
04 Jan Fit Feet Equals Fit Kids
As we stride into 2025, it’s time to gear up for the new school year. As we rush around buying stationery, uniforms and school bags, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked but is absolutely essential: your child’s school shoes. Ensuring your child’s feet are healthy and properly supported is a very important step you can take to safeguard their physical health and wellbeing.
Why Children’s Foot Health Matters
Children’s feet are still growing and developing, making them particularly vulnerable to problems caused by poorly fitting shoes. Foot health is about more than just comfort. The right footwear can support proper posture, reduce the risk of injuries, and promote natural movement. Good foot health is crucial for their overall physical development, helping your child stay active, focused, and confident throughout the school day.
Children’s physical health and wellbeing start at the feet. Properly fitted shoes, together with guidance from a trained podiatrist, promote better foot health, posture, and movement – key factors in helping young people stay fit and focused at school. Discover more about caring for children’s feet here.
Tips for Choosing the Right School Shoes
Here are some tips to get the right pair of school shoes for your child:
Get Their Feet Measured Regularly
Children’s feet grow rapidly, so it’s important to have them measured every six months. This ensures the shoes provide the right fit and support for their current size.
Check for Toe Wiggle Room
Shoes should allow enough space for toes to move freely. Squished toes can lead to discomfort and long-term issues like bunions or ingrown toenails.
Leave Room to Grow
Ensure there’s about 1cm of space between your child’s big toe and the top of the shoe. This gives room for growth without compromising support.
Opt for Professional Fitting
Visit a store where trained sales assistants can measure and fit your child’s shoes properly. Their expertise can make all the difference.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
If your child frequently complains about foot pain, struggles with balance, or shows signs of uneven wear on their shoes, it might be time to see our podiatrists. At all of our three Sydney clinics, we specialise in children’s foot care, addressing concerns like flat feet, heel pain, and ingrown toenails to ensure your child’s feet are healthy and strong.
We also manufacture custom orthotics in our in-house laboratory after a thorough examination of your child’s feet and gait. These orthoses are specifically designed to correct biomechanical imbalances, redistribute pressure, and alleviate pain. Whether your child has arch problems, flat feet, or other structural issues, orthotics can provide the extra support needed for healthy foot development.
The Benefits of Proper Foot Care
Investing in proper shoes for school and sport and consulting a podiatrist when necessary has long-term benefits.
- Improved Posture: Well-fitted shoes encourage proper alignment, reducing the risk of back and joint pain.
- Better Movement: Shoes that support the feet allow kids to run, jump, and play without discomfort or restrictions.
- Boosted Confidence: Pain-free feet mean children can focus on their school day without distractions.
We Care for Your Children’s Feet
At our three conveniently located Sydney clinics, we’re here to support your family’s foot health. Whether it’s fitting advice, treating an existing issue, or preventing future problems, our experienced podiatrists can help. Let your kids start the school year on the right foot – book an appointment for a foot check and shoe fitting at our clinics today.