Children's Shoes

Somehow the shoe was never big enough. And similarly, no matter how much allowance you make for your children's growth spurt, it seems only a matter of days before you're burning your own leather in search of yet another pair of shoes for them. Yes, no sooner than scuffing their new shoes, our children's feet will grow. And yet again we find ourselves searching for well-fitting, comfortable footwear.

If the shoe fits...

As a basic rule, remember that a child's shoes should fit the shape of the foot. Feet should not be forced to fit into the shape of a pair of shoes. Squeezing into small shoes or wearing footwear that is too loose will cause blisters and soreness. This in time could cause permanent problems such as bunions.

When should I buy my child new shoes?

Look for obvious telltale signs such as complaints of discomfort, worn areas and ripped seams. Shoes that are too small will wear out quickly in the toe area and if they are too big, the tip of the shoe may turn upwards. The average child's foot will grow by two sizes each year, so it's important to get them checked every 4-5 months.

Give foot problems the boot...what to check for in new shoes...

Regardless of brand name, footwear should be flexible, should fit well and be made from breathable material. Ideally, shoes should be made from quality leather or canvas - proven durable materials that allow your child's foot to breathe. Footwear made from plastic components encourage the feet to sweat more, making the feet smell and causing blisters. Also, look at how the shoes fasten. Both lace-up's and velcro provide good support, although velcro has a tendency to wear quicker. Finally, check that the sole of the shoe is flexible and that it is firm around the heel, providing strong support.

Do's and Don'ts for choosing shoes for your child.

DO:

Shop later in the day: If possible, shop for shoes in the afternoon as feet can swell by up to 8 % in a day.

Talk to an experienced shoe fitter. He or she will have been trained to properly measure your child's feet, so use their knowledge to your advantage. You may be able to choose from a broader range of styles and width sizes from shoe shops that specialise in fitting children's shoes.

Get both feet measured. Feet should be measured whilst the child's weight is on them. Often, one foot is larger than the other, so buy shoes that allow the extra room for the larger of the two.

Allow enough space. Get your child to do a toe-wiggle to check that there's at least a half-inch of space for growth between the tip of the big toe and the top of the shoe.

Ask your child's opinion. It's best if you first pick out a few pairs that fit your wish list of durability and quality. Then ask your   child   to choose from your whittled- down selection. There's no point buying shoes that they consider  are dowdy,  and simply will not wear.

DO NOT:

Cram your child's feet to fit into a pair of shoes for the sake of fashion. Buy shoes to 'break in' and stretch.   If they feel too
small, put them back.

Buy shoes that are too large: Yes, your child may eventually grow into them but at the expense of sore feet until they do! The only exception would be if one foot is larger than the other where an insole can be used.

Be tempted by heels. Ok, the chances are your child will do a beeline for them, and  yes,  they may be a sweet version  of a  lady's sandal, but they offer poor support and do not promote good foot development. They are also more difficult to walk in, increasing the chances of twisted ankles!

Did you know? That the average person walks the equivalent of five times round the world in a lifetime!

So that's why we have smelly feet! There are 250,000 sweat glands in our feet that give off about half a pint of perspiration each day!

More info? Go to www.feetforlife.org - The official website of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists - a source of useful information and foot health advice.