How to Buy and Fit the Best Shoes for Your Children
If you’ve got young children, you’re probably already aware of just how fast they grow and how many clothes and shoes they’re tearing through (hopefully not literally) seemingly every day.
As tempting as it might be to save money and go with a cheap option, just because they’re going through their shoes at a rapid rate of knots, doesn’t mean that we should be skimping on getting them quality footwear.
When bones are developing, limbs are growing and sports and activities are at an all time high, it’s super important to make sure that your kids have the right footwear to prevent injuries while they grow through this amazing time in their (and your) lives.
Get them to the store
Children often dislike going shoe shopping, but with a child’s foot growing approximately 1 shoe size every 6months (particularly between the ages of 5 and 12) it is important to go often and to get it right!
You might be wondering if your child requires specialist orthotics if they walk funny or have an unusual standing posture, however the use of footwear for correction of foot or leg ‘deformities’ in otherwise healthy children is a common practice for which there is limited evidence of effectiveness1.
Children usually grow out of these phases and best practice is a ‘wait and see’ approach. However, referral to a physio/podiatrist/orthopaedic specialist is necessary if your child experiences functional disability or pain in association with foot or lower leg abnormalities1.
Listen to your child and if they are reporting discomfort or pain with activity, adjust to more appropriate footwear and if this doesn’t succeed, see a specialist.
Eight tips for choosing the correct shoes for your child:
- There should be between 12-17 millimetres (roughly an adult thumb width) of room between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe. This should allow approximately six months of wear2.
- Feet should be measured while standing, and always have both feet measured. Since one foot is usually larger than the other, buy shoes to accommodate the larger of the two feet.
- The sole of a child’s shoe should be relatively straight and not curving towards the big toe side of the shoe. This is because a child’s foot is very straight and does not curve as much as many adults.
- Footwear should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes bend and not through the arch.
- A soft, cushioning non-slip sole and a low, wide heel helps decrease jarring and strain through the foot, leg and spine.
- As adults, we often say we're “breaking in” a pair of shoes - this is really a bad idea for anyone, but particularly for kids. Shoes need to be immediately comfortable - don't allow for a breaking in period or expect shoes to get more comfortable over time - they need to fit and feel good now.
- Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such as canvas or leather. In addition to being more durable, they will help to keep the child's foot cooler and dryer, helping to prevent blisters, discomfort, and smelly shoes.
- While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children's shoes. Not only is it difficult for kids to walk in heels, they are particularly bad for proper foot development. When it comes to children's shoes, stick with flats and even soles.
By following these 8 simple tips when buying your kids their new shoes for school or sports you will be helping them grow and develop their feet and bodies in a comfortable and natural manner, giving them the best opportunity to avoid injury and discomfort in their feet while still not breaking the bank by buying new shoes too often.
Good luck and happy shoe hunting!
Krishna Prakash - Physiotherapist and Director, Back In Motion Malvern
Krishna brings to the clinic 8 years of clinical experience having worked in orthopaedics as a senior physiotherapist at Maroondah Hospital, as well as working at sports medicine clinics from Vermont to Port Melbourne. Having provided services to Victorian state representative teams at nationals in Soccer and Hockey, Krishna is also currently working his way through a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. He has travelled extensively - working in the UK for two years, and utilise various techniques including Dry Needling and Clinical Exercise. Krishna is a keen soccer player and sports fanatic.
References:
- Paediatric Child Health. 2009 February; 14(2): 119. Footwear for children
- www.podiatrycare.com.au