As parents, we watch our children grow in what feels like the blink of an eye and their feet are no exception. In fact, children spend most of their daily hours at school, which means their feet spend most of their growth years inside school shoes. With all the standing, sitting, walking, running, jumping and playground adventures they experience, it’s important that their shoes give them the support they need.
Choosing the right pair isn’t just about ticking off the back-to-school checklist, it’s about protecting healthy, developing feet.
Our Podiatrist Abe is here to guide you through picking the RIGHT pair of school shoes for your kids these school holidays before you hit the shops!
Why School Shoe Fit Matters
Good shoes do more than complete the school uniform, they help safeguard your child’s foot health. Poorly fitted shoes can contribute to discomfort, imbalances, and even long-term issues, especially since kids spend so much time wearing them.
To keep growing feet happy, it’s vital to have children’s feet measured regularly for both length and width. A properly fitted shoe should match the natural shape of the foot, especially in the toe area where movement matters most.
What to Look for When Choosing School Shoes
Here’s how to ensure you’re picking the right pair:
1. Space to Grow
Children need enough room to wiggle their toes freely. Look for:
- Around 1cm of space between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe
- A toe box that isn’t squashing the toes from above or squeezing them from the sides
2. Snug, but Not Tight at the Heel
A well-fitted heel should:
- Hold the foot comfortably in place
- Not slip excessively
- Not feel tight or rub
3. Professional Fitting Helps
Stores with trained shoe fitters can make a big difference. They can assess size, width, and shape to ensure the shoe supports your child’s daily movement.
When to See a Podiatrist
A Podiatrist is an excellent ally when it comes to keeping children’s feet healthy. Consider seeking professional advice if you notice:
Signs from the Shoes
- Uneven or unusual wear on the heels
- Shoes wearing out faster than expected
Signs from the Feet or Legs
- Pain, rashes, hard skin, lumps, bumps or itching
- Recurrent pain in feet or legs, especially as school activities increase
- Tripping, stumbling, or falling frequently
- Walking on tip-toes
- A walking pattern that doesn’t look symmetrical
If anything about your child’s feet or gait seems unusual or you simply want peace of mind, a Podiatrist can assess and guide you.
Supporting Healthy Feet at School and Beyond
School shoes play a huge role in supporting children through some of their most active years. With the right fit and a watchful eye on changes, you can help ensure every step they take is comfortable.
If you want a Podiatrist opinion or help on your kids school shoes, book in to see Abe or one of our Podiatrists in Thornbury. They can give advice on choosing the right school shoe for your kids, or assess their shoes if you’ve already brought them. We run FREE KIDS ASSESSMENTS* in the school holidays for kids who have not been to our clinic before. Book online (just choose ‘free kids assessment’ option when booking) or call 9480 4935. Our Podiatrists are here to help give your kids the best school shoes possible!