Back-to-school season is here, which means parents are out shopping for new shoes for their kids. Buying the wrong shoes can lead to foot pain, ingrown toenails, heel pain, ankle injuries, and even knee and back problems. Learn how to choose shoes that keep your child's feet healthy all school year long and avoid costly mistakes.
Buy Shoes From A Good Shoe Store
Whenever possible, buy your children's shoes at a good shoe store with experienced shoe fitters. While it's tempting to order online or grab a pair off the shelf at a big box store, don't do it.
Kids' feet grow incredibly fast. Some children can grow two shoe sizes in just six months. Having their feet professionally measured every time you shop is one of the best investments you can make in their foot health.
Even if your child's feet haven't grown, shoes lose their support over time. An active child can wear out a pair long before they outgrow them.
How to Ensure You Get the Right Fit
Here's something many parents don't realize. One foot is often slightly longer than the other. Always buy shoes that fit the larger foot. And make sure there's about one thumb's width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Shoes that are too short or too narrow put repeated pressure on the toes. Over time, that can lead to ingrown toenails, black toenails, and make fungal nail infections more likely.
Getting the length and width right isn't just about comfort—it protects the nail itself.
Too much room can also cause problems. It allows the foot to slide around inside the shoe, and that sliding friction causes blisters. It also allows the toes to jam into the front of the shoe—especially when stopping suddenly or walking downhill—which adds to the toenail damage I’ve already mentioned.
Shop For Shoes Later in the Day
The best time to shop for shoes is later in the day. Feet naturally swell as the day goes on, so you'll get a more accurate fit than you would first thing in the morning.
Shoes Should Feel Good Right Away
Here's a rule I tell every parent.
Shoes should never require a "break-in" period. If the shoes don't feel comfortable in the store, don't buy them. Uncomfortable shoes rarely become comfortable later.
Perform 3 Simple Shoe Tests
Once you've found a shoe that fits, do these three quick tests.
Test #1: Bend Test
- The shoe should bend where your child's foot bends—right at the ball of the foot.
- If it folds in the middle, it's too flimsy.
Test #2: Twist Test
- Try twisting the shoe like you're wringing out a towel.
- It should resist twisting.
- If it twists easily, it usually isn't supportive enough.
Test #3: Heel Test
- Squeeze the heel counter—the back part of the shoe.
- It should feel firm, not collapse easily.
- A firm heel helps keep growing feet stable.
Don't Buy Shoes They'll "Grow Into"
Kids grow so quickly that buying shoes a size larger seems like a great way to save money. Unfortunately, oversized shoes can cause tripping, instability, blisters, and poor foot mechanics.
Buy shoes that fit now—not six months from now.
Avoid Hand-Me-Down Shoes
Hand-me-downs may save money, but they're usually not the best choice. Every child wears shoes differently. The shoe molds itself to the previous child's foot and walking pattern. So if your child inherits a pair from an older sibling, the heel counter and sole have already broken in around their sibling's stride, not theirs.
Even if it's the correct size, it's no longer supporting your child's foot the way it should.
Check Their Old Shoes for Clues About Foot Health
And while we’re talking about hand-me-downs, check their old shoes before tossing them out.
Look at the bottom. Uneven wear patterns can tell us a lot. If one side is wearing down much faster than the other, or the shoes seem unusually crooked, it may be a sign that your child would benefit from seeing a podiatrist.
Sometimes all they need is better shoes. Sometimes there's an underlying foot problem that's easy to correct if caught early.
What About Kids With Flat Feet or Foot Pain? Do They Need Special Shoes?
Let's start with flat feet. Many young children naturally have flat feet, and most grow out of it. But if your child hasn't outgrown it by age six, complains of foot or ankle pain, trips or falls often, or avoids activities other kids enjoy, it's time to bring them in for an evaluation.
Flat feet aren't the only condition that can affect your child's foot health. If your child develops heel pain, pain in the ball of the foot, ankle pain, or even a stress fracture, it's worth having them evaluated.
In both cases, look for shoes that pass the 3 shoe tests and secure with laces or Velcro. Soft, squishy shoes won't provide a child with flat feet or foot pain the support they need. Shoes without laces or Velcro force the toes to work overtime and can lead to ball of foot pain.
It's also worth swapping out the insert that comes with the shoe for a store-bought one, like Powerstep or Redi-Thotics—both make versions sized for kids, and they offer more support than the stock insert.
And for some kids with flat feet or ongoing pain, custom orthotics may be the answer. Your podiatrist will prescribe those after evaluating your child.
Buying Shoes for Young Athletes
If your child plays soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, tennis, or some other sport, shoe selection becomes even more important. Sports place much higher forces on growing feet.
Buy shoes designed specifically for the sport they're playing.
- Running shoes are designed to move forward.
- Basketball shoes are built for jumping and side-to-side movement.
- Soccer cleats are designed for traction.
Using the wrong shoe increases the risk of injury.
Don't buy by brand name alone
Just because a shoe looks flashy, carries a big logo, or costs a lot of money doesn't mean it's good for your child's feet. Marketing doesn't equal quality—fit, stability, and proper support matter far more than looks or price tag.
Don't keep your athlete in worn-out shoes
Once the tread is worn down or the uppers look shabby, it's time for a replacement. Worn-out shoes won’t provide the level of support they need to prevent injury.
How to Buy Soccer Cleats
Soccer is one of the most popular sports for kids and teens in Seattle, and cleats deserve a little extra attention.
As with any shoe, be sure to:
- measure your child's feet before purchasing every new pair
- use the 3 shoe tests mentioned earlier
- don’t let your kids talk you into getting shoes that are too small. Some players believe tighter cleats improve ball control. Whether or not that's true, shoes that are too tight greatly increase the risk of black toenails, ingrown toenails, and painful pressure on growing feet.
Final Thoughts
The right pair of shoes won't prevent every injury, but they give growing feet the support they need during one of the most important stages of development.
- Have your child's feet measured every time.
- Buy shoes that fit today—not next year.
- Make sure they're comfortable immediately.
- Choose supportive shoes that bend at the ball of the foot, resist twisting, and have a firm heel.
- If your child has flat feet, foot pain, or unusual shoe wear, don't ignore it.
