Shoes
How to find the right size of shoe for your child
Finding the right size of shoe for your child is important at every age. Wearing footwear that isn’t well fitted for their growing feet can lead to poor development and foot problems down the road.
What happens when their shoes don’t fit?
Because kids’ feet continue to develop as they start wearing shoes, children who wear improperly fit shoes for too long are at risk for long-term damage. Side effects can include pain, inflammation, vein problems, shortening of foot muscles, and even dystrophy in extreme cases. Bruises, blisters and irritation are frequent side effects of ill-fitting footwear that can appear after just a few hours of wear.
Tips for properly fitting your kids’ shoes
Know their size
First thing’s first – make sure you know your kid’s current shoes size! The easiest way to do this is to ask a professional at a shoe store or ask your child’s podiatrist (if they have one.) You can also go to this website for an instructional video on how you can measure shoe size at home.
How to find your child's shoe size at home
Children’s feet can grow half a size or more every few months, you should measure their feet every 2 months to avoid putting your child in shoes that are too small. Even if your child is no longer growing, it is still beneficial to check their shoe size once a year. Once you know the right shoes size, here’s how to make sure they fit.
Width
Have your child stand up with both shoes on. Check to see if the shoe fits their foot’s shape by feeling for any pressure against the widest parts of their feet. The ball of their foot should be comfortable and snug all the way around, without any pinching or irritation. THE SHOE SHOULD NOT FEEL TIGHT. You may need to consider getting shoes made specifically for wider feet if shoes at somewhere like Walmart are too tight.
Depth
To ensure proper depth, run your thumb over the shoe’s top. You should feel the fabric ripple slightly. If the fabric is too taught, the shoe may not be deep enough. But if you can pinch the fabric into a ridge, it’s like too deep.
Length
Press the tip of your thumb against the toe of their shoes to check the length. Your kid’s toes should have enough room to wiggle around without pressing against the front of the shoes, but not so much room that their feet can slide forward.
Walking/Movement
If your child is able to, have them walk and move around in their shoes. If you notice any stumbling or a change in their natural gait, readjust their shoes and try again. If their movement doesn’t improve, double check that you have the right size, or try a different pair of shoes.
AFO/Orthotics
If your child will be wearing AFO’s or any other orthotic, it is usually necessary to have the orthosis with you when purchasing shoes. The shoe should fit in all the ways listed above, but it may need to be a size larger to fit the orthotic.
Fitting tips and tricks for parents
Don’t measure in the morning. Feet naturally swell during the day so it’s best to try on new shoes after the kids have been awake and moving for a few hours
Don’t buy shoes that are too big. Putting a kid in shoes that are too big can have unintended consequences when it comes to proper foot development. Kids’ feet do grow fast, but putting growing feet in the wrong size shoe just to get a few months of extra wear isn’t worth the risk.
Don’t buy them too small, either. The one exception to the rule of buying true-to-size is when your kid’s feet are two different sizes or in-between sizes. In either case, always go with the bigger size to avoid squishing their feet
Do get a second opinion. If you’re ever questioning if your child’s shoe is the right fit for them, don’t hesitate to contact your school physical therapist! We can even help you determine the right size and width of shoe.
Signs your kid’s shoes are too small
Their shoes cause blisters or press deeply into the skin
Their toes are jammed against the front of the shoe
Your kid appears less active, or walks differently
They cry, seem distressed, or they tell you that their feet hurt. Knee, hip, back, or joint pain can also be a sign of ill-fitting shoes
Signs your kid’s shoes are too big
Their heel lifts out of the shoe when they walk
They trip or twist their ankles often
They're walking differently
They drag their feet
They get blisters