Back To School – Your School Shoe Questions Answered

Written by Michelle Champlin BSc Pod., M.Ch.S., S.R., Ch., (UK)
When Is The Best Time To Buy School Shoes?
Whilst you want to avoid the stress and limited shoe choice of a last minute shoe purchase, you don’t want to buy shoes so far in advance that your child has outgrown them before school even starts! Usually, it’s safe to start shoe shopping about now – up to four weeks before school goes back. This way you shouldn’t get caught out by a last minute growth spurt, and also have a wide variety and plenty of time to browse.

Opt for velcro or buckle straps for school shoes
When Do I Need to Buy Another Pair?
The average child’s foot grows about 8mm (a shoe size) per year. A pair of shoes should last for 4-5 months, so get your child’s feet measured again in the New Year. Get measured and shop again sooner if you notice a growth spurt sooner, or the shoes show wear and tear.
How Do I Know if The Shoe is The Right Size?
Shop at a store that has approved, trained shoe fitters. Clarks is one such store – it should be free and no pressure to purchase. Bear in mind that each brand uses different shoe ‘lasts’ or foot models to make their shoes and your child may be different sizes in different brands. Find shoes that have different width fittings – only a third of children have ‘standard’ shoe width feet. Remember to try the shoes on with the socks that your child will wear to school too, and not barefoot to ensure a good fit.
What Type Of Shoe Should You Buy?
Check out our guide to school shoes here. For younger kids who may struggle with tying laces, opt for Velcro fasteners, or buckles. Older kids can choose lace up styles, or mary jane style straps across the foot. It’s important that shoes are fastened securely to the foot to encourage active play and even for older children; a shoe held securely to the foot is preferable to slip on styles such as ballet pumps. Slip on styles can encourage biomechanical issues such as over-pronation (fallen arches) and toe clawing. They also don’t provide enough shock absorption in the sole. A slight heel of a couple of centimeters is also a good feature, a rubberized non-slip sole that is shock absorbing yet bendable at the toe. A stiff heel counter, plenty of room at the toe box so as not to squash the growing toes and forefoot. Natural material such as leather or breathable man made fabrics such as Gore-Tex to stop excessive sweat build up and possible fungal infections. A removable shoe liner too if your child wears orthotics (custom insoles) prescribed by your Podiatrist to correct issues such as over-pronation / flat feet.
Adults aim to take 10,000 steps a day to keep fit but kids can take 18,000 on the average school day. School shoes are much more than a fashion statement, as children’s feet do not stop forming and growing until they are around 18 years old. Wearing ill-fitting school shoes in childhood can cause permanent structural damage to the feet with life long consequences, and exacerbate biomechanical issues such as over-pronation. Children spend over 35 hours a week in these shoes, so they must be durable, high quality and well fitting.
Why Would My Child Need To See A Podiatrist?
It is vital that all children have their feet screened by a Podiatrist as routine, normally when they start school for the first time (age 5-6) and again as advised by the Podiatrist, just as they go for their first dental check up. Dubai Podiatry Centre, led by Chief Podiatrist Michelle Champlin, carries out a popular Foot Health Screening Program at the Schools in Dubai, but don’t worry if yours missed it – just contact us and pop into our clinic for a friendly and fun appointment before school starts back. Getting an early foot check reduces the chances of foot problems in later life, gives and opportunity to address any issues early and establishes an understanding of good foot health habits early.
You may not know if there is anything going on with your kid’s feet, until they start complaining of pain or are tripping a lot. The Podiatrist can check your child’s alignment, advise on footwear, as well as catch any early fungal or verruca skin infections commonly passed around.
For your recommended kid’s foot check up before the school term starts, contact Dubai Podiatry Centre on +971 4 3435390 now