Savvy School Shoe Shopping

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It may be hard to believe, but summer is swiftly coming to an end, and that means it will soon be time for children to be heading back to school. At Goldsmith Podiatry we want to offer some suggestions to parents who are getting ready to make that all-important purchase: new shoes for the new school year. Below are some common pitfalls that parents fall into and how to avoid them.

“I want my child to fit in. The latest fad isn’t the best quality shoe but it’s only for a season, and then the style will change again.”

Caving to fashion instead of making function, the top priority is a big mistake when buying children’s shoes. Shoes that are poorly made or lack proper support can lead to injury and foot pain. Styles that are made of non-natural materials like plastic or vinyl don’t allow feet to breathe and encourage the growth of fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Good shoes can still be attractive. Choose styles with ample room in the toe box, firm heel counters, good arch support, and cushioned insoles for maximum comfort and protection.

“I can pass on my older child’s shoes to a younger sibling—they’re not worn out yet, and I’ll cut out one cost anyway.”

Shoes are not the place to try to economize in your back to school budget. A person stamps their shoes with their unique wear pattern, and it can cause harm when another person tries to wear them. Shoes also can hold bacteria and fungi, which can lead to a fungal infection.

“I’ll save time and order new school shoes online.”

Another temptation is to avoid the lines and crowds and whining children by purchasing shoes online from the comfort of your family room. The only way to ensure a proper fit, however, is by having your child try on both shoes and spend a good amount of time walking around the store to make sure they are comfortable.

“My child has flat feet. I hope the shoes we pick will not make the condition worse.”

If your child has a chronic foot problem, don’t guess about shoe styles. Make an appointment out our Upper West Side office by calling 212-8771002. After examining your child’s feet, our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia will be able to make recommendations of styles that will best accommodate your child’s foot condition.