Unless your child is a swimmer or perhaps a gymnast, well-fitting athletic shoes are essential for every sport. At Clark Podiatry we know how important it is to choose the right shoes for athletics based both on the needs of each activity and your child’s specific foot.
Your child’s natural movement and physical development will be restricted by shoes that are poorly shaped, inflexible or don’t fit well. A bad fit can affect performance and cause pain and even result in foot problems and injuries. Poorly fitting shoes also can actually cause certain foot deformities like bunions and set the stage for serious problems in the future.
Follow These Tips To Choose the Right Children’s Athletic Shoes
- Shop at the end of the day when your child’s feet are largest and bring their athletic socks along.
- Always have both feet measured professionally each time you shop.
- Visit Union County athletic footwear stores that have a wide variety of brands and styles on hand.
- Buy for specific activities. For example, tennis shoes are designed for side-to-side movement while running shoes have extra cushioning with forward movement in mind.
- Choose durable, high quality materials like leather, canvas and suede. Synthetic materials that don’t breathe can restrict the movement of the feet and lead to problems like foot odor, ingrown toenails or hammertoes.
- Lace the shoe up all the way at the store – but not too tightly.
- Check that there is adequate toe room. There should be at least 1/2 inch between the tip of the shoe and the longest toe to allow for wiggle room.
- Encourage your child to walk around the store to try the shoes out. They should feel good immediately – there should be no “break in” period. Look for heels that don’t slip and watch for any red rub marks on your feet that signify a poor fit.
Be careful – as a parent, your job is not over yet! Children’s feet grow quickly so check their shoes regularly, especially during growth spurts. They will probably outgrow the shoes before the shoes themselves wear out.
A Special Note about Cleats
All cleats are not the same. If your child’s pair has too few cleats on the heel, it could subject them to excessive pressure and heel pain. Look for footwear with multiple cleats on the heels. For younger children, shoes with shorter cleats – up to 1/2 inch long – may help reduce knee and ankle injuries.
We Can Help Your Child Put Their Best Foot Forward in Sports Activities
With any activity, no matter how vigorous, a child should not play while experiencing foot or ankle pain.
Please contact Dr. Brandon Macy, board certified podiatrist with any concerns about your child’s feet or footwear. You can reach our Clark office at 732-382-3470 or via the website. We will carefully examine your child’s gait and feet and address any issues. We hope to see you and your child in our office soon!