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A Guide to Children's Shoes
Most children learn to walk at about the time of their first
birthday, although some learn months earlier or later. As your
child begins to walk, you may have your first questions about
what shoes he or she should wear. A growing child will need new
shoes frequently and more questions will arise.
To help you answer these questions and find the proper shoe for
your child, here are some suggestions from the American Orthopaedic
Foot and Ankle Society. Its members are medical doctors who, after
medical school, have taken at least five years of training and
study to become specialists in the care of the musculoskeletal
system. They have a special interest and expertise in the care
of the foot and ankle.
You should ask yourself the following questions when selecting
your child's shoes:
- How does the shoe fit?
- How is the shoe made?
- Is the type of shoe appropriate for your child's age?
The Fit
Pay attention to the shoe's proper length, width and depth when
fitting your child's shoe. Poorly fitting children's shoes can
cause toe problems, ingrown toenails, hammer toes, calluses and
bunions. Children's feet grow in spurts and they require new shoes
every three to four months. Most early toddlers (under 16 months
of age) grow more than one-half a foot size in two months. Toddlers
from age 16 to 24 months grow an average of one-half a foot size
every three months. The young child, 24 to 36 months old, grows
approximately one-half a foot size every four months, and children
over 3 years of age experience increases of one-half a foot size
every four to six months.
Seventy percent of children wear shoes with D and E widths. Most
boys wear E width and most girls wear D width. A tie-fastened
shoe can accommodate most widths. You should examine the depth
of the shoe to make sure the top of the shoe doesn't press on
the toes or the toenails. Look for shoes with rounded toe boxes
to give the toes more room for movement.
Remember, shoes should be comfortable from the start.
If new shoes need to be "broken in," it means either they were
not properly designed or not properly fitted for your child's
foot.
Shoe Construction
Shoes consist of four parts: the upper part, the insole, the
outer sole, and the heel.
Upper Part
The upper part of the child's shoe should be made of leather,
canvas, or the newer mesh materials. Children's feet perspire
greatly, and the upper part of their shoes should be made of breathable
materials. Leather or canvas allows the foot to breathe. Avoid
man made material, such as plastic.
Insole
Make sure the insole is made of absorbent material. You may want
padded insoles. Most children do not need a special arch support.
All toddlers younger than 16 months have flat feet and only fully
develop an arch by the age of 6 to 8 years.
Outer Sole
The outer sole provides traction, cushioning, and flexibility
to the shoe. Some very sticky and thick outer soles can make young
children clumsy and cause falls and should be avoided.
Heel
Toddlers do not need heels on their shoes. Flat outer soles make
it easier to begin walking. Older children can wear shoes with
heels, but they should not be too high (bigger than one inch)
as this can cause the foot to slide forward, cramping the toes
against the shoe.
The Appropriate Shoe
Pre-Walking Shoe
Certain types of shoes are appropriate for your child's age.
Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They only need booties,
warm wide socks to keep their feet warm, or pre-walking shoes
that do not bind their feet. The shoe should be flexible rather
than providing a rigid support, and it's very important that the
shoe be shaped like the child's foot.
Your child can go barefoot in a protected environment such as
indoors.
Toddler Shoes
Shoes for toddlers, age 9 months to 3 years, should allow the
foot to breathe since their feet perspire a great amount. Avoid
synthetic materials that don't breathe.
For children 9 to 18 months, choose a high top shoe which will
stay on the foot better than an oxford or a low top tennis shoe.
A leather or canvas tie shoe is more secure, will stay on the
foot, and will fit fat little feet better. The sole of the shoe
should be smooth like the palm of your hand. A smooth sole means
less friction so the shoe won't grab the floor, possibly causing
your child to fall. Choose a light-weight shoe, since children
use a lot of energy walking at this age. Toddlers can go barefoot
in a protected environment such as indoors.
School-Age Children's Shoes
Style and shoefit is important for school-age children. At this
age, they can choose from a variety of options including athletic
shoes, sandals, hiking shoes, etc.
Look for reasonably priced, flexible, well-ventilated shoes that
allow plenty of room for growth. If you have a great deal of difficulty
finding shoes that fit, or if your child develops calluses, sores,
or other foot problems, consult your physician.
Children's Foot Problems
During the first several years, your child's foot continues to
take shape. At this time, problems such as flat foot or high arch
may become noticeable, but usually no specific treatment is necessary.
If severe, these problems may be symptoms of other, more serious
conditions and your child may need a physician's examination and
diagnosis.
Return to Children's Foot Health
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Last updated:
November 25, 2003
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