Appendix to the Article: “Shoe Shopping Hell“

Here are 10 lessons for buying kids’ shoes:

The B.C. Association of Podiatrists has these tips to help ensure that growing feet are getting the well-fitting and supportive shoes they need

1. Shop for shoes at the end of the day. Feet are five to eight per cent larger in the afternoon than in the morning

2. Examine the shoe first. A shoe should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on ether side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole, a tall and wide toe box, and, preferably, a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends – at the ball of the foot, not the middle of the shoe. Feel the inside of the shoe for stitching, staples or irregularities in the glue that could cause irritation

3. The child’s foot should be measured while standing up, with full weight bearing. Make sure both feet are measured. If one foot is slightly larger than the other – which isn’t uncommon – always fit to the larger size. Allow one-half inch (or a thumb’s width) of room between the longer toe and the end of the shoe

4. When trying on shoes, have your child wear the socks they would wear most often with the shoes. While the child is wearing the shoe, feel along the sides of the shoe to make sure the widest part of the foot corresponds with the widest part of the shoe

5. Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe. Ask if they feel any pressure spots in the shoe. Watch to see if the shoe has flexibility and the foot doesn’t step in and out of the shoe

6. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is worn

7. Avoid platform shoes and high heels, which don’t allow for proper foot function and stability

8. Running shoes generally provide good support and stability and definitely should be purchased and worn for sport activities and gym classes

9. Monitor foot growth frequently to ensure children aren’t wearing shoes they’ve outgrown. Children who hit a growth spurt can outgrow their shoes in eight to sixteen weeks!

10. When fitting your child with shoes, if you notice anything unusual about your child’s foot development or gait, see a podiatrist

The most common problem is kids with really flat feet wearing shoes that do nothing to help support them. Many won’t notice any symptoms until they start having problems with their joints later in life. Foot, knee and back problems associated with flat feet can be alleviated with shoes that have good arch support and, if necessary, prescription orthotics.

Parents should not to be fooled by the price tag or the brand name of shoes, but to look at the materials, construction and fit. Trendy colours, hot designs and even gimmicky flashing lights are fine as long as they’re part of a well-fitting and supportive shoe. And you don’t need to pay a lot to get reasonable shoes. Good running shoes are often the best bet.

Parents can also spot several potential foot problems by observing kids’ walking patterns and posture. For example, if a parent notices that their child’s hips seem to be at an angle, it may be that one leg is longer than the other. If that’s the case, a heel lift may be necessary to restore proper balance and walking stride. Early intervention prevents scoliosis (curvature of the spine) later in life. Also, pronation can be a sign of flat feet, which are at risk for arthritis later in life if the problem is left untreated. If parents notice problems, or if their child complains of foot pain, they should consider visiting a podiatrist to determine if there are structural problems that should be treated to prevent long-term damage.

It is recommended that parents do a three-point check on their children’s feet. It only takes a few moments to check your child’s feet and walking patterns:

1. Check their shoes: Take a moment to look at a pair of your child’s shoes. Make sure the pair you choose are old enough to show signs of wear.

Are the patterns of wear on the sole or other parts of the shoe uneven?

Does any area show significantly more wear than any other?

Are the patterns of wear different on the right and left shoes, or symmetrical?

If the patterns are uneven in any way, this may indicate a potential problem. When you make an appointment with the podiatrist, bring the shoes along with you for him or her to take a look at.

2. Check their feet: Look at your child’s bare feet to check for abnormalities in the skin, nails and shape of the foot.

Are there rashes or abnormal skin conditions visible on the feet? Your child could have athlete’s foot or some other skin infection.

Are the nails irregularly shaped or oddly coloured? This could indicate a fungal infection.

Are there any unusual lumps or bumps anywhere? This could be the result of warts, bunions or abnormal bone growths.

Do they have high arches or flat feet? Children often don’t develop an arch in their feet until the ages of six to nine, so your child’s feet may appear flat, but be perfectly normal. However, if your child experiences the tell-tale signs of flat feet – calf pain and cramping or fatigue in the legs or feet – it’s always best to consult with a podiatrist.

Many parents believe that ‘growing pains’ are a normal part of their child’s development but it shouldn’t hurt to grow. If your child is complaining of pains in their legs or feet during the day or at night, you need to consult with a medical professional. Ninety per cent of children born with flat feet will respond well to conservative treatment if the condition is identified early.

3. Check their walking patterns: Ask your child to walk away from you in a straight line so that you can observe the way they walk.

Do they walk with toes pointed inward? This is known as in-toeing or “pigeon-toes,” and can cause the child to trip or fall more frequently than normal. In-toeing can be caused by abnormal curves in the foot or rotation of the long bones of the leg.

Do they walk with toes pointed outward (out-toeing)? Out-toeing can also be caused by rotated bones in the child’s legs, but it can also be caused by flat feet.

Do they walk with most of their weight on the tips of their toes (toe-walking)? Young children often toe-walk, but if the behaviour continues after the age of three, it may indicate an underlying problem.

Do their knees bow outwards (“bow legs”) or do they touch (“knock-knees”)? These conditions can indicate that the child’s feet roll inward (pronation) or outward (supination), which can affect their physical development permanently if left untreated.

Does their stride appear irregular or asymmetrical, or do their hips seem to be set on a slant? Whether they feel any pain or not, this could be a sign of muscular disease, an infection, or a symptom of abnormal growth that needs to be treated. Or your child may have legs of slightly unequal lengths. This can be addressed with shoe inserts that add length to the shorter leg and prevent undue wear and strain on their bodies.

For the location of a podiatrist near you, call: 1.866.611.FEET (3338) or visit www.foothealth.ca for more info.