Choosing shoes for your children can
play a critical role in their musculoskeletal development, including their
posture.
In general, infants just learning to
walk do not need shoes. Infants may go barefooted indoors, or wear only a pair
of socks. This helps the foot grow normally and develop its muscles and
strength as well as encourages the grasping ability of toes.
Once children are ready to walk as
toddlers, their need for properly-fitted shoes is important. In general, a
soft, pliable, roomy shoe, such as a sneaker, is ideal for all children. The
toe box should provide enough space for growth and should be wide enough to
allow the toes to wiggle. A finger's breadth of extra length will usually allow
for about three to six months' worth of growth, though this can vary depending
on your child's age and rate of growth.
Because high-top shoes tie above the
ankle, they are recommended for younger children who may have trouble keeping
their shoes on. Contrary to common belief, however, high-top shoes offer no
advantages in terms of foot or ankle support over their low-cut counterparts.
Here are some tips when purchasing
shoes for children:
- Both feet should be measured every time you shop for
new shoes since those little feet are growing. If, as is common, the
feet are two different sizes, shoes should be fitted to the larger foot.
- The child's foot should be sized while he or she is
standing up with full weight-bearing.
- There should be about one-half inch of space (or a
thumb's width) between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. The
child should be able to comfortably wiggle his or her toes in the shoe.
- Have the child walk around the store for more than just
a few minutes wearing the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or
she feels any pressure spots in the shoe. Look for signs of irritation on
the foot after the shoe is tested.
- Put your hand inside the shoe and feel around for any
staples or irregularities in the glue that could cause irritation. Examine
where the inside stitching hits the foot.
- Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel
counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning
of the insole, and a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where
the foot bends at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.
- Never try to force your child's feet to fit a pair of
shoes.
- Shoes should not slip off at the heels. Children who
have a tendency to sprain their ankles will do better with high-top shoes
or boots.
Children who frequently remove shoes
from their feet may be signaling some discomfort. Check your child's feet
periodically for signs of too-tight shoes, such as redness, calluses or
blisters, which will help you know when they've outgrown their shoes.
Remember that the primary purpose of
shoes is to prevent injury. Shoes seldom correct children's foot deformities or
change a foot's growth pattern. Casting, bracing, or surgery may be needed if a
serious deformity is present.
If you notice a problem, please
contact our office to have your child's feet examined at
704-786-4482 or visit
our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.
