3 Essential Lessons for Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Success
What kid in our part of Ohio will wake up on Wednesday, August 17, and forget that it’s the first day of school? We can’t imagine there are many – it’s such an exciting time for the little ones! Those of us in the podiatry field are excited about August 17 for another reason as well – it’s also National I Love My Feet Day!
One of the best ways to love your feet is to wear the right shoes. Take this time of year to teach your kids some important lessons about how to pick out new shoes that their feet will love:
- Lesson #1 – Measure your feet. A child’s foot can grow an astounding amount in a short time, sometimes in a matter of weeks. When you go back-to-school shoe shopping, visit a shoe store with reputable salespeople who know how to measure your child’s feet properly.
- Lesson #2 – Examine the quality. Children’s shoes and sneakers should have a cushioned insole and a built-in arch. The back of the shoe (the heel counter) shouldn’t be flimsy but should be stiff enough to provide good support.
- Lesson #3 – Try them on. Shoe sizes and styles vary from brand to brand, so you can’t go by size number alone. Try on both shoes, walk around, make sure they feel comfortable and don’t pinch, cramp, or rub any part of the foot.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, want to stress the importance of early detection of foot problems in children. If your child displays difficulty walking or running or complains of foot or heel pain, call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041. You may also contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
