Beyond the backpack: Back-to-school shoe-shopping tips to keep kids healthy and parents happy

tips to keep kids healthy and parents happy

For parents faced with kids’ changing tastes and opinions, navigating back-to-school shopping can be a harrowing process. Buy him the wrong backpack, and he’ll be the uncool kid on the bus. Pick out the wrong jeans for her, and she’ll be shamed by society. While neither scenario will cause kids any real harm, there is one area of back-to-school shopping where a wrong move could have health ramifications for kids—shoe shopping.

“Foot health is directly related to overall health, no matter your age,” says Dr David Deiboldt, DPM, a podiatrist at The Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center and member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Proper footwear is essential to foot health, so it’s important for parents to ensure kids go back to school with a good foundation on their feet. Shoes are one of the most important back- to-school purchases parents will make.”

Children’s feet change and grow with them, and parents may find they need to update their kids’ shoes and socks every few months to accommodate this growth. Shoes that don’t fit properly can irritate the feet and affect how well a child walks, runs, and plays.

APMA offers parents some advice for finding shoes that are good for kids’ feet and also live up to their
exacting tastes:

Avoid buying shoes that need a “break-in” period. Footwear should be comfortable right away. Once the school year is underway, keep an eye on your child’s shoes—active kids may wear out
footwear faster than adults. Be vigilant for signs of irritation, such as your child always wantingto remove one or both shoes. The footwear may no longer fit properly, especially if it’s been a
few months since you bought the shoes.

Finally, be sure children wear shoes that are appropriate for their activities. “If your daughter plays sports, she should wear a good athletic shoe designed for that sport,” says Dr. Deiboldt. “If your son is a runner, he’ll need a good running shoe.”For daily wear when kids do a lot of walking, choose a good, supportive shoe. Keep sandals, flip-flops, and heels for occasional wear only.

If your child complains of foot pain or experiences an injury, take him or her to a podiatrist. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat ailments of the feet.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How to Prevent Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is an unsightly problem that makes you feel self-conscious about showing off your feet — but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Keep reading to learn what tips allow you to ward off fungus before flip-flop season arrives.

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

Ingrown toenails are a painful condition that often affects your big toes, but can you manage them without treatment? Read on to learn more about ingrown toenails and when you require treatment.

Does a Neuroma Go Away on Its Own?

You just got diagnosed with a neuroma on your foot; now what? Do you need treatment, or will the neuroma heal by itself? Keep reading to discover how you can treat your neuroma and if it heals.

6 Causes of Heel Pain

You can have heel pain for various reasons, with the most common cause being plantar fasciitis. But what else could be causing distress in your heel? Read on to discover the six most common issues that lead to heel discomfort.

Avoid These Foods if You Have Gout

Pain in your big toe joint can be from several conditions, including gout. If you have gout, the foods you eat could contribute to your pain. Read on to discover what foods to avoid if you suffer from gout.