It’s that time of year again – time to get fitted for new school shoes!
It is always best if you can go somewhere and have your children fitted for their school shoes by a fitting professional such as The Athlete’s Foot – but that isn’t always possible. Here are some tips to make sure your children’s footwear fits correctly:
* First consider what type of shoes does your child need – Joggers? Traditional leather shoes? Make sure the shoe is correct for the activity required. There are shoes out there for the active child who loves a run around at lunchtime that require a more traditional leather upper for certain days of the week. Your handball champion’s shoes will last much longer if the shoe is correct for their activity levels.
*Always allow about a thumb width room for growth (make sure this is slightly less in younger children as you don’t want them tripping).
* Work out what fastening mechanism works best for your child – laces or velcro. If they are a shoe size that is difficult to get velcro in consider swapping the laces out for no tie elastic laces. These can be a great help!
* Make sure the shoe is wide enough and deep enough around the toes and across the widest part of the forefoot. A shoe that is too shallow or narrow puts pressure on the toes and forefoot and could lead to calluses, corns and/or blisters.
* Make sure the shoe only bends at the forefoot and has a firm heel counter to allow the shoe to maintain a good structure.
* Finally, make sure your child is comfortable in the shoe and will happily wear them!
Enjoy the rest of the school holidays and good luck to all those starting school for the first time!
If you have any questions about your child’s feet, please do not hesitate to contact us and come in and see one of our friendly podiatrists.