Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

Back-to school shoes shouldn’t hurt!

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your kids’ shoes this month.

• Examine the shoe closely. It should have a firm heel counter, adequate insole cushioning and a built-in arch. It should also be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends—at the ball of the foot, not at the middle of the shoe.
• Size your child’s foot while standing, with full weight bearing.
• Measure both feet. If they are two different sizes, choose shoes that fit the larger foot best.
• Check for about one-half inch of space (or a thumb’s width) between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. Your child should be able to comfortably wiggle his or her toes in the shoe.
• Let your child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe and a normal type of sock. Ask if there are any pressure spots in the shoe and feel inside.
• Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is worn.
• Make sure the shoe does not slip at the heel.