As many of our kids are facing the beginning of a new school year, a lot of parents might be feeling just as much trepidation about picking up everything their child needs to start their new year. An important part of any back-to-school shopping list is the right footwear.
Not only do you want to make sure that your choice of shoes for your kids meets the regulations set out by their school, but you also want to ensure that they support their daily activities, keep them comfortable, and prevent potential foot problems. Here are some tips on how you can choose the right shoes to get them through the school year.
Don’t underestimate how quickly children’s feet can grow. It can easily lead to shoes becoming ill-fitting, which can lead to discomfort, as well as problems like blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Take the time to measure both your child’s feet while they’re standing. One foot is usually slightly larger than the other, so measure both and fit shoes to the larger foot to make both have enough space.
Trendy designs might be cool, but the fit of the shoe should be your number one consideration. Make sure there’s enough room for the toes to move freely, and don’t choose shoes that are overly tight or loose. A well-fitted shoe is vital for foot development and reduces the risk of discomfort or injury.
Aside from the fit of the shoe, you should look at their construction, as well. Breathability is important, as excessive sweat not only leads to odour but to discomfort as well. Materials like leather and mesh can help to keep your child’s feet dry. Similarly, look for features like arch support to provide stability, cushioned insoles to offer more comfort during prolonged wear (like a day at school) and flexible soles that allow natural foot movement inside the show.
It’s understandable that parents may want to avoid breaking the bank when doing their back-to-school shopping, but shoes are one thing you should not aim to cut your costs too much on. Second-hand shoes can lead to a host of foot health issues, including infections, not to mention discomfort if they’re not built to fit your child specifically.
If you want to make sure that your choice of school shoes best fits your child’s needs, then routine foot health screenings can ensure that they’re not posing any problems. These checkups can keep an eye out for potential issues while ensuring foot development. This typically involves inspecting foot anatomy, alignment, and function to make sure that your child is growing healthy all over.
At Prospect Podiatry, we specialise in pediatric foot care and are dedicated to supporting your child’s foot health. This includes offering advice on investing in proper footwear. With the tips above, hopefully, you can make sure that your child is supplied and supported for the school year ahead.
Phone: (08) 8344 5690
Email: [email protected]
Address: 115 Prospect Rd, Prospect SA 5082, Australia
