How did summer go by so quickly? High schools have started football practice, and stores have already stocked their shelves with back-to-school supplies. Although you’re probably ready to cross crayons, folders and notebooks off your back-to-school shopping list, you’re probably also thinking about taking your son or daughter shopping for some new outfits, and maybe even a new pair of shoes.
We don’t really care how you dress your child, but we are interested in helping you find a good pair of shoes that help keep your child injury free. Below, we’ve outlined some tips for picking out the best pair of back-to-school shoes.
Shoe Buying Basics
Err on the Big Side – Children at growing at a rapid rate during elementary and middle school, and so too are their feet. I’ve had parents tell me that their children have outgrown two pairs of shoes in less than a year! So if your child is in between sizes, or they say one pair is too tight while the other is a little too loose, opt for the bigger option. If your child’s foot is squeezed into a shoe that’s too tight, they could end up with ingrown toenails or bunions.
Comfort Over Fashion – This is way easier said than done, especially with school-aged kids. In fact, they may even have a pair in mind before they hit the store, but it’s important to try the shoes on and make sure they fit comfortably. We all know that kids want their shoes to look cool, but they sure won’t look cool if they are limping around the halls because their shoes aren’t comfortable.
Durability – We’re not trying to tell you that you need to spend a lot of money on a new pair of shoes that your kids will outgrow in six months, but it’s probably not the best idea to opt for the cheapest pair on the rack. Oftentimes the cheapest shoes aren’t made with the best materials. Find a durable shoe that won’t wear down quickly.
Traction – If you’re at the mall specifically to by gym shoes, make sure your buy a pair that has a good grip on the bottom. If they don’t, your kid could slip in gym class and hurt their ankle.
Know Your Child – Some kids have wide feet, while others have high arches. In order to buy the right type of shoes for your child, you need to know your child’s feet. Ask a sales associate to measure their feet and to look for any foot conditions that aren’t protected by a regular pair of shoes.
