HOW TO CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR FOR CHILDREN
By: Sara John, C.Ped (C)., C.Ped Tech (C)
Most children learn to walk by their first birthday, though some start walking sooner or later. A growing child needs a frequent change of shoes. Parents concerned about what kind of footwear is most appropriate for their child, depending on the age and growth, will find this article useful.
When buying the child’s shoe, the fit is very important. Pay attention to the length, width and depth. If it is not the right fit, toe problems, ingrown toe nails, hammer toes, callus and bunions can develop.
Children need new footwear every 3 to 4 months. Most toddlers under 16 months grow more than half a foot size in two months. For children of 16-24 months, the growth is usually half a foot size every three months. At 24 -36 months, half a foot size growth is every four months and children over 36 months, the same growth is seen in four to six months.
Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They only need booties, socks to keep their feet warm or pre-walking shoes that do not bind their feet. Barefoot is good for protected environment such as indoors.
Toddlers under 16 months of age have no arch. It is better to have shoes with liners (insoles) which are padded with absorbent material. Outer soles should provide traction and flexibility. Flat outer soles make it easier to begin walking.
Light-weight shoe is needed for children of 12 months and up as they are full of energy, and walk a lot at that age. It is better to have high-top shoe which will stay on the foot. A leather or canvas tie shoe is more secure, will stay on the foot, and will fit better.
For children of school-age, athletic or hiking shoes or sandals with back-strap would be better options. Flexible shoes with breathable upper and enough room for toe-wiggle and growth are advised. There should be no rubbing as it can cause redness, blister, sores or callus. It is important that the shoe be shaped like the child's foot. Shoes should be comfortable right from the start. The toe box should be rounded to give enough room for the toes to move. The child should be able to wiggle his toes in the shoes. The top of the shoe should not be pressing on the toes or toenails. The upper part of the shoe should be made of breathable material such as leather, mesh etc. Avoid synthetic non-breathable materials.
All babies have flat feet at the time of their birth. During the first few years, the foot continues to take shape. Flat foot and high arches become noticeable, but usually no specific treatment is necessary. If the symptoms are severe and child experiences pain or discomfort, consult a physician and visit a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for biomechanical evaluation and footwear selection guidance.
