If the Shoes Fit ....Proper fit? How do I make sure I am getting the right shoe for my child? Make properly- fitted shoes a priority for the sake of your child's health!Kids are on their feet 12-16 hours a day- running, jumping, bouncing, hopping, climbing... (are we tired yet, parents)?! Kids are active! They need shoes that will support their growing, active bodies. Shoes that will not deform their foot development.Shoes that are too small can cause an abnormal gait and misalign growing bones. Being vigilant and making shoe buying a priority, may save your child a lifetime of foot, back, spine, and other problems related to improper shoe fit in childhood. Children should have their feet measured about every 2- 3 months.Children (especially young ones) may not be able to communicate that their feet are hurting, or their toes are hitting the end of a shoe. Since their foot bones are soft, they may not feel cramped even though damage is being done. Inspect your child's feet regularly. Look for any red spots or blisters. Inspect the shoe. Peek into the shoe. You should be able to see or feel the impression of the toes about half an inch from the end. Check the bottom for uneven wear patterns. This may indicate that the shoe is too narrow or too wide.Shoes should not need to be “broken in.”If they do, they are either poorly designed or the wrong length or width. Shoes should be comfortable from the moment a child puts them on.Never twist or shove a foot into a shoe.Think of Cinderella and her glass slipper. A foot should slide in nicely with no effort. The need to twist or shove a foot into a shoe usually indicates the shoe is too short or too narrow. This can also cause damage to the foot.
A good fit is about a half-inch of space in the width and length of the shoe.Generally, for a shoe to be fitted correctly, there should be a thumbs-width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe. Key word being "longest" toe. It may not always be the big toe.Your child should always be able to comfortably wiggle their toes inside their shoes. Don't be tempted to buy too big to get "extra wear". A loose shoe can cause painful calluses and sores by allowing too much movement in the shoe,Don't be tempted to go shorter to get a snug fit. Always accommodate for length and find a narrower style or try thicker socks.If you can't bend it, don't buy it.The shoe should be flexible across the ball of the foot, as this is where the foot bends. The shoe should not bend where the foot does not bend- the arch or middle, for example.
Have your child walk around in the shoes to make sure that they don't hit the ankle bones or have seams that rub against the foot.Look for natural or breathable materials like leather and canvas.Some Expert Advice:Podiatrists at Boston Medical Center offer the following tips to take some of the confusion out of this important purchase. "Shoes need to be flexible and be able to sustain extreme activity. They should also provide support and cushioning and be breathable to allow body heat and moisture to escape," said Geoffrey Habershaw, DPM, clinical director, Foot Specialist, Boston Medical Center (BMC). "However, a bad fit can negate all the benefits of a good shoe, finding the right size is essential," he stressed. Since shoe sizes tend to vary by manufacturer, Habershaw advises that an accurate fit can only be assured once the foot is inside the shoe.
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