Back to school is quickly approaching, which means it's time to pick out new school shoes for our children. Of course, you want the shoes you select to be supportive and practical. And the kids want their shoes to look great and stay on trend. So, how can you tell if your children's current shoes need replacing, and what are the features to look for in a new pair of school shoes? Here's what you need to know.
How to Know When Kids' Shoes Need Replacing ![Three children hugging on a step]()
The appearance of your child's shoe is the best way to tell if it needs replacing. If there are multiple creases in the midsole (the thick section of the sole, right beneath the heel) that suggests it's time to shop for new school shoes. And that's because these creases mean the shoes' foam padding has worn away. In turn, the shoes won't absorb shock the way they should. So more pressure will make it through the shoes, making children's foot pain more likely.
Even if the midsole is in good condition, the shoes may still need replacing. Check out the outsole (the section of sole beneath your child's toe.) Signs of wear and tear here include shallower treads that reduce the shoe's gripping ability, in turn increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Finally, if your child complains that their feet hurt in the shoes, or if their toes don't have sufficient wiggle room in their shoes? Those are both clear signs that you should toss out the shoes. And then, it's time to start shopping for a new pair, following the guidelines from Dr. Alvin Cowans, your Powder Springs podiatrist.
6 Tips for Buying Supportive School Shoes for Children
Your child should absolutely get to weigh in on the look and color of the shoes they wear to school. But there are some purchasing decisions that you should never agree to compromise. So here are the most important rules to follow when selecting your child's new school shoes.
1. Steer clear of used or hand-me-down shoe styles.
New shoes conform to the unique shape and function of a child's foot. So, if you put your child in a shoe that already adapted to the needs of another little one's foot, you're increasing their risk for foot pain at best, and injuries at worst.
2. Look for signs of support in potential school shoes.
Before you let a shoe anywhere near your child's foot, make sure the pair you're considering contains certain features. First of all, make sure the heel is solid, and doesn't squish beneath the pressure when you press against its sides with your finger. Conversely, the shoe should be able to bend around the toe area, especially when you press up against the spot from beneath. And, if you try to twist the shoe at its midsection, there shouldn't be much movement. And be aware that certain brands, like Converse sneakers, just aren't designed to be supportive school shoes for kids. So just avoid them altogether.
3. Bring kids along for any shopping trips.
While online or kid-free shopping is a lot easier in many cases, kids need to come with you when you pick out their school shoes. That way, you can have your child's foot measured properly, and ensure that the shoes provide an ideal fit. Plus, in-person shoe shopping gives kids a chance to try on shoes before you buy them, so you can feel confident that the new kicks feel comfortable from the very first wearing.
4. Timing matters, too.
While in-person shopping is critical, the timing of your excursion matters too. After all, throughout the day, your feet (and your kids' feet too!) can swell mildly. So, if you shop for shoes (and measure their feet) at the end of the day, you can ensure that any pairs you select will fit the feet at their largest size. And that will decrease the risk of pinching or discomfort later in the day when kids wear the shoes to school.
5. Forget about breaking in new shoes for kids.
If a new pair of shoes doesn't feel comfortable for your child right away, that's a sign they will never fit properly. Steer clear and look for another brand, style or even size of shoe.
6. Match the shoe to the activity.
When looking for school shoes, you should follow the general construction guidelines we shared above. But if you have a child who plays sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball or tennis, you will likely need to invest in a second pair of footwear in order to prevent sports injuries.
Finally, no matter what style of shoe you buy for your child's back to school days, remember this: foot pain is not a normal part of growing up. So, if your child is talkng about foot pain, it's time to come into the office and get to the root of the problem. Simply give us a call at 770-727-0614 or click this link to request an appoinment before school is back in session.
