Back to School: Shoe Shopping Tips for Students

The new school year is just around the corner, which means it's back-to-school shopping season for students and their parents. According to podiatric physician Selin Sakarcan, an essential item that must be on everyone's shopping list is shoes. Below are some tips on how to look for the right pair for your children.

• Check the shoes thoroughly. Most shoes lose their shock absorption over time, so it is important to inspect the shoes' cushioning and arch support before buying them. Otherwise, the child is at risk of sustaining a sprain, stress fracture, or tendonitis.

• Take note that a child's foot size can increase in a matter of months. In fact, some children can grow so much that their foot size can swell by two sizes in six months. It does not mean, though, that parents should purchase shoes so big that the child's foot slides forward and causes excessive pressure on the foot. Selin Sakarcan and other foot and ankle surgeons say a good fit is about a finger's width from the tip of the big toe to the front end of the shoe.

• For children with flat feet, it is vital to provide shoes with a wide toe box, high-quality arch support, and shock absorption.

• Try to shop for shoes later in the day because that is the time when a person's feet are at their largest. In addition, always buy for the longer foot. Some stores have a Brannock Device that can determine which foot is larger.

• Have the child wear the type of socks or tights they will possibly wear when they use the shoes during school days. Also, ensure they "test drive" the pair while still in the store to check if the shoes are comfortable to wear and walk with.

Do you have other tips to share when shopping for shoes for children? Please share them in the comments section. Subscribe to this Selin Sakarcan blog to access similar articles.