How Footwear Should Fit A Child
- Footwear should be flat with a very low heel and no drop to promote balance and provide better support for the legs and back.
- Shoes should be wide enough around the toes to allow them to move freely.
- The heel collar should be below the ankle. Boots should be flexible enough to allow full movement of the ankle joint.
- There should be a space of 0.5 to 1cm between the end of the longest toe (not always the first toe) and the tip of the shoe.
- Check the height of the toe section to avoid friction and irritation to the toes.
- Avoid buying shoes that are too big so that they last longer. Shoes that are too big can impact how a child walks and cause blisters.
- The best time to buy shoes for your child is at the end of the day (especially in summer) when the feet are most swollen.
- Ensure your child tries on both shoes and walks around for a while to ensure the size is correct.
What Type of Shoes Should You Buy For a Child?
- Inappropriate footwear could lead to deformities of the toes or cause ingrown toenails. Achilles tendonitis and bursitis could also occur.
- Choose footwear that fits correctly and supports your child’s foot effectively. Velcro or laces on the instep help hold and support the foot as your child moves around.
- Avoid very stiff soles as this can cause pain in the heels and soles of the feet.
- Kids footwear should be made of natural materials, such as leather, to allow the feet to breathe. Synthetic fabrics increase the risk of hyperhidrosis, mycosis, as well as verrucae and skin eczema.
- Flip flops, clogs, or ballet pumps do not provide sufficient support and force the foot to use a “claw” like position, which can lead to deformities. So this type of footwear is not recommended for regular daily use.
- Wearing slippers at home allows a child to rest their feet and keep their feet cosy, while still providing an element of support.
- The shoe liner should be flat and flexible, removable ideally. Cutting Edge Podiatry can help you with orthotics if required.
Top Tips: Choosing Footwear for Kids Video
In the following video, Suvanne (owner and lead clinician at Cutting Edge Podiatry) talks through our top tips for choosing footwear for kids – to ensure that a child’s feet and physical development are best supported.