The right school shoes can make a major difference in your child’s foot health. The shoes’ fit, support and durability all matter when it comes to your child’s comfort and wellbeing throughout those long school day hours. So, how can you ensure that you’re making the right choice when you hit the store? In today’s post, we’ll share some essential tips to guide you through the school shoe-shopping process.
Essential School Shoe Shopping Advice: Why Picking the Right Pair Matters
Picking the right shoes for your child to wear to school isn’t just a matter of style. It’s vital for their health. You see, wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of foot problems such as blisters and ingrown toenails. Then, these issues could cause enough pain to distract your child from focusing in class, harming academic performance.
Apart from academics, picking the right shoes also plays a pivotal role in physical activities such as sports and recess. After all, shoes that don’t provide sufficient support could lead to injuries, while those that lack grip could lead to slips and falls. Because of this, investing in high-quality, well-fitted shoes is crucial to protect your child’s safety during these activities.
But that’s not all. With the proper footwear, you can support your child’s optimal posture development. Shoes that are too big or small can affect your child’s gait, causing problems in the long term. Essentially, the right school shoes are a small but vital step in protecting your child’s foot health, academic success and overall well-being. But even if you have the perfect shoe design, none of that will matter if your child’s shoes don’t fit correctly.
The Problem with Ill-Fitting Children’s Shoes ![kids walking into school with new shoes]()
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can have serious implications for your child’s foot health. Shoes that are too tight, too loose or lacking in support can have long-lasting effects. When shoes are too tight, they can cause corns, ingrown toenails and bunions. And that’s because of the pressure and friction the shoes put on your skin. On the other hand, wearing too-loose shoes can lead to imbalances, increasing your child’s risk for sprain and fracture injuries.
Now, if older children wear shoes that lack proper arch support, they may develop Sever’s disease. (This is a painful condition involving inflammation in their heel’s growth plate.) It’s especially common in active tweens who regularly participate in sports play. As such, making sure your child wears their proper shoe size is critical for current comfort and for long term foot health.
How to Find the Right Size for School Shoes
Shoe sizes vary by brand, so it can sometimes be challenging to find your child’s perfect fit. So, even if your child’s foot has been measured, you should take that size suggestion as a rough guideline. The real guarantee of proper fit can only happen when kids’ actually try on their shoes.
Once children are trying on a new pair of shoes, have them stand still and feel for the end of the longest toe. (Remember, this might not be the big toe, as many people have a second toe that’s longer than their first.) For younger children, you want to feel half of your index finger’s width of space between that toe and the edge of the shoe. And, for teenagers, there should be a full index finger’s width of space. Remember, when choosing that shoe size, you should be more focused on the fit than the number.
Key Criteria for Selecting Proper School Shoes
For starters, you should prioritize fit, function and durability over style. First, the shoe must fit perfectly. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. There should be room for the toes to wiggle, but not so much room that the shoes can slip off.
Next, consider the shoe’s function. It needs to provide adequate support for your child’s heel and arch. This will cushion their steps and reduce the likelihood of foot pain and injury. Also, look for shoes with good traction to prevent slipping during active play.
But what about the style of the shoe? You may find yourself torn between athletic-type school shoes or more formal designs. Here’s the deal: sports style shoes are primarily designed for physical activities. They are characterized by their sturdy, flexible soles, ideal for high impact activities. They’re typically equipped with specialized features like shock absorption and arch support.
Casual shoes, on the other hand, are often lightweight and comfortable, made with soft materials that conform to the foot shapes for all day comfort. While they don’t offer the same level of support as sports shoes, they’re suitable for regular school days with minimal physical activity.
Lastly, formal shoes are typically made of high-quality, durable materials like leather or suede, and are great for special school events. They’re usually stiff and require a break-in period, unlike other school shoes. But they offer a polished, professional look. But, beyond those special events, they aren’t the best choice for school. And, now that you’ve got the styles and sizing tips down, let’s get you shopping for school shoes in just the right way.
When and How to Shop for School Shoes
Late afternoon is the perfect time to go shopping. Here’s why. Throughout the day, your child’s feet naturally expand and swell. And that’s especially true if they’ve been running, jumping or playing sports. So, by late afternoon, their feet have reached the maximum size. Trying on shoes at this time means you’ll be fitting them at their largest. And that ensures the shoes won’t be too tight, uncomfortable or causing blisters after a long day of wearing.
Also, look for certain features that suggest shoes will stand up to the wear and tear of a child’s active school day. Well-constructed shoes have tight stitches and no visible glue marks. The upper insole and outsole should be securely attached. And don’t overlook the sole design on a pair of shoes. It should have good grip and be flexible, yet firm enough to support and cushion your child’s steps. Additionally, a shock absorbing sole may be helpful, since it reduces the impact on your child’s feet. Finally, teach your child to listen to their body. Their shoes should feel comfortable immediately. And if, at any point, their feet hurt—whether in or out of their school shoes—be sure to contact Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider for an immediate appointment!
