Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Kids

Children are full of energy! Going out to play, running around the house, jumping up and down, and all other sorts of physical activities are just part of a normal day in the life of a kid. 

Their little feet can get them around quickly and get them in trouble if they’re not careful. Regardless of what they’re doing, however, those feet need protection and that means getting the right shoes.

Residents of the Cherry Hill, New Jersey, area who are looking for the best ways to keep their children’s feet in good health can get help from Joseph DiMenna, DPM, Jacques Tran, DPM, and Joseph Bakanas, DPM, our expert team at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey.

When choosing shoes for your child, how do you know what to look for and what problems to watch out for? Let’s find out together by examining common foot problems children deal with, what signs of these conditions to look for, and how to pick the right shoe for your child.

Common foot problems for kids

Many of the foot conditions that affect children are similar to those adults face, but they may not always present the same way, depending on how active your child is and at what stage of development they are. Changes in their bodies during childhood and adolescence can affect their chances of problems like:

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails occur on the edge of the toenail, usually the big toe. They can cause pain and infection and often happen to teens.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are skin lesions that develop on the sole of the foot. Small dark spots may show up in the lesion. These are common in children and young adults.

Flat feet

Flat feet is a condition in which there is very little to no arch and can occur during childhood if the arches of the feet don't develop. Your child may outgrow this condition over time. 

Heel pain

Heel pain often presents due to plantar fasciitis, where inflammation affects the plantar fascia located under the foot, and can happen in children ages 8-14.

Signs of foot problems to look for

Your child’s body goes through lots of changes as they grow, but if they’re having foot problems they may show certain signs that need to be dealt with. These indicators include pain, swelling or redness (especially if it doesn’t go away over time), calluses, problems with how they walk (their gait), weak ankles, or shin or thigh bones that turn inward. 

Many of these problems can resolve as your child grows, but if they show signs, it’s best to seek early intervention.

What to look for in choosing shoes

There are several things to look for when trying to find the right shoes for your child’s feet:

Find stores that specialize in growing feet

This is especially important for infants and very young children, as their bodies are growing so quickly. Start with sneakers and soft-soled shoes and be sure the toe box is good and roomy for growing feet.

Rely on professional foot measurements

You may be tempted to do the measuring at home. It’s better to have it done professionally to get the most accurate length and width information to guide you in purchasing supportive, comfortable shoes for your child.

Buy the right size

There’s also the temptation to buy shoes bigger than your child needs, either to make sure their toes have room or because you expect them to grow out of the shoes quickly. The problem is they will be unsteady when standing and are more likely to fall over and get injured.

Check the toes

Toe space is very important when walking in shoes regardless of how old you are, and kids who are on their feet a lot shouldn’t have to struggle with overcrowded toes.

Choose function over style

Of course, you want to buy your child stylish shoes to make them the envy of the neighborhood, but it’s more important for them to have shoes that fit their feet and keep them steady. Look for shoes that fit their feet, even if they’re not as pretty.

Replace ill-fitting shoes

When your child complains about pain when wearing their shoes, they’ve likely outgrown them and need new ones. Getting better-fitting shoes will cost less than the possible medical costs if they develop a foot problem from wearing bad-fitting ones.

Protecting your children’s feet will help them stay active and healthy, and choosing the right shoes is a big part of keeping them that way. 

If you have concerns about your children’s feet or footwear, call our office at 856-667-8222 or use our contact form to book an appointment with our team today.