Kids are going back to school soon and with that lets talk about finding the right school shoes for your children.
Kids can spend up to 8 hours a day in their school shoes so its important that they are wearing the correct shoes to avoid injury and pain.
Not only that, feet are the foundations for your legs and pelvis. Having poor shoes can cause your child’s pelvis to twist or drop, and in-turn create spinal issues
The Australian Podiatry Association states “A good school shoe provides a stable home for immature bones,” says Charlotte Bodell, (a podiatrist)
So what do you need to look for in a good shoe? I know sometimes it can be easier to just go with the affordable pair or the most fashionable pair but that might not always be the best option.
All my kids have the best shoe available. Not only is it good for them they last 12 months saving me to have to buy two pairs of shoes per year and also less medical expenses in the long-term
Here are my top tips to find the correct shoe for your children
- Make sure there is a gap which is about the width of your thumb in between the top of the shoe and the top of the longest toe.
- Make sure the shoes are wide enough for your kids and if they have narrow feet, make sure the shoes are too wide.
- The shoes shouldn’t hurt when they wear them. There shouldn’t be any pressure points or pain.
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon as your feet swell and it will be easier to find the correct shoe size
- Try and avoid the ‘ they will grow into them’ mentality. Wearing proper fitting shoes will support their growing bones and avoid injury.
- Find a flexible shoe that they can run and play in
- Try to make sure they are light weight, you don’t want them to be carrying unnecessary weight on their feet.
I hope that help you when you start shopping for kids school shoes.
Dr Andrew.