It’s that time again, children going back to school.  This can be an exciting and a challenging time for parents as they try to decide what types of shoes to buy for their children.  Whether you are shopping for a Kindergartner and not knowing how much their foot will grow or trying to shop with a teenager with expensive taste can be difficult.  Shoe shopping questions like correct size, style, and choice of materials can be puzzling.  Here are some guidelines to take the guess work out of finding the right pair of shoes for your child.

When it comes to the size of the shoe, make sure the shoe fits and is not too tight.  Toes should be able wiggle inside the shoes and the heel should fit snugly in the back.   Buying shoes that are too big can cause the foot to slide forward and put excessive pressure on the toes.  Also buying shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, corns, callouses and ingrown toenails, which can become infected.  If you are confused about the size of your child’s feet, ask the store for help, and get their feet measured.  Be sure to measure both feet in length according to the longest toe and go with the larger of the two feet.   Finally, keep in mind that children’s feet will grow on average a ½ to a full size every 4-6 months.

The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon.  when your feet are at their largest size.  Also, walk around with your shoes before you purchase them.  This will allow you to notice if the shoes are too tight or too big and if you are uncomfortable wearing them.

When it comes to style, picking a shoe that is comfortable and safe for your feet should be a top priority.  Flip flops might be a quick choice for a shoe, but it is not a safe choice for your feet.  Sensibility is a key factor, but also remember pick a shoe that fits your needs and then work within that shoe to meet style or color preferences.

The type of material is also important for deciding on what type of shoe to purchase.  If your child will be participating in athletic activities at school, make sure to choose shoes that are made with moldable material – like leather or mesh fabrics.  These materials help the shoe conform to your foot and stay breathable during exercise. 

Hopefully these reminders and tips can help you in choosing the right pair of shoes for your children.  Knowing what to look for in shoe size, style and materials can prevent a trip back to the shoe store in the middle of the fall quarter. 

If you ever have any questions about buying the right shoes for your child or your child has foot problems, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.  We are here to help get your child's feet feeling better.