Back to School Shopping- Fitting Children’s Shoes
Is your family taking in every last ounce of summer vacation? As August draws to a close, some kids are itching to get back to school while others dread the unavoidable first day of school. Parents play a big role in all of these preparations. Proper footwear and fitting children’s shoesshould actually be on the top of the list in front of binders, book bags, and colored pencils.
Packing well-balanced, healthy lunches will help keep your kids healthy. Couple that with the right pair of shoes for each activity and they’ll be on the right start to having a healthy, happy year! An ill-fitting pair of shoes could increase their risk for injury, pain, and cause them to withdraw from activity. To avoid this, take your child with you when you go shopping. Shoes need to be tried on with the socks they will be wearing. Don’t make assumptions on their foot size—young feet often grow faster than you think.
Do not settle on shoes that may need a “break-in” period, no matter how good of a sale you find. It may also be tempting to buy a pair that your child can grow into. However, when shoes are too big, he or she may trip and get blisters from the shoes rubbing.
While it may also be easier on the pocketbook to share shoes between kids, it is important to remember that their foot structure can vary. Not only do shoes wear down over time, but a certain pair may not fit another child like they should. If you have a child that will be in sports, make sure you buy the appropriate shoes for that sport. This is for improved performance but also for safety from injury.
If you have any concerns about your child’s foot health for the upcoming school year, please contact Dallas Podiatry Works. We can ensure your whole family stays pain-free with healthy feet. Call Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin in Dallas, TX, at 972.853.7100, in Plano, TX, at (972) 943-3323, or request an appointment online.