Fitting Shoes For Kids

Sally Smillie B.App.Sci (honors) Podiatry
Hobart Children's Podiatry  @ Top to Toe Health. 
33a Main Rd, Claremont. 
Bookings 03 6200 6582 or the
Online Booking APP

Why do we even wear shoes?

To protect feet from the environment.
SO…. they need to do that, but also not hinder growth, development or performance

Essential Features

1. Correct size & width (don't trust the labelled number, it’s as bad as clothing)
2. Adjustable fastening: (in order of preference) laces, buckles, velcro (but 2 or more straps and loop back style, not touch close). Avoid slip-ons.
3. Flexibilty vs support

Support or flexibility?  
Well… it depends on the child

1. Regular kid with no issues; doesn’t matter much
2. Really sporty kids; important and I recommend specialist running shops
3. For anyone who struggles with tripping/falls or are very flexible: support is really important
   • Firm heel
   • Stiff sole that bends easily where the foot does
   • Can be done up to secure the foot with laces, strap or velcro

Size & width; try these methods to be sure of the correct fit and size

There ought to be 1.5cm of space at the foot to the end of shoe (51% this will be big toe,  49% of people this is the 2nd toe). These methods are useful for you to buy the right size, and to check when your child has outgrown their old shoes and time to get new ones.

1. Rule of thumb - feel for big toe under your thumb,  this can be difficult with smaller kids as their toes are smaller and harder to feel
2. Check size using the open method.  Open shoe up fully, slide the foot all the way forward and see if your index finger will fit easily down the back
3. Insole method - remove the insole and stand on it - this is often an easy way to visualise the space they have at the end

Check for width by looking at them stand on the insole, and when they’re in the shoe and standing, squeeze the foot to see how much room they have

1. Some kids have very skinny and narrow feet - try using ankle lock lacing to grip their ankles (Google narrow foot lacing methods).
   Extra insoles can also decrease the amount of excess room in the shoe

when to seek a profesional opinion...

• Any foot or leg aches and pains that persist or keeps coming back
• Performance (ability to keep up); noticeably behind peers
• Excessive trips and falls; noticeably more than peers
• Persistent limp
• Foot shape/flat feet that you feel “doesn’t look right” and you need peace of mind

Kids ought to be kids and they should  be able to run and jump and play and do
all the things they want to and without pain. Anything outside that ought to be checked

I do not have any affiliations with any company

I do have some favourite brands for support (if you need it).  If you are a regular kid with no issues, ANY shoe that fits size and width is fine. However IF you need support: ASICS are now one of the only companies that make kids shoes still, and thankfully, they are great . 
The cheaper models are just as good as the dearer ones. 
They make some models all black which are good for school. www.asics.com Ascent footwear. These are leather formal school shoes in a variety of widths and styles, made with running shoe technology and comfort.  Available from The Running Edge and other stores  www.ascentfootwear.com.au SureFit: great quality school shoes similar niche as Ascent.   Not many stockists in Hobart. www.surefit.com.au