Okay, you’ve realized your child needs at least one new pair of shoes before the school year begins. But that doesn’t do much good if you don’t know how to choose the right pair. So in today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center, share 10 essential tips to follow when buying new shoes for your child.

Here are Our Top 10 Tips:

1. No hand-me-down shoes: Used shoes might save you some money initially, but they can be bad news for your child’s feet. Not only can they spread bacteria and germs from the previous owner, but they’ve probably already adapted to the previous owner’s feet, which can cause pressure, blisters, and friction.
2. Take your child with you when you shop: Having your child with you is essential to try on and walk around in the shoes to ensure they fit properly.
3. Shop later in the day: Feet often swell after a day of activity or playing, so you want to be sure they fit in their shoes even when they’re at their largest.
4. Bring appropriate socks: Your child should be testing shoes with the same type of socks they would typically wear with that pair of shoes.
5. Measure both feet first: Measure both feet, as one foot is typically a little larger than the other, so you want a pair that fits the larger foot.
6. Don’t go too large: Get shoes according to the measured size. Shoes that are too big can cause tripping and pain and may even impede natural foot development.
7. Buy shoes made with breathable materials: Children’s feet tend to sweat a lot, so they often struggle with things like athlete’s foot, warts, foot odor, and other unsightly infections. Shoes made from breathable fabrics like canvas or leather can stay drier.
8. Shoes should have an adjustable closure: This could be Velcro, an adjustable buckle, laces, etc. It would be best to avoid backless or slip-on shoes because of the lack of support.
9. Have your child walk around in them: Although new shoes may initially feel strange, they should feel comfortable immediately.
10. Make sure their shoes are appropriate for their activities: Sport-specific shoes not only help them play better but are designed to provide better protection from the specific injuries and stresses of that activity.

If your child is experiencing any foot pain, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. You can click here to locate contact information for the nearest office to book your appointment.