Editor’s note: Dr. Kayla Emter, podiatrist/foot & ankle surgeon at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, shares tips on how to shop for children’s shoes. As a student, Dr. Emter struggled with painful bunions, which required surgery. Form that experience, she wanted a career in the medical field so she could educate and help others. Today, Dr. Emter is qualified through the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Purchasing new children’s shoes may seem like a nuisance, especially when they hit growth spurts and need new shoes before old ones wear out. Alternatively, perhaps you have a child who has half the sole worn off or a part of the shoe blown out in no time. Though shoes can be pricy, the process of purchasing a shoe should not be a headache.
To endure a child’s shoes are the right fit:
- Make sure the child is along during the shopping excursion. Ask an associate to size his or her feet. Children’s feet grow fast, sometimes more than half a size in less than a year.
- Brands vary in size. So, be sure they try the shoe on prior to purchasing. One size in one brand may not be appropriate for the next.
- Purchase age-appropriate shoes. A toddler who is just beginning to walk should have a soft-soled shoe versus a hard one. Their proprioception or sense of position is dependent on them being able to feel the ground. This is difficult to do with hard-soled shoes.
- Trace your child’s foot on a piece of paper and cut it out. If you take out the factory insole and place the cut out on top of it, there should be about a half-inch between the end of the insole and the cut-out. This is also what to look for when feeling for their toe through the shoe.
- Some children have one foot that is bigger than the other. Always accommodate the bigger foot when purchasing shoes.
- Bring any inserts along that the child wears in their shoes for size. These often take up a little bit of room in the shoes and may require going up in size.
- If a child complains of pain in their feet, schedule a free injury screening. The free screening helps families understand their treatment options.
No one told us when having children that not only should we have a college fund, but a shoe fund too. Nevertheless, appropriately sized shoes for your kiddo’s feet can prevent injuries and deformities that would really be a kick in the pocketbook.
Know that studies show: care is better close to home. Jamestown area residents need not travel for specialty services. If you or someone you love needs relief, contact the JRMC Clinic at (701) 952-4878. Schedule a free injury screening at (701) 952-4800.
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