Are you wondering if your children’s school shoes fit correctly? Are you looking at purchasing a new pair? Here are a few points to keep in mind!

Growing bodies, mean growing feet. Your children can spend around 30 hours a week in their school shoes. As your children start a new school year, it is important that they are wearing correctly fitting shoes. Whether they’re out running, skipping or hopping during their PE class or walking back and forth from home and school; they’re always moving!

 

Finding the right pair for your child

– Ensure their shoes fit properly (especially around the toes)

– Measure their feet regularly for width and length. A podiatrist or attending stores that offer this service (The Athletes Foot/ Active Feet) is advisable

– Toes should move freely and should not be squashed. Allow for about 1cm between the tip of their longest toe and the end of their shoe. The longest  toe is important as it may not always be the big toe!!

– Shoes should fit well around the heel, not too tight or loose

– Go shopping later in the afternoon to allow for any swelling- this is common after a long day and it’s important to get the best fit for when the feet are at their biggest

– Take the socks they will wear for school as the thickness will impact on the fit of the shoe.

– Twist the shoe: if it is easily twisted through the midsole it is not providing enough support. Opt for a more sturdy midsole. Shoes should only bend where we naturally bend whilst walking- at the toes!

– Ensure the footwear has a fastening mechanism such as Velcro or lacing. A slip on shoe is not advisable- muscles have to work harder in these shoe types and they could lead to excessive toe gripping (which is implicated in foot pain/foot deformities)

 

Shoe Recommendations

Traditional School Styles

– Ascent Apex

– Ascent Adela

– Ascent Scholar

– Clarks Daytona

 

Running Shoe Style

– Ascent Cluster/ Defender 3

– Asics GT 1000/2000

– Asics 540TR

Why visit a Podiatrist?

We recommend a check up with a podiatrist to ensure footwear is correctly fitting your children’s feet. Additionally, if your child is wearing out their footwear on the sides; walk on their tip toes, complaining of pain in their feet or have a history of tripping or falling, it would be advisable to seek professional advice. Podiatrists are also able to treat and diagnose many skin concerns such as hard skin and rashes. If you have any other general concerns or want more advice regarding shoes, feel free to give us a call on 94805522 to make an appointment or book online via our website.

 

by Milka Trifkovic

 

 

 

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