Back-to-School Shoe Guide
August 14 2024 - 2:30PM
As the new school year approaches, back-to-school shopping often
includes picking out new shoes for children. Choosing the right
footwear is more than just a matter of style—it’s essential for
your child’s foot health and comfort. Foot and ankle orthopaedic
surgeons offer these essential tips for selecting the best shoes
for your child’s upcoming school year.
Does Your Child Need New Shoes?
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon Andrew W. Pao, MD, at the
Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists in Greenwich,
Connecticut, said that parents usually need to replace their
children’s shoes about every 4 to 6 months. For children under
three, shoes may need to be replaced more often.
“Children’s feet are growing fast, and often outgrowing shoes
before they wear out,” Dr. Pao said.
Alex B. Peterson, MD, a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon from
the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California,
adds that there is no hard and fast rule for when to replace
children’s shoes but factors such as growth rate, foot shape, and
activity level play a role. In general, parents should check their
children’s shoes every 3 to 4 months or whenever the shoes show
significant wear and tear.
“Regularly checking shoe fit is essential because children’s
feet grow rapidly, and ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and
impact athletic performance,” Dr. Peterson explains.
When selecting new shoes, Drs. Pao and Peterson recommend
looking for shock-absorbent and slip-free outsoles, ankle support
and arch support, and comfortable insoles.
How Do You Know if Your Child’s Shoes Fit?
Traditionally, parents followed the “rule of thumb” method to
decide if their child’s shoes fit properly, Dr. Peterson said. The
method involves measuring the distance between the tip of the big
toe and the end of shoe with one’s thumb. Ideally, shoes should
have at least 1cm (approximately ½ inch) of space for the toes so
the foot has room to expand during walking or running, he said.
Drs. Pao and Peterson suggest following these tips when shopping
for new shoes:
- Check for adequate width and depth in the front of the
shoes.
- Be sure that your child can move their toes freely.
- Consider the width of the entire shoe, especially for children
with wide feet, flat feet, or bunions.
After shoes are purchased, both Drs. Pao and Peterson stressed
that parents should pay attention if their children report pain or
discomfort in their new shoes, which may indicate the shoes are too
short or too narrow. Blisters, redness, or calluses on
children’s feet are also signs that the shoes do not fit
properly.
Instead of buying new shoes, Dr. Peterson said that the common
practice of reusing children’s clothing, toys, and sporting goods
known as “hand-me downs” is a practical and economical solution for
parents who need to replace shoes often.
“Passing down old shoes is an attractive option for parents
looking to save money and reduce waste,” he said. “However, parents
should ensure that the shoes fit the child properly and are not
excessively worn.”
Whether new or used, shoes should be checked regularly to make
sure they are not causing pain, discomfort, or changes in the way
the child walks.
“Every shoe brand is different, and the fit of different brand
shoes can vary from child to child,” Dr. Pao said.
Learn more about shoe fit and other foot and ankle conditions
from FootCareMD.
About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and
DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of
musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their
education and training consist of four years of medical school,
five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of
specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients
of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and
arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle
trauma.
About the AOFAS
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)
mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic
surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and
advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle
care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for
continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and
broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and
treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS
inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading
to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at
aofas.org.
Elizabeth Edwards
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)
847-430-5091
eedwards@aofas.org