Back to School Footwear: Ensuring the Right Fit for Growing Feet

Back to School Footwear: Ensuring the Right Fit for Growing Feet

As the summer holidays wind down and the New Year cheer fades, it’s time to get the kids ready for a new school term. One of the most crucial items on your back-to-school checklist? School shoes. Given that children can spend up to 30-40 hours per week in their school footwear, choosing the right pair is essential for supporting foot health, guiding foot development and preventing discomfort or injury.

In this blog, we’ll combine essential shoe-shopping tips with professional insights to help you navigate the process smoothly—so your child’s feet can start the year on the right foot (pun intended)!

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Why Proper School Shoes Matter

Children's feet grow and develop at a rapid pace, and the shoes they wear need to accommodate these changes. Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear may lead to a range of problems, from blisters and toenail irritation to issues with foot posture, increased risk of tripping or falling, and even foot deformities such as bunions or mal-aligned toes. Quality shoes can aid in foot development, help maintain ideal toe alignment, and ensure comfort through long days at school—whether in the classroom or out on the playground.

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Key Tips for Buying Back-to-School Shoes

1. Get an Accurate Measurement

• Measure Both Feet: Children’s feet can differ in size, so it’s vital to measure each foot, particularly in the afternoon when the feet are larger.
• Allow Adequate Toe Room: Aim for about a thumb’s width of space between the toes and the shoe’s tip—enough to wiggle without being too loose.
• Match Width and Depth: Make sure the shoe’s width and depth align with your child’s foot shape. Anatomical foot shape is ideal and is the rule rather than the exception. Pinched toes or bulging sides are red flags.

2. Check Shoe Construction

• Comfort First - The Flexibility versus Support Debate: The ideal shoe can be different for each child. Not all children "need" support; rather, the amount of support they require will vary depending on their overall balance, coordination, and stability... not based exclusively on their foot posture. One major area of support within the shoe is the heel counter, with the firm offering more support. If you’d like to explore more about this point, book in with us for a biomechanical assessment. 
• Flexibility at the Toes: The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot—where toes naturally flex. 
• Non-Slip Sole: A slip-resistant sole helps prevent accidents, especially on smooth or wet surfaces. 
• Leather Uppers (If Possible): Leather or other durable, breathable materials typically last longer and allow the feet to “breathe.”

3. Secure Fastening Mechanism

• Laces, Velcro, or Buckles: A good fastening system keeps the shoe firmly on the foot, reducing the need for muscles to “grip” the footwear. The right choice is the one your child is comfortable using. 
• Avoid Slipping: If the foot slides around inside the shoe, it may lead to blisters or uneven wear. There are several lacing techniques that can be used to solve this problem. 

4. Consider Your Child’s Activities

Does your child love running, climbing, or kicking a ball around at lunchtime?

• Active-Friendly Options: Look for shoes that meet school uniform guidelines yet still offer sport-friendly features—like reinforced toe caps and cushioned soles—to accommodate an active play routine. 

5. Go Shoe Shopping at the Right Time

• Afternoon Fittings: Feet can swell slightly by the afternoon, so having them measured later in the day ensures a more accurate fit.
• Bring School Socks & Orthotics: If your child has orthotics or specific socks for school, take these along. A professional shoe fitter can suggest the right style or brand to accommodate inserts or special requirements. However, given the variability with feet, sometimes more help is needed. Our podiatrists can guide you through what the best shoe is for your child based on their needs.
• If you’re unsure about the shoe fit, consider seeing us for a Footwear Assessment 

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Common Footwear Concerns and When to Seek Help

Keep an eye out for:

• Episodes of Pain: If your child complains of foot, ankle, or leg pain regularly, it’s time for a professional opinion.
• Regular Tripping or Falling: Could indicate underlying foot alignment or muscle issues.
• Uneven Shoe Wear: Suggests your child might be rolling their feet inwards or outwards, requiring an assessment.
• Skin or Toenail Irritation: Persistent blisters, calluses, or inflamed nail beds can point to ill-fitting shoes.

If All You’ve Been Told Is to “Ice and Stretch…”

Sometimes, children experiencing recurring foot or ankle pain are advised to simply “use ice and do some stretches.” If this advice isn’t relieving the symptoms—or if the discomfort keeps coming back—it’s time for a deeper look. Here at our clinic, we can assess gait, foot posture, and overall biomechanics to uncover the root cause and provide a more targeted solution.

Remember: Early intervention can address biomechanical issues before they worsen, helping your child stay comfortable and active throughout the school year. Custom orthoses may be helpful in guiding your child's feet through the development process on the condition that there is a clear plan. A structured program to develop strength, stability, and coordination are always part of the plan to support long-term foot health.

Making the Most of the School Holidays

Before the new term starts, use the remaining break to:

• Schedule a Foot Check: Book a visit with a podiatrist if you have concerns about your child’s gait, posture, or foot development.
• Prepare Two Pairs: If possible, rotate shoes to allow each pair time to air out, extending their lifespan.
• Engage Your Child: Let them participate in the shoe selection process. They’ll be more likely to wear shoes they’ve helped choose—provided you guide them towards suitable options.

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Start the Year on the Right Foot

Choosing the ideal back-to-school footwear isn’t just about ticking off an item on your shopping list. It’s about ensuring healthy foot growth, preventing discomfort, and setting your child up for a successful, active school year. By focusing on accurate measurements, supportive design, and the right fastening mechanism, you’ll help your child log countless hours of comfortable, pain-free learning and play.

Remember: If you notice any red flags—like persistent pain, unusual gait, or uneven wear—or if the only advice you’ve received is to “ice and stretch,” consider a professional assessment. Taking proactive steps now helps your child walk, run, and explore the school year with confidence and comfort.

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By Andrew Saunderson

Sports Podiatrist

Founder of Ankle and Sole Podiatry