New term, new shoes: how to get the perfect fit on children’s back-to-school footwear

Back to school is the time of year when you realise that your kids’ feet have grown – again. So, if you haven’t done so already, you might want to check their shoes fit properly for the new term.

 

Why the right size shoes are important

It’s important that shoes are comfortable, well-fitting and with just the right amount of room for growth. Shoes that are too small can cause problems such as ingrowing toenails, blisters, calluses and bunions. Over-tight shoes may also affect their gait (walking) and running.

 

Why school age kids feet grow so fast

Children’s feet grow remarkably fast; toddlers under 16 months can grow half a shoe size in two months. By the time children reach school age, this growth rate slows to about one whole size each year.

Foot growth rates are related to puberty although genetics also play a significant role. For girls, the major growth spurts are between ages 8 and 13, and for boys, from ages 10 and 15. So, it’s important to check the size of your young and older teenage children’s shoes regularly.

 

How to check if your child’s shoes are (still) the right size

If their current shoes have an insole, first remove it. Place it on the floor and ask your child to put their socked foot on it. With their heel at the back of the insole, there should be about a thumb’s width gap in front of their big toe, before the insole end.

Next, pop the insoles back in and with your child wearing their shoes, check that there’s some ‘wiggle’ room at the end for the toes. A simple way to do this is to push down on the surface of the shoe about where the tip of the big toe is. There should be a finger’s width before the end of the shoe. Also ensure that the shoes are not too tight at the sides or that your child’s feet are not pushing out over the sides.

If you are in any doubt, or need some help, ask your shoe store to measure your child’s feet. This will ensure you buy the right size of shoe that fits. Click here more details on our footcare services for children.

 

Check for damage

Life can be tough on children’s shoes! Check for any cracking leather or frayed areas as these can make the shoe less stable. Also check for wear on both soles. Soles should be robust enough for winter snow and ice, but not too heavy as that can lead to trips and slips on various surfaces.

In particular, look for uneven wear on the heels. If the inner or outer part of the heel is worn down, this means that your child’s foot is leaning too far left or right. This can lead to foot and ankle pain and loss of stability.

If so, come to us here at Hunt Footcare. We can analyse your child’s gait (walking) and see if their foot is in the right position or if it pronates (turns inwards) or supinates (turns outwards). Left uncorrected, either can cause ankle and knee problems as well as pain or discomfort. We might recommend custom made orthotics to correct the foot position, which simply slip into their normal footwear.

 

Ask us for advice

If you are unsure about sizing, or have any concerns about your child’s foot heath, come and talk to us. We offer specialist, friendly and professional advice at our three Ontario foot clinics:

 

What to look for in a school shoe

School shoes need to be comfortable, well-fitting and robust to stand the everyday wear and tear of life in school. Good shoes offer support, comfort, some degree of waterproofing, and a good grip on all surfaces.

  • Any form of shoe should support the foot front and back, be firm in the middle, and bend at the ball of the foot.
  • Ideally, uppers should be of breathable material such as leather, and insoles should be absorbent and possibly padded.
  • The outer sole should provide grip and cushioning.
  • Look for a heel of no more than about 2cm, so that the foot is not pushed down squashing toes against the front of the shoe.

With all shoes, it’s a good idea to try as many brands as possible. Sizes can vary according to the brand, so go up or down a size if necessary, in order to get the best fit.

 

Want an expert to check your child’s feet?

If you have any concerns, just call us here at Hunt Footcare. We can advise you as to your child’s gait, foot size and any other beneficial care going forward, such as foot hygiene. You’ll find our children’s footcare experts at:

Published On: September 25, 2024