Keep Kids Healthy and Parents Happy with These 6 Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Tips
For parents who are faced with kids’ changing opinions and tastes, back-to-school shopping can be a stressful process. But there is one part of back-to-school shopping where a wrong move could affect your child’s health - shoe shopping. Today, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is sharing 6 tips to help you navigate the process.
Regardless of your age, foot health is directly connected to overall health. And proper footwear is crucial to foot health, so it’s important to ensure your children return to school with a good foundation on their feet. That’s why shoes are one of the most important back-to-school purchases you will make.
Here are some tips for finding shoes that are good for children’s feet.
Always buy new footwear. Wearing hand-me-down or used shoes can cause athlete’s foot by spreading fungi. A shoe that fits one person comfortably probably won’t fit another as well. Also, shoes that have been worn have already conformed to the foot of the previous owner and may be uncomfortable for another child.
Before trying on the shoes, test them first. Check the stiffness of the heel by pressing on both sides of the heel of the shoe. It should not collapse under the pressure. Try bending the shoe to make sure it will move with your child’s toes. Also try to twist the shoe. It should remain firm across the middle and not twist.
Shop with your children. Shopping with your children is important because it ensures you can have their feet professionally measured. Children who learn how to select a supportive, comfortable shoe may be more likely to make smart footwear choices as adults, which could save them a lot of pain and discomfort.
Shop for shoes later in the day. Everyone’s feet are larger later in the day, and often one foot is larger than the other. Having your children’s feet professionally measured will help determine which foot is larger. Choose the size for the larger foot. When shopping, have your child wear the type of tights or socks he or she will wear with the shoe.
Don’t buy shoes that need to be “broken in.” Footwear should be comfortable as soon as your child puts them on. Examine your child’s shoes throughout the school year. Active children may wear out footwear faster than usual.
Buy shoes that are appropriate for their activities. If your child plays sports, choose a supportive athletic shoe designed for that particular sport. If your child runs a lot, shop for a shoe designed for running. For everyday wear, choose a good, supportive shoe.
If your child experiences an injury or complains of foot pain, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland, at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.