Buying School Shoes? Don’t buy until you read this...
If all kids’ school shoes look the same to you, read these expert buying tips ... because choosing the right school shoes for your children now will support healthy growth and development way into adulthood. Ready, set, GO!
Our kids run, kick, jump and play in their school shoes all day lonnnng! So it’s super important that their shoes are not only comfortable, but support the healthy development of their twinkling toes and growing feet.
In fact, wearing ill-fitting school shoes without sufficient support can lead to a whole load of negative health issues, affecting bone growth, gait, posture, leg, foot and shin pain and much more. And no parent or child wants that.
Big leaps forward
Here’s a fancy foot fact for you. A leading Podiatrist Dr Lloyd Reed says in the first 11 years a child’s foot can grow up to 34 sizes and continues to grow until they reach adulthood. So it’s important to make sure your child’s school shoes fit correctly.
“On average, children spend 40 hours a week in their school shoes,” explains Dr Reed. “This is almost the same amount of time they spend sleeping. Putting them in the right school shoes – ones that feel great and allow proper movement - will lead to happy, healthy feet and may prevent future problems.”
But with so many on the market, how do you choose the right shoe for your little one’s needs while adhering to the school uniform and shoe policy?
To help you get the right fit for the right foot shape for your growing kids, Dr Reed shares these five top tips for choosing great school shoes.
1.
Happy feet: measuring up the feet correctly
You want those twinkle toes to be comfortable all day long, while doing their job – supporting happy little feet. And the best way to do that? Get them fitted by an expert.
“To determine the right shoe fit, ensure both left and right feet are professionally measured for length, width, overall fit and shape,” advises Dr Reed. “When checking the shape of the shoe, check to see there is approximately 1cm of growing room beyond the longest toe.”
Shoe pictured: Adela Youth, Ascent Footwear, $109.95
Have your child fitted at The Athlete’s Foot - exclusive stockists of Ascent school shoes - where the experienced staff will measure both feet and ensure the perfect fit. Ascent Footwear, sports shoes in disguise - The Ascent school shoes range is available in half sizes and seven different widths, they are orthotic friendly, flex in the right place and provide the correct amount of support and cushioning.
2.
Heel and toe! Look for heel Support
Forget bean counters, it’s the heel counter you need to focus on!
“The heel counter is the little plastic insert used to reinforce the heel of the shoe - designed to hold the foot in place,” says Dr Reed. “Without firm support around the base of the ankle surrounding the heel, the shoe is not able to support the foot properly. Look for a firm heel counter, which will provide additional support.”
Shoe pictured: Sustain Jnr, Ascent Footwear, $84.95
EARLY YEARS LEARNING It’s super important to choose shoes for littlies that are comfortable and have a durable outsole and structured to support the natural motion of the foot – and growth! Mind those little bones are still fusing together! Hook and Loop fasteners offer easy entry and a customised fit.
3.
Ready, set, GO! Match the shoe style and features for the activity
All kids are unique, so make sure you take into account their lifestyle and activities.
“Many schools allow trainers in pre-school and first grade, and so choosing one with good support around the heel and flexible across the forefoot is ideal,” Dr Reed suggests. “Whether they are formal school shoes or trainers, choose a lightweight but durable shoe that will match their endless energy. Look for buckles, laces or straps to secure the shoe appropriately.”
Shoe pictured: Apex Youth, Ascent Footwear, $114.95
They may be junior in stature, but they have big shoe support needs! Shoes for this age group need to be durable, lightweight and flexible. Look for a firm heel counter to hold the heel in place. Cross trainers are a versatile option for the active child if the uniform policy allows.
4.
Stable grounds: Look for midfoot support
“This will help support the arch and improve stability,” Dr Reed suggests. If that sounds complicated, just ask the staff at The Athlete’s Foot – they are the fitting experts!
Shoe Pictured: Adiva 2 Youth, Ascent Footwear, $129.95
UPPER PRIMARY When your little-ones start moving into ‘big school’, look for a sturdy heel counter to hold the foot in place, a stable midfoot and flexibility in the toes to support the foot as they walk, run, twirl and prance. Midfoot support will help prop up the arch, stabilise the foot and prevent it from rolling in or out excessively.
5.
Call in the big shots! Check in with a podiatrist when…
Dr Reed says it’s not normal for kids to have ongoing pain in their feet and legs. Similarly, it is not ideal for your child of school age to be:
- *knocking their knees excessively
- *tripping over more than their friends
- *regularly walking on their tip toes, or
- *walking with feet pointing inwards or outwards excessively
So if you notice any of the these issues, book your child in to see a Podiatrist by contacting the Australian Podiatry Association to find your local podiatrist.
Want more information?
Brought to you by Ascent Footwear - Sports Shoes In Disguise. Ascent Footwear as the industry expert and leader in black formal school shoes and is the only Australian school shoe brand endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Australian Podiatry Association. Dr Lloyd Reed is a leading Podiatrist at FOOTMOTION Podiatry
For more information on Ascent Footwear visit ascentkids.com.au
Dr Lloyd Reed, FootMotion Podiatry
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Franki Hobson is a women’s lifestyle journalist and editor with more than twenty years’ experience. Her areas of expertise include parenting and health and well-being. Franki has two gorgeous boys, Maxwell, 10, and Louis, 1 ½.
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