What Every Parent Needs to Know About Buying Back to School Shoes
Take Care of Your Kids Feet This Fall!
September is right around the corner. Some parents are down-right disappointed while others are applauding. You know who you are. While you’re making their back to school supply list, please spend extra time shopping for their recreation, sports and every day footwear. They only have two feet. You want them to be as supported and safe as all the other parts of their little bodies. Follow these ABCDEs of smart shoe shopping.
Whether it’s on the school bus, in the classroom, on the playground or sports field, children need a well constructed pair of shoes to help reduce the risk of injury that can lead to more serious problems such as sprains, strains and fractures.
All parents want happy and content children. In spite of what your kids tell you, there’s more to buying shoes than simply how they look. Not every fashion-forward shoe is a healthy choice. Look for 3 things when choosing shoes: (1) proper toe flexibility (2) a rigid middle (3) a stiff heel.
Don’t be wooed (by salespeople or your kids) into buying shoes that need a “break-in” period. If they are not comfortable immediately, don’t buy them. Make them take a walk and carefully watch their movements. Uncomfortable shoes don’t lie.
Never hand down footwear. No four feet are alike. The odds are against a shoe properly and comfortably fitting two children. Besides, sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete’s foot or nail fungus.
Take note of changes in your child’s feet. It may be necessary to change shoe and sock sizes every few months as his/her feet grow. Remember, children won’t always tell you about their foot or ankle discomfort. Red spots from rubbing and blisters are giveaways that something is amiss.
Choosing properly fitted and supportive shoes that offer good support and protection is important to the overall health of children. Talk to your chiropodist or podiatrist for more information on children’s feet and how to choose shoes for sports and every day.