Podiatrists in West Island recommend selecting the right shoes impacting your child’s foot development. But why?
There are many lucrative options in kids’ footwear. Trying on the first pair of school shoes is a significant moment in any child’s life. It marks the transition from casual and fun life to a structured school environment. But the biggest question, is do those shoes provide enough support for your kid’s feet?
Just as you would take the recommendations of an eye doctor seriously if they said your child needed glasses you should similarly consider professional recommendations by a St. Hyacinthe podiatrist (podiatre St. Hyacinthe) about selecting the right shoes.
This guide will help you to choose the right shoes for your school-aged children.
Features and Benefits of Good Quality Shoes
They start walking and running before you know it. That is why you will consider the best shoe for their busy feet. Consider the Tips mentioned below:
1. Consider Materials and Fit
Shoes for your child should be made of breathable materials like
- Leather
- Canvas
- the newer mesh materials
The shoes should have plenty of room in the toe box and should not pinch the feel anywhere. The professionals at the store will measure your child’s feet. The shoes need to fit correctly at different points:
- The width
- The instep arching middle portion of the foot
- The flex point, the sole of the shoe bends most easily.
2. Focus on Foot Health but Not The Price
It is not always a fact that more expensive shoes equal better quality. You shouldn’t expect children’s shoes to be a bargain. It is not recommended to use second-hand shoes as the shoe needs to fit your child’s feet perfectly.
It may be deemed acceptable to use this only in the scenario where shoes are not frequently used, for example, ones that are reserved for special events.
3. Consider Your Child’s Age
Shoes for infants are sometimes a fashion accessory. But school shoes are something which is structured. The school shoes they are using should be lightweight to accommodate them.
Children shouldn’t wear
- backless shoes
- high heels
- heels are relatively short
4. Avoid Slip-ons Shoes or Second Hands
It is also a sad fact that school shoes are one thing that money-savvy parents shouldn’t buy online or second-hand.
Worn shoes will be moulded to the shape of the previous child’s foot. This also causes problems for your child’s feet.
Slip-on shoes are not recommended by Podiatrist west island for long-term use. They strongly advise
- lace-up shoes
- Velcro
- Buckle-up shoes.
5. Structure and Support
Support for sports shoes comes from the structure of the
- heel counter
- Midsole density
- Integrity of the shank.
This is important for high-impact activities like running and court sports. Some known brands offer kids options prioritising structure and support. By incorporating soft gel footbeds, you can enhance your footwear’s support and comfort without compromising on space.
6. Be Alert for Ingrowing Pain
If your children complain about leg or foot pains at any point during the year, it’s crucial to take their concerns seriously and not dismiss them as mere “growing pains.” Seeking professional support is necessary to prevent any potential long-term issues.
7. Comfort is The Key
When it comes to sports shoes for kids, comfort is key. An ideal school shoe should feature an EVA midsole that provides
- Shock absorption
- A mesh upper
- Inner padding.
All these comfortably envelop the foot. Some of the top brands that excel in providing comfort. High-quality sports shoes typically do not require a “breaking in” period, so immediate comfort is a good indication of a proper fit.
8. Choose The right Sole Material
When it comes to school shoes, the material used for the sole is crucial for
- Comfort
- Support
- Grip
- Durability.
Generally, school shoe soles are made from a combination of
- Leather
- Rubber
- A blend of rubber and EVA.
In terms of a comparison, rubber soles are perfect for traditional school shoes as they provide excellent shock absorption and durability.
On the other hand, leather soles are heavy, firm, and not ideal for active children.
If your child is very active, sports-style soles made from a combination of rubber and EVA are the best choice as they offer lightweight and cushioned soles.
When Should You Buy New School Shoes?
St. Hyacinthe podiatrists (podiatre St. Hyacinthe) recommend that a school shoe should last between nine to twelve months. Keep in mind that foot size will increase during a growth spurt.
Typically, a child’s foot grows after the age of three about half a size every six months. Observe significant signs of wear and tear on the shoes. If they cause discomfort to your child it is advisable to replace them.
Conclusion
Since children spend a considerable amount of time on their feet. So investing in a good pair of sports shoes is crucial for their comfort and foot health.
There are significant differences between well-designed sports shoes and low-quality ones suggested by a St. Hyacinthe podiatrist (podiatre st. hyacinthe). The saying “you get what you pay for” applies to the durability and support with comfort of running shoes.
