At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that as summer winds down many parents are getting ready for that annual back to school shopping excursion. The new shoes you buy for your child can help them move to the head of the class in podiatric health. Conversely, shoes that get failing marks can lead to foot pain and injury. Below are some tips to help you get the best shoes for your child.

  • Start by examining their old shoes. Unevenly worn heels or insoles may indicate a defect in the biomechanics of your child’s feet. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office for a complete podiatric checkup. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will diagnose any foot or ankle problems and can make recommendations for shoe styles that will best accommodate your child’s particular feet.
  • Get your child’s feet measured professionally. Don’t be surprised if one foot is larger than the other—this is actually quite common. Buy shoes to fit the bigger foot.
  • Don’t buy shoes without having your child try them on. Children’s feet change quickly, and different brands may fit differently even if they are the same size. Children should try on both shoes and walk around for a while in the store to ensure that shoes are comfortable. Check younger children’s feet after to be sure there are no red marks or irritation.
  • Plan your shoe shopping trip for late afternoon or evening. Feet are largest at the end of the day and this will help ensure that shoes feel comfortable all day.
  • Have your child try on the shoes you are buying with the type of socks or tights they will wear with the shoes.
  • Don’t hand down shoes to younger siblings. Each person’s foot is uniquely shaped and that impacts the wear pattern of the shoe. Sharing footwear also increases the risk for fungal infection.

Educating your child now about making sound footwear purchases will help teach them the importance of taking good care of their feet for a lifetime. If you have additional questions about shoes, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416