Do Your Kids' Shoes Really Fit?
Back-to-School with Healthy Feet
Many people argue that the best shoe is no shoe at all. However, shoes do protect feet from sharp objects, stubbed toes, and other injuries. And since most schools and other public places require shoes, it's time for that back-to-school trip to the shoe store.
By the time most children enter school, they've seen a dentist, had their eyes and ears checked, and had their bodies examined by a pediatrician from head to hip, or thereabouts.
Sure doctors watch your child walk a few steps across the exam room. But do they ever actually look at their feet? Thirty percent of six-year-olds have feet problems requiring medical attention. Ingrown toenails, corns, bunions, calluses, and other foot problems in childhood can lead to more serious troubles later in life. Make sure your children's feet are examined at every annual check-up. Early detection and correction is the best solution.
Prevention Is Key
Of course, prevention is the key. According to the California Podiatric Medical Association, 80 percent of children have trouble with their feet because of the shoes they wear. Many problems are caused by or worsened by shoes. Kids' feet are soft and pliable. This means they can cram their feet into their favorite shoes, and spend all day in shoes that don't fit without even noticing.
Gather all shoes that each of your children wear. Their favorites will probably be so worn you won't be able to read the size.
Have each child stand on a piece of paper bigger than his or her foot. Carefully trace each foot and then cut out the tracing or have your kids cut them. Put the footprint up to the sole of each shoe. You'll probably find at least one pair of shoes that is smaller than your child's foot. Throw them away.
Make sure your children wear the socks they plan to wear with their shoes when you head for the store. Don't let them wear shoes without socks. Socks absorb moisture.
The Proper Fit
Properly fit shoes need to fit well in the heel. No slipping up and down when they walk. The widest part of the foot should correspond to the widest part of the shoe. Allow no more than half an inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This allows the toes room to move and provides space for the feet to swell during the course of the day.
Don't buy shoes that are too big hoping they will grow into them. Kids will trip over the length and get blisters on the heel or develop other leg or hip problems from walking funny in order to hold the shoes on.
For older kids who run a lot or play sports, a cushion is advisable to absorb some of the shock from running. And at least two pairs of shoes are best. This allows one pair to air out.
It's not a good idea to pass shoes down. Shoes conform to one person's foot. They probably won't fit another as well.
Most expensive isn't always best. Different brands and styles fit different types of feet better. Try not to let your child insist on a shoe because of how it looks, if it doesn't fit right.
Once you complete your shoe shopping, don't sit back and wait for next year. Kids feet grow in spurts all the time, not just before school starts. In fact, kids can go through over 30 shoe sizes by the time they reach age 10 and they keep growing to age eighteen or beyond.
Not Just Once A Year
Periodically check your children's shoes for wear and fit. Don't forget to look at your children's feet. If your child suddenly wants to sit home all day or turns down activities requiring her shoes or wants to be carried all the time, it may be time for a new pair.
And don't forget other footwear such as dress shoes, rain boots, roller skates, ballet shoes, or any other special feet coverings.
Teach your children to remove their shoes as soon as they come home and even while riding in the car--especially on long trips. This not only cuts down on dirt in the house and car. It encourages bare feet. With no risk of injury from poorly fitting shoes, and in places where it is safe, barefoot is best.
Fancy Feet
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