Q. Should my child’s foot have an arch when he/she is born?
A. Not necessarily. A child’s foot is normally more flexible and has a flatter arch than the average adult foot, until between the ages of three and five years old.
Q. When should my child begin to wear shoes?
A. Once a child begins to stand and walk, wearing shoes is recommended because they provide the necessary stability and protection. However, shoes are not required for normal growth and development of a child’s foot. Your child is not more likely to develop bunions, hammertoes or flat feet by not wearing shoes.
Q. How do I determine the correct shoe size for my child?
A. Feet normally swell to a slight degree during the day, so shop for shoes later in the day. There should be an adult’s thumb width (or 3/4 inches) from the tip of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe. Next, allow your child to walk in the shoes for a few minutes in the store so any obvious problems can be identified. At home, check your child’s foot for the first few days for any red marks or other signs of irritation.
How quickly your child outgrows his/her shoes varies, generally depending upon the child’s age. Between one and three years the size should be checked every three months. Between ages three and six, the size should be checked every four to six months. When in doubt, fit the shoe a little longer rather than a little shorter. If the width of a boy’s shoe fits a girl’s foot better or vice versa, it can be substituted.
Q. What materials are best for my child’s shoes?
A. In general, leather, suede and canvas – breathable, durable materials are best because they are strong, yet allow the foot to "breathe." Materials such as plastic, rubber and nylon have the potential to promote skin diseases unless worn with cotton socks.
Q. Are high-top shoes better for my child than low-top shoes?
A. High top construction usually is not necessary for ankle support or development, although it may help prevent the heel from slipping out of the shoe in children just learning to walk.
Q. Should my child’s shoe be rigid or flexible?
A. The heel counter, which refers to the area surrounding the heel, should be firm (not easily compressed), providing the shoe and foot with stability. If your child requires more stability, a rigid heel counter is preferred. The toe box, which is the region in the "ball" of the foot, should be flexible. Place the shoe between your hands (front to back) and gently push together. The toe box should bend easily across the toes, not in the arch area. The sole of the shoe should be firm and preferably composed of breathable material such as leather, rubber or crepe. The outer sole, the shoe part that touches the ground, should be as flat as possible.
Q. What heel height is appropriate for my child?
A. Tennis shoes and most leather and "dress" shoes are acceptable. Heels greater than one inch may promote toe walking or abnormal foot movement and should be avoided.
Q. How will I know if my child needs "special" shoes?
A. If your child’s shoes wear out unevenly or too quickly, it may indicate that standing or walking problems exist and should not be ignored. Similarly, night cramps, "growing pains," fatigue, tripping, pigeon-toed (in-toed) or "sloppy" walking can be a sign that problems exist. In certain cases, special therapeutic shoes, inserts (orthotics) and special heels can be used to correct excessively flat-footed, pigeon-toed or out-toed gait patterns. Reverse or straight-aligned shoes may be corrective when the foot does appear curved in shape. A foot care specialist can recommend the appropriate shoes or orthotics for your child.
If you have concerns about your children’s foot health contact a podiatric surgeon. For the name of a podiatric surgeon in your area or for more information about foot health, contact the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ Foot Health Institute toll-free number 1-888-THE-FEET (1 888-843-3388), or its Web site at www.acfas.org.
