03 Jan Get Your Child’s Feet School-Ready for 2026
Summer in Sydney is all about sunshine and school holidays. While your calendar might be filling up with beach trips, playdates and family time, it’s also the perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year – not just with uniforms and stationery, but with your child’s foot health.
At footinjuryclinic, we know children are constantly on the move. From running around the playground to participating in different sports, healthy, well-supported feet are essential for comfort and development. A school holiday foot assessment can help ensure your child starts the 2026 school year on the right foot.
Why Children’s Foot Health Matters
Children’s feet are still growing and developing. The bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are constantly changing, which means any foot issues can develop and progress quickly if left unchecked.
Some common gait and foot concerns we see in children include:
- Toe walking
- Flat feet or high arches
- Pigeon-toeing (toes pointing inward)
- Out-toeing (toes pointing outward)
- Bow legs
- Limping or complaints of foot, ankle or leg pain
While some of these concerns can be part of normal development, others may need early intervention. Ignoring foot issues during these critical growth years can allow problems to persist into adolescence and adulthood.
When you bring your child in for a podiatry appointment, our podiatrists perform a thorough gait analysis. We assess your child’s arch type, walking and running patterns, posture and any existing conditions. From there, we can identify abnormalities, determine their cause and recommend appropriate treatment or support if needed.
Why the School Holidays Are the Ideal Time
The December–January break is an ideal window to book a foot assessment. There’s no rush before school starts, and if treatment or orthotics are recommended, there’s plenty of time to ensure everything is ready before February.
It also allows your child time to adjust to any new orthotics or footwear gradually, rather than wearing them for the first time during a busy school week.
Shoe Size Does Matter
Ill-fitting shoes are one of the most common contributors to foot problems in children. Shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too loose can cause blisters, bunions, calluses, ingrown toenails and discomfort – all of which can affect how your child moves and plays.
Children’s feet grow quickly, often in sudden spurts, which is why relying on last year’s shoe size isn’t enough. During your appointment, our podiatrists can help guide you on choosing the right school and sports shoes by considering:
- Length and width
- Arch support
- Cushioning and shock absorption
- A roomy toe box for natural toe movement
- Adjustable straps or laces for a secure fit
We also take into account your child’s daily activities and sporting involvement, ensuring their footwear provides the right level of support and stability.
Extra Support with Custom Orthotics
In some cases, footwear alone isn’t enough. If your child has flat feet, arch issues or biomechanical imbalances, orthotics may be recommended to provide additional support.
At footinjuryclinic, we design and manufacture custom orthotics in our in-house laboratory. After a comprehensive assessment of your child’s feet and gait, we create orthoses specifically tailored to their needs. These custom orthotics are designed to:
- Improve foot alignment
- Redistribute pressure
- Support healthy development
- Reduce discomfort and fatigue
Importantly, our orthotics are made to fit comfortably into both school shoes and sports shoes, supporting your child across all activities.
When to Book a Foot Assessment
It’s a good idea to schedule a podiatry appointment if your child has complained of foot or leg pain, difficulty walking or running, or if you’ve noticed anything unusual about their gait. Even if there are no obvious concerns, a preventative assessment during the school holidays can offer peace of mind and set your child up for a comfortable, active school year.
A Fit Start to 2026
Your child’s feet are the foundation for their movement, sport and everyday comfort at school. By prioritising foot health during the summer holidays, you’re giving them the best possible start to the new school year.
At footinjuryclinic, we’re here to help your child put their best foot forward with comprehensive foot assessments, expert advice and custom orthotics made on-site. Book an appointment during the school holidays and tick one more thing off your back-to-school checklist.
