This is a collaborative post – I received the shoes featured for free from Start-Rite
As the end of the school year approaches, one of the essential tasks for parents to do over the summer holidays is to go out and buy their children new school shoes. Properly fitted shoes are crucial for comfort, support, and overall foot health. This is especially important considering the amount of time kids spend on their feet at school; one six week term is at least 210 hours at school.
Wayne Lubbock, Start-Rite’s Head of Technical Development, says that children’s feet are still developing; the gait and foot bones don’t stop developing until we are 16 to 21 years old.
Badly fitted shoes can negatively affect our bones, our muscles, our tendons, and our gait. Getting shoes that fit correctly is essential to avoid problems such as blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot issues. Ill-fitting shoes can also lead to poor posture and discomfort, impacting a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well at school.
Here’s a guide to help you find and measure the perfect school shoes for your child.
How to measure your child’s feet accurately: Five tips
There are various ways to get a well-fitting shoe. Here are some tips:
- Measure both feet: Feet can vary in size so always measure both feet, and choose the shoe size that fits the larger foot.
- Measure at the end of the day: Feet swell throughout the day so measuring at the end of the day ensures the shoes will be comfortable even when the feet are at their largest.
- Use a foot measuring device: Shoe shops use a “Brannock Device”, which measures the length, width, and arch length of the foot accurately. If you’re measuring your children’s feet at home, you can purchase a foot measurer or use a printable foot measuring tool available online.
- Stand while measuring: Make sure that your child stands up straight while you are measuring their feet. This position helps to distribute their weight evenly, providing a more accurate measurement.
- Measure with socks on: Given that kids wear socks with their school shoes, it makes sense to measure their feet with the same type of socks they’ll wear daily.
Tips for choosing the right school shoes for your children
Once you have the right size, you can choose your shoe. But what should you look for in a school shoe?
Firstly, you want to make sure that they’re well made from from high-quality materials, such as leather which is durable, breathable, and conform to the foot over time. The sole of the shoe should be firm but flexible, bending at the ball of the foot but remaining firm at the heel. This balance provides necessary support while allowing natural foot movement.
Depending on the age of your child, you can choose from shoes with laces, Velcro, or buckles to ensure a secure fit. Slip-on shoes might be convenient (and trendy!) but can often lack the necessary support to keep your kids’ feet healthy.
Whenever possible, have your child try on the shoes in-store, or if buying online, make sure you have the option to return if they aren’t a good fit. Let them walk around to ensure comfort and proper fit, and observe how they are walking to ensure there are no signs of discomfort or slipping.
Remember to check the school’s dress code regarding the colour and style of shoes, and that any shoes you buy meet the school’s requirements. There’s no point in spending money on something which won’t get used! A good shoe shop like Start-Rite has many pairs of shoes to choose from which are likely to meet your requirements.
And lastly, give your child a say.
As long as they meet the requirements above and fit well, giving them the power to choose their own shoes means they’ll be happier to wear them and you won’t have a daily fight on your hands! My daughter chose herself a pair of Samba shoes (RRP £52) which happen to be the same as she had this year, and my son chose Rhino Warrior shoes (RRP £62) which are designed to be hard wearing.
How to check the fit
- Length: There should be about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This space allows for foot growth and movement.
- Width: The shoe should fit snugly without being too tight. The widest part of the foot should correspond to the widest part of the shoe.
- Depth: Ensure there is enough space for the toes to wiggle. Shoes that are too shallow can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
- Heel: The heel should fit securely without slipping out when walking.
When walking, the foot should not roll inward or outward excessively. If this happens it means that they are it providing enough arch support.
A well fitted shoe should leave no red marks or blisters, which are signs of pressure points or friction. They should be comfortable throughout the day, so do check in with your child after a full day of wearing the shoes to see how their feet are.
Remember! Check the fit often
Children’s feet can grow rapidly – sometimes it seems like they grow out of things overnight! – so it’s important to regularly check the fit of their shoes. Ideally, perform a quick fit check every few months to ensure their shoes are still comfortable and supportive. Look for signs of wear and tear, which can affect the shoe’s fit and support.
If you want more advice on fitting your child’s school shoes, check out the Start-Rite website here!