Schools nearly back – but is your child in the right shoe?

School holidays are almost over and many parents are busy making sure their child has all their school uniform requirements and stationery in order. But is your child’s feet prepared for the new school year?

Why your child’s footwear is important?

One of the most important choices is your child’s footwear. They will spend many hours on their feet during the school day so if their footwear is wrong then they may be more likely to suffer symptoms, reducing their activity. Don’t just dismiss sore or tired legs as normal. Quite often its because the foot and leg is fatiguing due to muscle overuse and the number one culprit is quite often footwear.

Choosing the right school shoe

When choosing a school shoe for your child make sure it is the right length and width. As a rule our podiatrists advise allowing finger width in front of the longest toe – remember your child’s feet will grow!

Also look for a firm midsole and heel counter for foot support. Lace up school shoes will also support the foot better than buckle ups. For a handy resource check out the Australian Podiatry Association’s guide to buying school shoes.

Choosing the right runner is not easy

Choosing the right runner for your child is not that easy. One type of runner will not suit every child, you need to make sure the runner suits your child’s biomechanics. Some children will need more supportive rigid runners whilst others will require cushioning and flexibility. Our podiatrists see it all the time where a poor choice of footwear is causing the foot to function poorly, leading to symptoms.

The importance of foot pronation and foot function

For the foot to function correctly you need pronation. This inward roll of the foot and ankle helps the foot adapt to the ground when walking and running. Too much pronation and the muscles do too much work as there is no foot support. Too little pronation and your child can have issues with foot shock absorption, leading to pain and impact in other joints such as the ankle, knee and hip. To put it simply choosing a runner for your child can be a mine field if you are not an expert in foot function – so what can you do?

See one of our Melbourne Podiatrists for the best children’s footwear advice

The best way to make sure you are choosing the right runner for your child is to make an appointment with one of our Melbourne podiatrists for assessment. Our podiatrists can check your child’s gait and footwear needs. They can then recommend which type of runner will best suit your child’s feet and biomechanics, allowing for optimal foot pronation.

Getting expert advice will not only save you money in the long run from expensive medical bills, but most importantly your child will be happy and their feet will too, allowing them to be at their most active. Good fitting shoes equals fit feet equals fit kids!

Has your child had their footwear assessed?

At our Melbourne foot clinic our podiatrists are experts in children’s foot treatment including children’s gait and footwear assessment.

So if you want your child in the right shoes, book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!