As kids head back to school, one of the most important purchases you’ll make is their footwear. While it may seem like a simple decision, the shoes children wear each day can and will have a significant impact on their growth, posture, and overall comfort. Kids’ feet are still developing, so improperly fitted shoes can lead to problems that persist well beyond childhood. Here’s what we recommend for your child’s shoes to help them stay active and pain-free throughout the school year.
Why Proper Footwear Matters for Growing Feet
Children’s bones, muscles, and joints are still forming, and poor shoe choices can create stress on their lower limbs. It’s important to look beyond the assumption that things might be “just growing pains”, just as it’s important to be mindful that some kids might not express discomfort in the same way adults do. Some issues may go unnoticed until they become more serious.
Common conditions that can be impacted by poorly fitted shoes include:
- Ingrown toenail from shoes that are too tight or pointy at the toe box
- Hammertoes caused by shoes that are too short or too shallow
- Sever’s disease (heel pain) often triggered by poor heel cushioning or lack of stability
- Frequent ankle sprains due to weak shoe structure
What to Look for in Kids’ Shoes
When shopping for your child’s school shoes, there are several key features to keep in mind.
- Correct Size and Fit
- Check for enough length: there should be about a thumb’s width from the longest toe to the end of the shoe
- Ensure proper width and depth: no squeezing on the sides of the foot and no rubbing or pressure on top of the toes or the middle of the foot
- Avoid sizing up too much: oversized footwear will force the toes to excessively flex to keep the shoes from slipping off
- Removable Insoles
- This makes footwear easier to clean
- Helpful for managing odours, athlete’s foot, and plantar warts
- Allows room for fitting custom foot orthotics or over-the-counter insoles when needed
- Shoe Structure and Stability
- A firm heel counter around the back of the foot provides heel and ankle support, especially if your child has flat feet or tends to roll their ankles outwards
- Strong torsional stiffness(resistance to twisting) will control excessive pronating and creates the base for a supportive shoe
- Adjustable Closures
- Look for laces, Velcro straps, or BOA systems to get a secure fit every time you put your shoes on
- Avoid wearing loose slip-on shoes for longer activities
- Activity-Specific Design
- Choose shoes suited to the activity:
- Court shoes for gym class (more supportive for jumping and moving side-to-side)
- Cleats for soccer or baseball (proper traction for soft grass or dirt)
- Running shoes for track and field (more arch support and stronger cushioning)
- Hiking shoes for outdoor trips (proper tread and firmer ankle support)
Seeing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist
Pedorthists are trained in lower limb biomechanics and footwear function. They are the experts that can help you with so many of your lower limb questions and concerns, especially for your children’s growing feet. They can:
- Assess your child’s gait and their foot and leg alignment
- Recommend and fit the right footwear from a thorough biomechanical exam
- Fit and design foot orthotics when necessary
- Help you navigate the many options and find the best match for school and play
The right shoes set kids up for comfort, confidence, and healthy development. When in doubt, consult a Canadian Certified Pedorthist to make sure you’re making the best choice for your child’s growing feet.
