How to Make Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Enjoyable and Productive
Back-to-school time usually gets grade-school kids excited to make new friends, play new games, and go shopping for new clothes and shoes. For parents, it can be an equally emotional time – and it’s not unusual for awkward disagreements to break out between you and your child right in the middle of the shoe store. He may want the cool shoes everyone else has, and you may have something else in mind.
What’s most important to remember is that your child’s shoes should fit them well and provide good support. Plenty of stylish shoes can fit that profile.
Here’s how to get through the shoe-buying process with grace so both you and your child are happy:
- Agree ahead of time on a budget – it’ll prevent disappointments and help your child learn a valuable lesson in managing money. Explain your plan to buy the best shoes you can afford – made with quality materials, a cushioned insole, a stiff heel counter, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
- Be prepared to buy more than one pair if your child plays a sport or takes gym class. Athletic shoes should be specific to your child’s sport, while cross-trainers are good for the gym.
- Go to a store with knowledgeable salespeople who can accurately measure your child’s feet and help you get a good fit. Measuring is crucial: a 6–12-year-old child’s feet may grow as much as 1 ½ sizes per year. That growth can happen at any time so measure their feet often – certainly, each time you buy them new shoes. If one foot is bigger than the other, buy the size that accommodates the larger foot.
Children’s feet shouldn’t hurt. If they do, contact our experienced podiatric surgeon, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. The pain may be due to shoes that don’t fit properly. Or there could be something else going on. It’s best to catch problems early before they get worse or accompany your child into adulthood. Call Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia, or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Our caring staff welcomes podiatric patients from Fairfax County and the western suburbs of D.C.