TIPS FOR BUYING SCHOOL SHOES
Kids can spend up to 30 hours a week in school shoes, which roughly adds up to about 15,000 hours over their school life. With these statistics in mind, it’s easy to see why choosing the right school shoe for your child is important.
Properly fitting school shoes promote efficient foot motion and enhance muscle development and function. In addition, the right school shoe will be comfortable on your child’s feet.
With so many choices and advice out there it is hard to know if you are doing the right thing by your child. To help with your selection here are some tips to remember when looking for new school shoes:
– Measure both feet as variations can exist and ensure there is about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the longest toe (not necessarily the big toe) and the end of the shoe;
– Do not buy the shoes too big thinking you child will grow into them. Having too much space can make the foot unstable causing injuries, general foot pain, blisters and excess shoe wear;
– If your child wears orthotics, make sure you have them with you when trying school shoes, and remove any insoles that come with the shoe before putting the orthotic in;
– Make sure the shoe flexes at the toes but remains stiff through the rest of the sole of the shoe;
– Purchase a lace up shoe as opposed to a Mary-Jane or Velcro style where possible as this will hold the foot in the shoe more effectively;
– Avoid using hand me down footwear if possible, especially if they are showing wear marks from previous children;
– Look for a stiff heel counter, stitching rather than gluing of materials and an overall well-constructed shoe;
– Try and use a reputable children’s shoe store who will take time to measure and fit your child appropriately.
With the school year rapidly approaching once again, we all have to start thinking about getting the little people ready to go back, and school shoes are usually near the top of the to-do list. So if you have any questions concerning you child’s feet, or if you need some advice regarding footwear, please contact the clinic on 9480-5522 or book online for an appointment and assessment of your child’s foot needs.
