Buying school shoes for children

GOING BACK to school for this term means purchasing new books, uniforms and more than likely, new shoes. Parents often find it difficult to keep up with their children’s growing feet.

However, growth will continue and new shoes will have to be bought, so here are a few tips to help you purchase the right school shoes for your child.

John Walter, a podiatrist at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, says that because children’s feet continue to grow and develop into the teen years, good, supportive shoes are critical for foot health. He offers the following tips when shopping for children’s shoes.

Because of growth spurts, especially over the summer, children’s shoes should be checked every four to six months for proper fit. You can tell your child has outgrown a shoe when it’s harder to put on or walking is painful.

Look for sturdy shoes with good heel strength and support that will withstand the wear and tear of childhood.

Make sure the shoe fits properly. There should be a thumb’s width between the end of the big toe and the end of the shoe.

The shoe has to be the proper length AND width. You can get greater width with greater length. Also, shoes can be stretched by a shoe tree or shoemaker. The suggestion to buy shoes in the afternoon or evening, when the feet have swollen, applies to children as well as adults.

Try shoes on with a good supportive sock, such as cotton, which is important for a bit of cushion and absorption of moisture.

It is important, too, to take stock of what you already have before rushing out to buy new shoes. Go through your child’s closet and get rid of anything that is hopelessly outdated, damaged, or outgrown. A good rule of thumb is that if it has not been worn in six months or more, it is probably time to let it go. By doing this, you can assess whether it is necessary to buy new shoes right away or wait a few more months. Determine which shoe styles your child will need for school. Chances are you will need to purchase new sneakers, dress shoes, and casual shoes, at the very minimum. Take care not to overspend on ultra-trendy shoes and go for basic, comfortable shoes. Take care to know your child’s shoe size. One of the most important steps to take before shopping for back-to-school shoes is to check shoe size. Don’t ever buy a child’s shoes without having him or her try them on and walking around in them for a few minutes.

Take the time to check out sales. Buying shoes on summer clearance is a great way to save money on your back-to-school budget. Department stores often have great deals on end-ofseason clearance sales, while other stores have a steady supply of excellent buy.

Shoe shopping is timeconsuming, but with a little planning and helpful tips, you can make it less strenuous for both you and your child.