Finding Well-Fitting, Supportive School Shoes For 2022

The start of a new school year can often bring a mix of excitement and chaos! Amid the endless to-do list of getting kids ready, one priority stands out: buying a new pair of wel-fitting school shoes that wil support your child’s feet and keep them comfortable al year long.

While school uniforms can alow a little extra room for growth, the same can’t be said for footwear. School shoes need to fit properly and provide the right support from day one.

Ignoring this can lead to discomfort, frustration, and even long-term foot problems. Here’s why choosing the right school shoes is so important, along with podiatry-approved tips to help you find the best option for your child.

Why Are My Child’s School Shoes So Important?

Research shows that poorly fitting shoes can exacerbate foot pain, sores, and in some cases, permanent changes to a child’s feet. These issues may include

Bunions
Claw toes
Hammertoes
Blisters
Corns and calluses
Haglund’s deformity (a bump at the back of the heel)
Swelling
General Foot pain

In contrast, wel-fitted and fit-for-purpose shoes help protect your child’s feet. Quality footwear plays a vital role in the structure, development, and function of growing feet, supporting long-term foot health. The real problem lies in finding what quality footwear is, and how to know when it fits.

Although it’s tempting to buy a larger size to “get more wear,” il-fitting shoes often wear out faster. Shoes that are too big may bend in the wrong place, or the child may scuff or drag along the ground, damaging the soles and reducing their lifespan.

How Often Should School Shoes Be Replaced?

By school time, children’s feet are often growing by one to two sizes per year, depending on age. We recommend checking the fit of your child’s shoes every six months to ensure they’re still appropriate and to help prevent discomfort or injury.

While many parents believe their child is wearing the correct size, a survey of over 2,000 parents found that 67% of children were actually in the wrong size shoes:

48% were wearing shoes one size too small
19% were wearing two sizes too small
23% were wearing the correct size with no room to grow
10% were wearing the correct size with room to grow

Five Shoe-Shopping Tips for the Best Fit

To ensure your child’s school shoes fit well and provide proper support, we recommend:

Get a professional fitting

Have your child’s feet measured by a trained retail assistant at a dedicated shoe store or with your podiatrist. Shoe sizes can vary between brands, so professional guidance – including the use of a Brannock measuring device – is invaluable.
Bring your child along

Tracing a foot outline doesn’t reveal pressure points, rubbing, or overal comfort. Your child needs to try the shoes on, with their school socks, to ensure they feel right.
Bring school socks

Sock thickness can significantly affect fit and comfort. Always try shoes on with the socks your child will wear to school.
Check the fit carefully

a. Width: The shoe shouldn’t press on the sides of the foot. The ball of the foot should sit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, with slight heel movement allowed.

b. Length: There should be approximately one finger’s width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe – this isn’t always the big toe!

c. Shape: The shoe should follow the natural shape of the foot.

d. Comfort: Look for any pressure points, bulging, or discomfort.
Check symmetry and stability

Place the shoes on a flat surface and view them from behind. Uneven or asymmetrical shoes can affect foot function and lead to foot or leg pain. If you notice irregularities, ask to try another pair.

Don’t Forget Toenail Care

Once your child has the right shoes, proper nail care helps keep them comfortable and pain-free. Poor nail trimming and tight footwear are leading causes of ingrown toenails, so keep nails trimmed straight and at a comfortable length.

Podiatrists: Experts In Children’s Foot Health

Children spend approximately 1,200 hours each year in their school shoes, yet research shows that 61% of children haven’t had their feet properly measured or fitted in the past 12 months.

Prevention is key. Just as you schedule regular dental check-ups, annual foot checks are essential. A podiatrist has the expertise to assess foot health, function, and development – helping your child stay active and pain-free.

If you’re concerned about your child’s feet, we’re here to help them continue to put their best foot forward