How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Kids

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Sara Butler

Having kids is like hosting a never-ending fashion show where the models keep growing overnight—especially when it comes to keeping them in clothes and shoes that actually fit. You buy a new pair of shoes, and it feels like the very next day, they’re either too small or mysteriously lost under the bed. How do you keep up? Supporting their growth isn’t just about finding the coolest sneakers; it’s about making sure their feet have room to breathe. At The Joint Chiropractic, we’re here to guide you through the maze of fitting footwear and back-to-school shopping, ensuring your child is not only rocking the latest trends but also staying comfy and active. Because, let’s be honest, looking good and feeling good should go hand in hand.

Why it’s important to choose the right shoes for kids

There are several reasons why you need to take the time to find the right shoes for your child. Proper footwear has a big role to play in their continued development in more ways than you may think.

Foot development - Children's feet are still developing, and the right shoes support healthy feet and growth. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to deformities, foot maladies, or growth problems.

Comfort - Properly fitted shoes ensure that children are comfortable, which can prevent blisters, sores, and other foot-related issues.

Support and stability - Good shoes provide necessary support and stability, which is crucial for children's active lifestyles. This helps prevent injuries during activities like running, jumping, and playing.

Posture - Proper footwear contributes to good posture and alignment. Poor footwear can cause problems with the knees, hips, and lower back.

Preventing long-term issues - Wearing the wrong shoes during the early years can lead to long-term foot problems, including flat feet, bunions, and other structural issues.

Encourage physical activity - Comfortable and supportive shoes encourage kids to be more active, promoting overall health and well-being.

Key factors to consider when sizing shoes for kids

Keeping up with your little one's growth spurts can feel like a marathon. So, when it's time for new kicks, let's make sure we get it right! Here’s a cheeky guide to finding the perfect shoe size for those ever-growing feet.

Length - Make sure there’s about a half-inch (the width of your thumb) between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. This gives those toes room to wiggle and grow.

Width - Shoes should be snug but not too tight across the widest part of the foot. Your child should be able to wiggle their toes without feeling the pinch on the sides.

Heel fit - The heel should sit securely in the shoe without slipping out when walking. A snug fit here helps prevent blisters and keeps your child stable on their feet.

Arch support - Think about your child's arch—flat, normal, or high. Their shoes should provide the right support for their unique foot structure.

Flexibility - The shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot, not in the middle. This flexibility is key for natural movement and comfort.

Breathability - Opt for materials like mesh or leather that let those little feet breathe. This keeps them cool, dry, and less prone to discomfort or fungal infections.

Fastenings - Go for adjustable fastenings like buckles, laces, or Velcro. This way, you can tweak the fit to suit different foot shapes and sizes.

Socks - Always measure and fit shoes with the type of socks the child will wear with them. Socks can affect the fit significantly.

Growth Allowance - Kids' feet grow at lightning speed, so check the fit regularly. Ensure there's room for growth without sacrificing current comfort and support.

Activity-specific needs - Consider what your child will be doing in their new shoes. Different activities might need specific features, like extra cushioning for running or reinforced toes for sports.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll make sure your child's shoes offer the perfect blend of support, comfort, and room for growth.

Signs children have outgrown their shoes

It can be a challenge to know when shoes have become too small for your child. Still, identifying when they’ve outgrown their shoes is important for their comfort and foot health. There are a few important signs to be on the lookout for.

Frequent complaints of discomfort - If your child frequently complains their shoes hurt, foot pain, or blisters, it could indicate that their shoes are too tight or not fitting properly.

Toe crowding - If you notice that your child's toes are pushing on the front of the shoe or they mention their toes feel cramped, it's a clear sign the shoes are too small.

Visible wear and tear - Too much wear on the soles, especially uneven wear, can be a sign that the shoes no longer fit properly and are not supporting the foot correctly.

Problems putting on shoes - If your child struggles to put on their shoes or you notice they are forcing their feet into the shoes, it might be time for a larger size.

Red marks or blisters - Check your child’s feet after their shoes are taken off. Blisters, calluses, or red marks can indicate the shoes are too tight.

Heel slippage - If the heel slips out of the shoe while walking, it might be because the shoe is too small, causing the child to force their foot forward for a fit.

Change in walking pattern - If you notice your child walking differently, such as limping or walking on tiptoes, it could be due to discomfort from tight shoes.

Complaints after activity - If your child complains of foot or leg pain after running or playing, it could indicate that their shoes are not providing adequate support or are too small.

Increased fussiness about wearing shoes - Reluctance to wear shoes they previously liked can be a sign that they are uncomfortable and too small.

Frequent toe bending - If your child bends their toes frequently while wearing shoes, it may be a sign that their toes are cramped and they need a larger size.

Regularly checking your child’s shoe fit and paying attention to these signs can help ensure they have the proper footwear to support their growing feet.

Common foot problems in children

Proper footwear can play a sizable role in preventing common foot disorders in children. Foot problems in kids are more common than you may realize and can easily be prevented.

Flat feet - This is a condition in which the arches normally present in the foot don’t develop properly, causing the entire bottom of the foot to touch the ground. It can be prevented by choosing shoes that have good arch support and a firm heel.

Blisters - When the skin is rubbed in the same spot over and over, it can cause a painful, fluid-filled sac called a blister to form. Choosing shoes that fit well and that are made of breathable material, along with proper socks, can reduce rubbing from the shoe and prevent blisters from forming.

Ingrown toenails - When a toenail grows into the skin surrounding it, it can cause this painful condition that can sometimes lead to infection. To prevent it, make sure the shoes your child wears have enough room to keep pressure off the toes. Also, make sure your child’s toenails are trimmed to help keep them from experiencing this condition.

Bunions - When the base joint of the big toe forms a bump, that’s referred to as a bunion. It can be prevented by choosing shoes with a wide toe box that doesn’t squish the toes together and put pressure on the toe joint. Good arch support also helps to prevent bunions.

Heel pain - When the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, which can be common in physically active children, then it can cause a lot of pain. You can help your child avoid this by choosing shoes that have plenty of heel cushion and arch support.

Athlete's foot - When the feet become too sweaty and can’t dry off properly, it can encourage the growth of fungus that leads to redness, cracked skin, and itching. Make sure your child’s shoes are breathable to keep their feet dry and make sure that shoes are also fully dry before wearing them.

Toe deformities - When you don’t choose shoes that give enough room for the toes to move freely, then you can cause the toes to curl or bend abnormally. Make sure the shoes you pick for your child are roomy and the toes can be in a normal position while wearing them.

By choosing well-fitted, supportive, and appropriately designed kids shoes, many common children’s foot problems can be prevented, promoting healthy foot development and overall well-being. Sometimes kids want to choose fashion or function, but chances are you can find shoes that meet their aesthetic needs and support their feet properly.

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