Selecting the Right Shoes

The function of a child’s shoe is to prevent injury from sharp objects, insulate their feet from excessive temperatures, and protect during the stomping or kicking that can occur when they get agitated. These environmental threats are an unfortunate side affect of modern day living. For adults, the shoe industry has become increasingly centered on shoe fashion and the marketing of shoes as a status symbol. However, in children, shoes have maintained their original role of protection from the hazards of the outside world.

According to most experts, shoes are not recommended for pre-walking infants since the bones and ligaments in their feet are still flexible, rapidly developing and prone to deforming forces. In fact, a stiff shoe can decrease a child’s ability to balance and cause frequent falling. A soft warm bootie is the preferred shoe of choice until the child is able to walk unassisted. Once walking, a flexible shoe is preferred to allow for normal foot function. The idea that shoes should be the most expensive for proper function is just a myth. In reality, most of the world’s population of children cannot afford shoes; such is the case in many third world countries. In response to this, the skin on the soles of their feet grows thicker from not wearing shoes—the body attempts to protect itself by forming this thick skin. However, for the above-mentioned reasons, shoe wear becomes necessary as a protective precaution when the child becomes more active.

While there seems to be a large array of opinions regarding shoes, most experts agree that the proper shoe should be flexible, light, and made of breathable materials. If the shoe is too heavy or rigid, the foot will not develop normally. The heel counter should really be the only rigid part of the shoe. This is the part of the shoe that surrounds the heel and provides the greatest amount of support. The shoe should flex at the forefoot and midfoot, but not at the heel counter. Some suggest a high top sneaker to add stability, but there is controversy with this since they can act as a ‘brace’ and disrupt the normal development of the muscles that support the foot and ankle.

Children’s feet grow at a rapid and unpredictable pace due to the fact that they tend to grow in spurts. This is often very frustrating to parents since the cost of quality children’s shoes is about one-half that of the adult’s version. Parents should be advised that saving money by “passing down” shoes from older children can be problematic since every child wears their shoes differently. While the size may be just right, the old wear pattern of the shoe may throw off the normal gait in the new owner of the shoe. Since the support of the shoe is most likely compromised, an older pair of shoes should be carefully inspected prior to being passed down.

Perhaps the most acceptable way of increasing the life of a shoe is to buy the shoe slightly bigger than the child’s measured length since it is better to be too big than too small in terms of shoe fit. There should be about three-quarters of an inch from the longest toe (not always the first) to the tip of the shoe. Also check to see that the child’s foot is not lifting out of the heel and that the child doesn’t trip over the shoe.

Shoe size should be checked as follows:

The Footwear Council offers the following fitting tips:

• If the child is repeatedly taking off their shoes, this may indicate that the shoes are too small.
• Any sign of a limp could mean trouble and shoes must be checked.
• If the shoe lining shows excessive wear in the area of the fifth toe, the shoes are too short. You can feel the inside lining of the shoe for dents for improper toe pressure.
• Watch for any red marks across the top of the foot, over the tops of the toe, or on the sides of the foot. This indicates that the shoe is too narrow or too small.
• If the soles are unevenly worn with excessive wear on the inside or outside edges this could be an indication of improper foot/ankle function. The child should be taken to see a specialist who can determine the best type of treatment to correct for this.
• Be wary of passing shoes down because you may only end up passing down foot problems.

Finally, remember that choosing a shoe for a child is a short-lived activity since they will soon insist on choosing shoes for themselves.