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Each year, children spend an average of 15,500 hours using their school shoes – Therefore, selecting the right pair is one of the most important decisions parents make.
Making sure they have the correct fit and support while running, skipping and skipping around the playground, playing sports and walking or cycling to school is key to their comfort and well-being.
The perspective of buy school shoes Making sure they are not only comfortable and supportive, but durable enough to last all year long, can be a daunting task, especially if your child is starting school for the first time.
To help parents and carers get through this big milestone, Daily Mail Australia spoke to podiatrist Kate McArthur from City Foot Clinic in Sydney to learn the most common mistakes made when buying school shoes and how to avoid them.
Each year, children spend an average of 15,500 hours using their school shoesSo choosing the right pair for your child is one of the most important decisions parents and caregivers make.
Not having your child professionally equipped
Even if you think you know your child’s shoe size, guessing or holding one foot against the ball of the foot will often result in an ill-fitting shoe, which can negatively impact your child’s foot development.
“A common mistake we see is that children buy ‘right size for now’ shoes; the problem with this is that they run out and have to buy another pair of shoes,” says Kate.
“Tight shoes can damage toenails (ingrown toenails are the most common) and can cause blisters on your heels and toes,” says Kate. while too large will cause the child to grip with the toes, causing pain and fatigue.
‘Children’s shoes need room for their feet to grow; My advice is to suggest sizing up and adding an inner sole to give the shoe volume while you are in the largest size, then removing the inner sole when your kids’ feet grow a few months later. . This will allow for that extra length and width needed throughout the year.’
A professional shoemaker will make sure you find the perfect balance for your child’s foot. Shoes & Sox has a wide selection of sizes. including half sizes and various widths to fit each foot.
Buy cheaper shoes more often, instead of quality shoes once
The consequence of buying shoes “right now” is that the child will inevitably run out of shoes in a few months.
“Parents buy really cheap shoes to avoid having to buy more shoes throughout the year,” says Kate. ‘The problem I have with this is that children tend to carry huge backpacks and carry all their books and equipment around all day.
‘As a podiatrist, I believe that having a supportive, torsionally stable shoe (usually leather) with a strong heel and sturdy rubber soles for traction and durability are the foundation for supporting your children’s feet.
“As cost is an issue that affects many households, take advantage of shoe store deals and promotions.”
Buying shoes in January allows children time to get used to leather shoes by wearing them for short intervals, ensuring a comfortable start to the school year.
Waiting until January to buy school shoes
Most people will wait until the last few weeks of the school holidays before purchasing school shoes, hoping to wait out any potential last-minute growth.
Podiatrist Kate McArthur from City Foot Clinic in Sydney shares the most common mistakes made when buying school shoes and how to avoid them.
A well-fitting pair of shoes will solve this problem, and buying them more than a month before school starts means kids have plenty of time to get used to them.
leather shoes In particular, they can feel stiff at first, so wearing them for short intervals of 30 minutes to an hour over several weeks will gradually adapt them to your child’s foot.
This will not only prevent blisters, but will prolong the life of the shoe as it will gently mold and stretch rather than on the first few wears, which can damage them.
Another added advantage of purchasing in advance? Shoes and stockings has reduced all black leather school shoes and black sports shoes at normal price shoes by 20 percent plus an additional $10 off for the entire month of December only. This includes top brands like Clarks, Harrison, Ciao, Bobux and more.
Shoes & Sox has marked down all full price black leather school shoes and black sneakers by 20% plus an additional $10 off for the month of December only. This includes top brands like Clarks, Harrison, Ciao, Bobux and more.
Focusing on fashion over function
As adolescence approaches, children often crave the latest styles. But forgetting to check that the chosen pair is made with quality materials and with the most resistant and durable structure is a common mistake.
A shock-absorbing sole made of rubber or EVA to cushion the foot and good grip are essential for active children’s all-day comfort and safety while playing.
Natural, breathable materials will keep sweat and odors at bay, while well-structured shoes will provide the right amount of support to prevent injuries.
Fashion-conscious kids needn’t worry though, as Shoes & Sox stocks a wide range of top brands including Nike, Reebok, Skechers, Asics, and the knowledgeable staff can help you find a pair that provides support and style. “You’ll know the brand that fits your child’s foot and can make purchasing shoes a lot easier each year,” says Kate.
Head to your nearest Shoes & Sox store today for a FREE expert fitting or book your appointment online and skip the line.