Back to School For Feet
Written by Michelle Champlin BSc Pod., M.Ch.S., S.R., Ch., (UK)
It™s that time of year again, the holidays are over and the kids are back at school.
Normally at this time of year, we see more parents with their kids with queries about what school shoe to buy and where to buy from. We love to hear this, as we unfortunately also see and treat the long term consequences in adults from wearing the ˜wrong™ shoes as children “ whether too small or hand-me-downs from a sibling with a different wear pattern. Thus getting the right footwear during your child™s growing years is critically important to their long term foot health and is a wonderful example to set.
Firstly, as tempted as you may be to leave your kids at home when shoe shopping, we advise bringing them with you to the shoe store to try on the shoes and preferably be measured by qualified shoe fitters in store. Clarks Shoes has qualified, UK trained shoe fitters in store who are glad to do this for free and without sales pressure.
It only takes a few minutes to determine if a shoe is good or not.
What makes a good child™s shoe?
• Heel Counter: The back of the shoe should be stiff. Press both sides at the back of the heel, make sure it does not collapse when pressure is applied to it.
• Heel Base: broad and wide for stability. Height- no more than 4 cm.
• Length of Shoe: Generally, there should be a thumbs width (half inch/1cm) between the longest toe and end of the shoe.
• Fastening: Buckles, laces, Velcro or straps “ should hold the heel securely at the back of the shoe (the foot should NOT be able to slide forward) and the entire foot in the shoe.
• Toe Box: The toe box (area in which the toes sit) should be deep and wide enough to prevent rubbing or constriction. Toes should be able to wiggle inside the toe box. Ask your child to wiggle their toes when assessing the depth and width of this area. Flexible enough to bend with the child™s toes. Not too much and not too stiff either.
• The middle section: Holding the shoe at the front (toe box ) and the back (heel counter) twist gently, a good shoe should never twist easily in the middle.
A shoe should be made from natural materials, such as leather, as they allow the foot to breathe and thus minimise fungal infection, sweat and odour.
Where to buy from?
At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we simply advise various brands that we also buy as parents and are not, and never will be, involved in any commercial pay off with any brand or company. When we suggest various brands, we are doing so impartially and without any benefit or motive other than what is best for your child™s feet. Clarks, Hush Puppies, Start Right, Geox and Rockport are just some of the available brands offering excellent children™s footwear in Dubai.
Ill-fitting shoes can give rise to various foot conditions including blisters, sprains, ingrowing toenails, inflammation of the tendons and even fractures.
Our Free Foot Health Screening Program for Children
Dont let shoes affect your childs school day “ we™re here to help your child run, jump, walk and play with complete freedom. We therefore advise an initial foot review at between 5-7 years old, as your child starts school so that we can screen early for any issues and if needs be, correct early too and avoid any longer term problems.
We carry out a Dubai-wide Foot health Screening Program for Schoolchildren throughout October and November every year. If your child™s school hasn™t signed up yet, let them know about our Program and we can add them “ these checks are brief, yet fun, free and informative for both parents and kids and cost absolutely nothing.
Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment during October or November for a child’s™s foot health screen at our Clinic with our experienced UK Podiatrists, much like their first visit to a dentist. Simply give us a call on +971 4 3435390 for an appointment before the end of November!
