Did you know that…

• Only a small percentage of children are born with problem feet?
• By the age of 6, 30% of children have a foot disorder that needs medical intervention?
• 80% of the foot problems in children are due in part to poor-fitting shoes and shoes with inflexible soles?
• The majority of foot problems seen in adults begin in childhood?

The Special Needs of Children’s Feet
Children’s feet are not like adult’s…they are growing, soft and flexible with muscles and bones that are still developing. Therefore, children’s feet need special consideration when choosing and fitting footwear in order to promote proper development and comfort.

And if the shoe doesn’t fit? Shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to serious foot or ankle problems. Some common problems associated with improperly fitted shoes include bunions, contracted toes, overlapping toes, blisters, calluses, tendonitis, ingrown toenails and even inflammation of the growth centers of the bones. These are all foot deformities caused or exacerbated by poor-fitting shoes. If these problems are identified early enough, they can be corrected with early treatment. If left untreated, they can become serious and cause painful foot and ankle problems later in life.

Choosing Children’s Shoes

• The shoe should be shaped like a foot.
• Outer soles should be shock absorbent and non-skid.
• Be careful with rubber that overlaps the toe box-it increases tripping.
• Materials and purpose of the shoe should be matched to the activity.
• The outer sole should be flexible in the right places to preserve balance reactions and for comfort, and also not too thick or sticky.
• The toe box should be rounded to make sure that there is ample room.
• The upper should be made of leather — avoid synthetics if possible.
• The insole should be made of absorbent material as children’s feet perspire a lot.
• Most children DO NOT need arch support.
• Flat outer soles make it easier to walk.
• Shoelaces hold the foot better than Velcro.
• The heel counter should be sturdy to provide support and prevent excess movement of the foot within the shoe.
• Low tops allow freedom of movement at the ankle.

Fitting Children’s Shoes

• In standing, check the foot size (length AND width) with the sizing device, preferably in the afternoon.
• Be sure to check both sides.
• Foot size sometimes does not correspond to shoe size depending upon the brand — ask the salesperson if they run ‘true to size.’
• Shoes should be comfortable from the start.
• The shoe should be approximately ¼ inch longer than the foot to allow for freedom of movement.

Developmentally Appropriate Shoes
Infants: ’Pre-Walking’ Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They need booties, socks with traction or very flexible pre-walking shoes that don’t bind their feet or inhibit movement.
Toddlers: Need shoes that are made of breathable material since their feet perspire a lot. Choose a lightweight shoe with a smooth sole. Indoors, toddlers should be barefoot to facilitate muscle development.
School-Age: Flexible, well ventilated shoes that are matched to the activity.

If Your Child Wears Orthotics

• Consult with the physical therapist and orthotist, as the type of shoe corresponds to the type of orthotic and the materials they are made of.
• Choose supportive, low top, leather upper shoes with laces.
• Orthotics usually add approximately 1 WIDTH size to the shoe.
• If the orthotic is worn only on one side, consider the other foot-an extra insert might be necessary.
• Remove the insole of the shoe to make more room and to create a flat surface for the orthotic to rest on.

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