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What to Look for When Checking Your Child’s Feet

Regularly examining your child’s feet is essential to ensure they are healthy and developing correctly. Children’s feet grow and change rapidly, and identifying potential issues early can prevent long-term problems. Here are the key things to watch for when inspecting your child’s feet, along with advice on what to do if you spot anything unusual.

• Redness or irritation
• Blisters, corns, or calluses
• Toe deformities
• Unusual toenails
• Skin conditions
• Flat feet or high arches
• Pain or tenderness
• Unusual gait or posture
• Swelling or lumps
• Odour or excessive sweating
• Uneven shoe wear

 

How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Children

Children’s feet grow rapidly, and ensuring they have properly fitted shoes is crucial for their foot health and overall development. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even long-term foot problems. As podiatrists, we see many cases where incorrect footwear during childhood has caused lasting issues, which could have been easily prevented. Follow these tips to choose the right shoes for your child and support their growing feet.

 

 

 

1. Importance of Proper Fit

Having your child’s shoes correctly fitted is essential to prevent problems like blisters, bunions, or structural issues in later life. Children may not always notice or communicate that their shoes are too tight, so regular checks are essential. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Leave Growing Room: Ensure there’s about 18mm (2/3 inch) of space between the end of their longest toe and the front of the shoe. This allows for natural foot movement and growth.
• Secure Fit: Shoes must fit firmly at the heel and have fastenings, such as Velcro, laces, or straps, to hold the foot securely in place.
• Avoid Loose or Tight Shoes: Shoes that are too loose can cause instability, while tight shoes can lead to redness, irritation, or deformities over time.

2. Look for Signs of Problems

Regularly inspect your child’s feet for any signs of issues that could be linked to poorly fitting shoes:

• Redness or Irritation: Check for areas of redness, rubbing, or soreness, particularly around the toes, heels, or sides of the feet.
• Toe Overcrowding: Make sure the toes are not scrunched or overlapping when your child is wearing shoes.
• Foot Pain: If your child complains of pain or discomfort, don’t dismiss it. Check their shoes immediately and consult a podiatrist if needed.

3. Have Shoes Professionally Fitted

Whenever possible, purchase your child’s shoes from a specialist children’s shoe shop where a trained shoe fitter can assist you. These professionals measure both the length and width of the foot to ensure the best fit.

• Expert Guidance: A trained shoe fitter can also advise whether your child needs new shoes or how much wear they can still get from their current pair.

 

4. What to Look for in Children’s Shoes

When choosing shoes for your child, focus on the following features to ensure optimal comfort and support:

Fit and Fastening

• Shoes should have a secure fastening, such as laces, Velcro, or buckles, to keep the foot in place and prevent slipping.

• Ensure the shoes fit snugly at the heel without pinching or leaving gaps.

Flexible and Supportive Soles

• Look for shoes with flexible soles that allow the foot to move naturally but are firm enough to provide stability.

• Avoid overly stiff soles, as these can restrict natural foot movement.

Breathable Materials

• Choose shoes made of breathable materials like leather or mesh, which help prevent sweating and irritation.

• Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections.

Toe Space

• Ensure the toe box is roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely without being cramped.

• Avoid pointed or narrow-toed shoes, which can lead to deformities like bunions or ingrown toenails.

5. Regularly Check Shoe Size

Children’s feet grow quickly, and their shoe size can change every few months. Regularly measure their feet to ensure their shoes are still the right size.

• Growth Spurts: On average, children’s feet grow about two sizes a year in their first four years and then one size a year after that.
• Frequent Checks: Check the fit of their shoes every 6–8 weeks for toddlers and every 3–4 months for older children.

6. Allow Time for Adjustments

New shoes may take some time to break in. Let your child wear their new shoes for short periods initially to ensure they’re comfortable. Monitor for any signs of irritation or discomfort during this adjustment period.

7. Sports and School Shoes

Children often spend long hours in school or playing sports, so their footwear for these activities needs special attention.

• School Shoes: Choose sturdy, supportive shoes with cushioning to handle long hours of wear. Black leather shoes are often required, so ensure they meet school guidelines while providing proper support.
• Sports Shoes: For physical activities, invest in well-fitting trainers or sports shoes with appropriate support for running or jumping.

8. When to Seek Help

Sometimes, foot problems in children may not be caused by their shoes but by underlying issues. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Persistent foot or leg pain
• Visible deformities or unusual foot shapes
• Uneven wear on their shoes

If you notice any of these, or if your child frequently complains about discomfort, consult a podiatrist. Early intervention can prevent problems from worsening.

9. Set a Good Example

Encourage healthy foot habits by choosing well-fitted, supportive footwear for yourself. Children often mimic their parents, so wearing appropriate shoes sets a good example for them to follow.

 

Properly fitting shoes are an investment in your child’s long-term foot health. They prevent unnecessary discomfort, support healthy development, and reduce the risk of problems in adulthood. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a podiatrist for advice or to address any concerns you have about your child’s feet.For more information on foot care and children’s footwear, get in touch.

Remember, happy feet make happy kids!