Why You Should Measure Your Child's Feet More Often

Here's something we can all agree on: kids grow up fast. Their feet are no different. Wearing the wrong size shoe can have serious implications to the health of your child's feet, and those implications are even more hightened for growing children. 

Why the Proper Shoe Size is Important

Wearing shoes that are too small can make your child unstable on their feet. On top of that, prolonged use of too-small shoes can lead to foot deformities like bunions, flat feet, numbness, inflammation, and pain in the heel. Additionally, the tight quarters cause rubbing of the toes which leads to blisters and sores. Making sure your child has the correct size shoes is just one of the ways you can set them up for success. 

5 Tips For Back to School Shoe Shopping

The shoe store can be a daunting place. Here are a few tips to make the process a little less painful and a lot more seamless.

1. In store > Online. We get it. Online shopping has a certain ease that takes a some of the stress out of your life. But with the varying sizes across different brands, it's always better to try them on in-store.
2. Find your return policy. If you do decide to buy your child's back to school shoes online, or even if you bought them in-store, make sure you're clear on the store's return policy so you can take them back if they don't work out.
3. Buy from a professional. Places like Walmart or Target are great on style, but in terms of fitting and picking a good shoe, you're pretty much on your own. Visiting specialty shoe stores (Runners Athletic Company is our favorite) is a great way to get the feedback of a professional.
4. Don't buy too many at once. This tip is mostly for the sake of your wallet. Your kids' feet grow so quickly! Buying four pairs of shoes that may not even fit them in three months isn't helping anyone, certainly not your bank account. Focus on purchasing high-quality shoes, a pair for dressing up and a pair for playing outside, instead of filling their closet with a dozen pairs. 
5. Have your child's shoes evaluated by a podiatrist. We offer free shoe and cleat evaluations for kids. With back to school season right around the corner, be sure that you're lacing up the best shoes for your child. Click here to learn more about our free evaluations!

How Often Should I Measure My Child's Feet?

If your child is three years old or younger, we recommend that you measure their feet every month. At this stage, their little feet are growing rapidly, so a proper fit is necessary to encourage healthy development of the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet. 

Older kids' feet can grow up to half a size every two to four months. This average does depend on their age, but as a general rule it is good to check the fit of their shoes and measure their feet every two months. If your child is between sizes, it's always best to go with the higher size. This will help avoid their feet being crowded in their shoes. 

How to Measure Your Child's Feet

While most shoe stores can size your child's feet before you make your selection, why not have their feet measured by a professional? At our 1st annual Shoe Sizeing Event on August 20th, 2022, all you have to do is show up, and we'll do the rest! That's right: on Saturday, August 20th, 2022, starting at 9:00am, we will have our #1 rated pediatric podiatrist available to accurately measure your child's feet and give tips on keeping them on their feet througout the school year. 

Do you think you child might have a foot-related condition? From ingrown toenails and warts to toe-walking and heel pain, our team at Freeland Foot and Ankle Clinic can evaluate the issue and provide a clear, transparent treatment plan. Our experience with pediatric patients allows us to keep your child calm, comfortable, and involved in their own care. Foot care is an important part of development and overall health care! Give us a call at 989-695-6788 or fill out our handy online contact form and set up a consultation today.