It’s that time again, when kids go back to school and put away their carefree ways of summer vacation. Children’s footwear changes from sandals to sneakers. One of the best ways to get your kids excited for the upcoming year is with a new pair of special school shoes. Of course, it’s still important to make sure they offer your children what their growing feet need.
When children’s feet are developing it’s very important to give them plenty of time to be barefoot. This allows the arches to form the correct way and it will also help avoid conditions such as bunions and other deformities. Many podiatrists believe that the less support the better for young children. Shoes are meant to act as protection against things on the ground that may harm us, but too often they are used to mold our feet into something unnatural that can cause more problems.
Looking for the right pair of shoes can seem daunting, especially with so many conflicting points of view. Children who are still growing need footwear that have soles that aren’t too thick and are low to the ground. This allows their feet to do what comes naturally. The upper shoe material should be soft and bendable so that their feet are not held into an unnatural position. It also helps if it’s breathable and washable, as kids tend to get their shoes dirty very quickly. There should also be a wide toe box so that arch development can occur. One of the most important things you can do is to get your child professionally fitted every few months so that you know the shoes they are wearing are the right size. If their footwear is too small or too big, it can greatly hinder foot development.
For more information on school shoes for children, call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
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