6 Tips to Make Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Easier for You and Your Child
For parents dealing with their children’s changing opinions and tastes, the back-to-school shopping process can be stressful. Choose the wrong backpack, and they won’t be cool. Purchase the wrong jeans, and they’ll be embarrassed. At the same time, neither situation will result in any real damage. However, when shoe shopping, a wrong move can cause problems for your children’s foot health. So, in today’s post, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, MD, is sharing his tips to make the process safer and easier.
Here are 6 Tips to Make Back-to-School Shopping Easier for You and Your Child:
Always buy new—never used
Wearing hand-me-down shoes can spread fungi, causing athlete’s foot. Children’s feet are unique, so shoes that fit one child comfortably won’t necessarily fit others. And shoes that others have worn typically adapt to the foot of the previous wearer.
Shop with your child
Have their foot measured professionally to ensure a proper fit. Children who learn to select a supportive, comfortable shoe may be less prone to making poor footwear choices when they become adults.
Shop for shoes later in the day
As children’s feet typically get larger as the day progresses, measuring them later in the day will help identify which foot is larger.
Test the shoes before having them try them on
Bend the shoe to ensure it will bend along with your child’s toes without being too stiff. Twist it to make sure the shoe remains rigid across the middle.
Avoid shoes that require a “breaking-in” period
Your child’s footwear should be comfortable immediately when putting them on. When the school year begins, check on your child’s shoes for signs of wear and tear or irritation.
Be sure your children wear shoes suitable for their activities
If your daughter participates in sports, she should wear good athletic shoes designed for the sport. If your son is a runner, purchase him a good running shoe.
If your child injures their foot or complains of foot pain, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule a visit.