Buying the Correct Shoe for your Child
The average child can have up to 3x times the stress on their feet than that of an adult. Often children are more active and engage in high-impact activities like running, jumping and climbing. Ill-fitting shoes in children may have short and long term implications that can significantly affect their overall health and development.
Children’s feet grow quickly during the first year, reaching half the size of their adult size. By the age of 12 a child’s foot will be 90% of its adult size. Due to rapid growth in length and width, frequent changes in the size of shoes may be necessary. It is recommended to do a foot size check at least every one to three months up to the age of three, and then every four months up to the age of five. From the age of five onwards a foot check can be done every six months until your child stops growing.
Here are some tips to help with choosing the right footwear for your child:
Measured both feet for length: often one foot is slightly longer and the shoe should be fit based on the longest foot.
Always try the shoe on: sizing can vary across brands.
Toes shouldn’t touch the end of the shoe: if they do, damage can occur to the nail and toe. It is recommended about thumbnail gap between the longest toe and the end of the shoe
Shoes should be the correct size: they need to be broad and deep enough
Shop for shoes later in the day: feet will be at their largest dues to swelling
Shoes should be comfortable from the start: they should not require breaking in
Wear the right socks: natural fibres are best as they allow the foot to breathe (i.e. cotton, wool, bamboo)
Make sure the shoe is properly fastened: i.e. laces, Velcro, buckles, no-tie laces. For example, blisters can form on the heel if the foot is slipping at the back of the shoe.
Lock Lacing is a lacing technique that can be used to further secure the heel
Children’s feet go through a lot of changes. If your child is experiencing any pain in their feet or legs or you notice any changes that concern you, book an appointment to see us at Relief Podiatry. Our podiatrists are experienced in paediatric footcare and can assess their feet, track development, diagnose and treat any of their lower limb issues.
