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Healthy Shoe Shopping

As parents and children begin the annual hunt for deals on back-to-school items, shopping for healthy shoes should top the "must-buy" list for more important reasons than just a fashionable new look. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), well-fitting shoes not only reduce the incidence of foot and ankle injuries in kids, but also encourage physical activity, helping to decrease the likelihood of childhood obesity.

Your podiatrist will tell you that if your child's feet hurt, he or she will be far less likely to participate in outdoor sports and other activities that keep him or her moving and physically fit. With childhood obesity considered an epidemic today, it is vital that parents take just a few moments during this busy back-to-school shopping season to select a shoe that provides adequate support and fits properly. It is one of the easiest ways to keep your child pain-free and healthy.

Shopping for healthy shoes, however, can be a daunting task without knowing what to look for-but the following tips can make your back-to-school shoe purchases easy, smart, and safe:

Before buying a shoe, perform the "1,2,3 Test."
First, squeeze the back of a shoe's heel and ensure that it does not collapse. Second, grab the front (toe box) of the shoe and make sure that the shoe bends where the child's toes would naturally bend in the shoe. Third, grab the shoe at both ends and try to gently twist. Shoes should never twist in the middle and should be rigid. If a shoe fails any of these three steps, don't buy it.

Look for the APMA's Seal of Acceptance.
Many products, including select children's footwear models made by Pediped, Reebok, and Tsukihoski, have been awarded the APMA's Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper foot health. Look for the APMA Seal on product packaging or a manufacturer's website.

Never hand down footwear.
Sharing shoes can spread and encourage the growth of fungus and bacteria such as athlete's foot, and regardless of shoe size, shoes can fit every child differently.

Have a child's foot professionally measured regularly.
Most shoe stores will be happy to professionally measure a child's foot, or your podiatrist can measure your child's foot during a foot health check-up to ensure proper fit. Also, measure for proper length from toes to the tip of shoes to prevent irritation and injury.

No "break-in" period required.
Your child's shoes should be comfortable to wear immediately and should not require a break-in period for comfort.

Children do not communicate pain or discomfort like adults. Parents should watch for changes in reduced activity and monitor if the child is able to keep up with their peers. If a child does exhibit changes, a visit to the foot and ankle surgeons at Dallas Podiatry Works Drs. Joel Brook and David Northcutt can be helpful in diagnosing your child's condition and devise a plan to get them back to their activities.

For more shoe-shopping tips, visit www.apma.org/kids-shoes.

For more information on children's footwear with the APMA Seal, visit www.apma.org/pediatricfootproducts.

For more on foot health and conditions visit www.dallaspodiatryworks.com