More On Children's Shoes

When a child begins to walk, shoes generally are not necessary. An infant should be allowed to go barefoot indoors or to wear only a pair of socks thus helps the foot grow normally and develop its muscles and strength, as well as the grasping ability of the toes.

As children become more active, and their feet start to develop, the need for shoes becomes apparent. It becomes necessary to change shoe sizes at a pace that frequently surprises and even dismays parents.

When purchasing shoes for children, remember these tips:

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.

The child’s foot should be measured 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. Feel the inside of the shoe for any staples or irregularities that could cause irritation. Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is worn.

Shoes should not slip off at the heels. Children who tend to sprain their ankles will do better with high-top shoes or boots.

Both feet should be measured, and if feet differ in sizes, shoes should be chosen that fit the larger foot best.