August is flying by, and if you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably already received a list of items that your child will need for the upcoming school year. And while they aren’t usually on any required supplies list, one common item that parents oftentimes buy for their kids as the new school year approaches are shoes. You want your child to start the year off in a new pair of shoes that fits them well, but how can you make sure you buy the right pair?
In today’s blog, we share some tips for buying new shoes for your child this Back to School season.
Back To School Shoe Shopping
A child’s foot grows quite quickly during their adolescent years, so it’s not uncommon for kids to grow out of their shoes each year or even sooner. If your child’s shoes no longer fit, or they beat them up this summer and need something without scuffs or holes, here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re out looking for a new pair.
1. Bring Your Kid With You – It is much easier to ensure that any new shoes fit properly if you bring your child with you. All size 9 shoes fit a little differently, so don’t just assume going one size up from their last pair will get the job done. Not only is it helpful to bring them along to ensure a proper fit, but they can also help to pick out a pair that they like and will enjoy wearing.
2. Have Them Move Around – Have your child try on the new pair of shoes in the store and walk around a bit. You’ll want to ensure that the new shoes are supportive and comfortable to walk in, so try them out before you buy.
3. Consider A Professional Fit – We understand that it’s easier to have a couple of pairs shipped to your door, but for the best fit, head to a shoe store and let an associate help measure your child’s foot so that you can find a pair that is the correct size and fit. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can cause problems for their feet, and if you’re not exactly sure how much room their toes should have in their shoes, let an expert assist.
4. Break Them In – You probably want their shoes to look perfect for the first day of school, but it’s not always a great idea to send them to school in a pair of shoes they haven’t worn for an extended period before. New shoes may rub on the feet and ankles in a certain way, leading to blisters or sores. New shoes will also impact muscles in the feet differently than an old pair, so your child is more likely to experience some light soreness after wearing a new shoe for an extended period. Gradually break them in during the lead up to school so that they aren’t wearing their new shoes for 10 hours the first time they put them on.
5. Consider Quality – Finally, when buying a pair of shoes, really take a closer look at the quality of the shoe material. Cheaper, less supportive shoes can wear down quicker and increase your child’s risk of an injury. We’re not saying that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes that they’ll grow out of in six months, but take a closer look at the shoe quality and read some reviews before you move forward with a purchase.
For more information, or for help with a different foot and ankle issue, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (952) 224-8500.
