Dos and Don’ts for Back-to-School Shoe Shopping

At NY Foot Health, we know it’s time for families to start thinking about that time-honored tradition: Back-to-school shopping! At the top of our list (okay, we may be a little prejudiced) are purchasing new shoes. For children and adults alike, shoes are one of the biggest factors in podiatric health.

Below are some dos and don’ts to help ensure your child puts their best foot forward in the upcoming school year:

Do: Examine the shoes your child is wearing now. Most younger children will grow out of their shoes every 6-12 months. For teens, shoes may still fit, but if they show visible signs of wear, such as stretched-out heels, worn soles, or compacted insoles, it’s time to replace them.

Don’t: Shop for shoes online unless you are buying a pair that your child has already tried on and it’s the same brand and size. It’s important that your child tries on the shoes and spends some time walking around the store to make sure they are comfortable.

Do: Consult your podiatrist for recommendations before shoe shopping if your child has a chronic foot problem such as Sever’s disease or weak ankles. If you don’t see a podiatrist regularly, you can find one through our online directory.

Don’t: Compromise on quality and features that impact foot health. Shoes should have good arch support and not be completely flat. Choose breathable materials that allow air to circulate to help reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Do: Get both feet professionally measured. It’s not uncommon for one foot to be larger than the other. If that’s the case for your child, buy shoes that accommodate the bigger foot.

Don’t: Forget to have your child wear or bring the type of socks they will wear with the shoes they are getting. This can impact comfort and fit.

Do: Plan your shopping trip for late afternoon or evening. Feet are at their largest at the end of the day, and this will help prevent buying shoes that feel tight as the day goes on.

For more information about how to best protect the health of your family’s feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.