Why you should never skimp on shoes for your kids

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Published in January 2016
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Why you should never skimp on shoes for your kids

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Published in January 2016
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Buying shoes for your kids can be one of the more confusing parenting moments. As 70% of foot problems stem from wearing ill-fitting shoes, it’s important you set good shoe-selecting habits in order to reduce any negative impact on their foot development later in life. After all, their feet don’t fully stop growing until they hit their late teens.

ALWAYS get your child’s feet measured for every shoe purchase

Once your toddler is wearing shoes, get their feet measured every six to eight weeks. Children’s feet grow, on average, two full sizes a year until they’re four, and one size a year after that. Always choose a store that measures their feet to ensure best fit, and try to buy shoes in the afternoon as the foot will be at its largest at this time. Shoes should feel comfortable straight away, and shouldn’t need to be ‘broken into’. If they don’t feel right, keep looking.

Quality vs price

FACT: just because your shoe is expensive does not mean it is better quality. John Woodward an Alexander Technique teacher who advocates going barefoot as much as possible, points to a Nike Air sneaker for a three year old as a poor choice: “From the heel to the toe there is no ‘bend’ or ‘give’ in the sole. Kids this age should be turning cartwheels, skipping, climbing trees, running around. A shoe like this would seriously restrict playful physicality.” The cheap, rubber-infested supermarket brands won’t do your kids’ feet any favours either, but it is possible to find well-made shoes that won’t cost the earth. You just need to know what to look out for (see below).

The attributes of a good quality shoe

Fully adjustable straps, flexible uppers, padding and soft, natural materials like leather, suede or canvas are important. A shoe that moulds to your child’s foot is what you’re going for, not a hard rigid shoe that will rub, hurt and force your child’s feet into an unnatural position. Podiatrist Leigh Birchley suggests ensuring the sole of the shoe is firm but bends across the ball of the foot, that the material breathes and is flexible – he suggests leather is best for this. When standing, your child should still be able to wriggle their toes.

Good quality sneakers can double as school shoes

Think season and purpose, not style or fashion.

Kids don’t need more than 1-2 pairs of shoes at any one time. That means a casual day shoe appropriate for the season (hot or cold/wet), plus a running shoe for active play and sports. Just make sure you ask about the right sports shoe for any regular activity. DON’T go high fashion – choosing mini-me versions of adult styles like thongs, little high heels, slip-ons or cowboy boots are not designed for kids’ activities. If you must succumb to a ‘fancy’ shoe for a special occasion, make sure you limit their wear to just a couple of hours. Thongs should only be worn for short periods at the beach or the pool. If budget is tight, invest in one pair of quality running shoes, as these can also double as school shoes.

Don’t be tempted to buy bigger shoes for ‘growing room’

If you’re in a shoe store with a sales assistant that suggests this, turn on your heel and walk right out the door. Shoes with too much growing room will affect your child’s gait development. Ill-fitting shoes leave your child vulnerable to trips and falls as they have to grip with their toes to keep their shoes from slipping around. Shoes should fit snugly but shouldn’t feel tight. The back of the heel should not slip up and down, and a thumb width between the big toe and end of the shoe is the maximum space recommended.

You can find a shoe store that specialises in children’s footwear, here. 

Foot problems

Ask your kids about their feet regularly. How do they feel? Which shoes feel comfortable and which ones hurt? If your kid has underlying foot problems or has inherited a family foot condition, it’s important you have your child’s growth progress checked by a podiatrist, as the wrong shoes will worsen their foot condition and increase their foot problems in adulthood.

If you have any concerns about your child’s feet, see your child’s doctor or podiatrist.

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