’s footwear. Click here to contact us today to learn more about our pediatric foot care services and set up an appointment with our team at River Podiatry.
