I’m a podiatrist and these are the largest errors dad and mom have to AVOID when shopping for college sneakers for his or her youngsters
Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Every year, children spend an average of 15,500 hours wearing their school shoes – so selecting the right pair is one of the most important decisions parents make.
Ensuring they have the right fit and support while they run, skip and jump around the playground, participate in sports, and walk or ride to school is key to their comfort and wellbeing.
The prospect of shopping for school shoes that are not only comfortable and supportive, but durable enough to last the whole year, can be a daunting one – particularly if your child is starting school for the first time.
To help parents and caregivers navigate this big milestone, Daily Mail Australia spoke to podiatrist Kate McArthur of City Feet Clinic in Sydney to learn the most common mistakes made when buying school shoes – and how to avoid them.
Every year, children spend an average of 15,500 hours wearing their school shoes, so choosing the right pair for your child is one of the most important decisions parents and caregivers make
Not having your child professionally fitted
Even if you think you know your child’s shoe size, guesswork or holding a foot up against the sole of their foot will often result in an ill-fitting shoe, which can negatively impact your child’s foot development.
‘A common mistake we see is kids getting shoes the “right size for now” — the problem with this is that they grow out of them and you have to buy another pair of shoes,’ says Kate.
‘Tight shoes can cause toenail damage (ingrown toenails being the most common) and can cause blisters to heels and toes,’ says Kate, while too big will cause the child to grip with their toes, resulting in pain and fatigue.
‘Kids shoes need space for the feet to grow – my tip is to suggest a size up and add an inner sole to bulk up the shoe while it’s on the larger size, then remove the inner sole when your children’s feet grow a few months later. This will allow for that extra length and width needed during the year.’
A professional shoe fitter will ensure you find the perfect balance for your child’s foot. Shoes & Sox carry a wide selection of sizes including half sizes and various width fittings to suit every foot.
Buying cheaper shoes more often, instead of quality once
The consequence of purchasing shoes for “right now” is that inevitably, the child will grow out of them within months.
‘Parents buy really cheap shoes to combat having to buy more shoes throughout the year,’ says Kate. ‘The problem I have with this is that kids tend to have enormous backpacks and lug all their books and equipment around all day.
‘As a Podiatrist I believe having a supportive, torsionally stable shoe (typically leather) with a strong heel counter with sturdy rubber soles for traction and wear durability are the foundations to support your children’s feet.
‘As cost is an issue hitting many households, take advantage of the shoe stores sales and promotions.’
Buying shoes in January allows time for children to break in leather shoes by wearing them for short intervals, ensuring a comfy start to the school year
Waiting until January to buy school shoes
Most people will wait until the last few weeks of the school holidays before purchasing school shoes, hoping to wait out any potential last minute growth spurts.
Podiatrist Kate McArthur of City Feet Clinic in Sydney shares the most common mistakes made when buying school shoes – and how to avoid them
A properly fitted pair of shoes will solve this — and buying with over a month before school starts means children have plenty of time to break them in.
Leather shoes in particular can feel rigid to begin with, so wearing them for short intervals of 30 minutes to an hour over several weeks will gradually adapt them to your child’s foot.
Not only will this prevent blisters, but it will expand the lifespan of the shoe, as it will mold and stretch gently rather than in the first few wears, which can damage them.
Another added bonus of buying early? Shoes & Sox has marked down all full price black leather school shoes and black sports shoes by 20 per cent plus an extra $10 off throughout the month of December only. This includes top brands such as Clarks, Harrison, Ciao, Bobux and more.
Shoes & Sox have marked down all full price black leather school shoes and black sports shoes by 20% plus an extra $10 off throughout the month of December only. This includes top brands such as Clarks, Harrison, Ciao, Bobux and more
Focusing on fashion over function
As they head towards the tween years, often kids pine for the trendiest styles. But forgetting to check their chosen pair is made from quality materials with the most supportive structure and durability is a common mistake.
A shock-absorbing sole made from rubber or EVA to cushion the foot, and good grip, are essential for all-day comfort and safety for active kids at play.
Natural, breathable materials will keep sweat and odours at bay, while well structured shoes will provide the right amount of support to avoid injury.
Fashion conscious kids need not worry though, as Shoes & Sox carry a huge range of the coolest brands including Nike, Reebok, Skechers, Asics, and the knowledgable staff can help guide you to finding a pair that is both supportive and stylish. ‘You’ll get to know the brand that suits your child’s foot and can make it far more simple to purchase footwear each year,’ says Kate.
Head into your nearest Shoes & Sox store today for a FREE expert fit or book your appointment online and skip the line.
