Why the Right School Shoes Matter for Your Child’s Health

August 29 2025

Back-to-school season is here! Don’t forget to prioritize your child’s foot health when shoe shopping. A good pair of shoes isn’t just about style; it’s a key investment in their posture, comfort, and overall well-being. Check out our latest article for a podiatrist’s top picks on picking the perfect pair and ensuring a healthy school year! #BackToSchool #KidsHealth #FootHealth #Podiatry #ShoeSavvy #FFLC

Dr. Drew Chapman, DPM, FACFAS
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS

As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year bubbles up, parents are often focused on notebooks, backpacks, and the perfect first-day outfit. However, as a podiatrist, I want to draw your attention to something equally, if not more, crucial for your child’s well-being and development: their shoes. The footwear your child wears to school every day plays a significant role in their foot health, posture, and even their ability to concentrate in the classroom. Neglecting this aspect can lead to a range of issues, from minor discomfort to long-term musculoskeletal problems.

Children’s feet aren’t just miniature versions of adult feet; they’re still developing and possess unique characteristics that require careful consideration when choosing footwear. Their bones are softer and more cartilaginous, making them susceptible to pressure and deformation. Ligaments and muscles are still strengthening, and their gait patterns are evolving. Therefore, ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can have a far more significant impact on a child’s foot health than on an adult’s.

Top Tips for Choosing Shoes

One of the primary concerns I see in my practice is a lack of proper support. Children are active, whether running in the playground, participating in sports, or simply walking the school hallways. Without adequate arch and heel support, their feet can overpronate, meaning they roll inward excessively upon impact. This can lead to strain on the plantar fascia (the ligament running along the bottom of the foot), Achilles tendon, and even contribute to pain in the ankle, knees, and hips.

A supportive shoe helps to maintain the natural alignment of the foot and ankle, reducing stress on these structures.

Here are some key factors to consider when you’re back-to-school shoe shopping:

Proper Fit: Children’s feet grow rapidly, so it’s essential to measure their feet regularly. A shoe that is too tight can cause blisters, ingrown toenails, and foot deformities. A shoe that is too loose can cause instability, leading to tripping and friction-related blisters. Ensure there is about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, and that the heel fits snugly without slipping.

Support: Look for shoes with a firm heel counter (the part that cups the back of the heel) and good arch support. This helps stabilize the foot and prevent it from rolling inward. The shoe should not be easily twisted or bent in the middle.

Materials: Choose shoes made from breathable materials like leather or mesh. These materials allow air to circulate, helping to keep feet dry and reducing the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Avoid stiff, non-breathable materials that can trap moisture.

Sole: The sole should provide good traction to prevent slips and falls. It should also be flexible enough to allow the foot to bend naturally during walking and running, but not so flimsy that it offers no support.

The problem with Hand-Me-Downs and Inappropriate Footwear

Parents often ask about hand-me-down shoes. While it might seem like a cost-effective option, it’s generally not recommended. Shoes mold to the previous wearer’s foot shape, and using them can force your child’s feet into an unnatural position, potentially leading to discomfort and foot problems.

Furthermore, it’s important to choose footwear that is appropriate for the activities your child will be doing at school.

Everyday Wear: A good pair of sneakers or waling shoes with ample support, a comfortable fit, and durable construction is ideal for general everyday wear.
Sports: If your child participates in specific sports, it’s advisable to invest in sport-specific shoes designed for those activities. Running shoes offer more cushioning for impact, while basketball shoes provide better ankle support.

Footwear to Avoid: For everyday school wear, avoid flimsy ballet flats or unsupportive sandals. These offer minimal protection and can contribute to foot strain and other issues due to their lack of support.

A good pair of back-to-school shoes is an investment in your child’s overall health. Healthy feet are essential for comfortable movement, physical activities, and proper posture. Proper posture can even improve concentration and reduce fatigue. By focusing on fit, support, materials, and intended use, you can help your child start the school year on the right foot. If you have concerns about your child’s foot health, consult a podiatrist.

When to See a Podiatrist

While proper shoes prevent many issues, a podiatrist’s expertise is sometimes necessary. Consider an evaluation if your child has persistent foot or ankle pain, changes in their gait (like toe-walking), flat feet, recurrent ingrown toenails , or unusual growths or skin conditions on their feet. Early intervention can significantly improve a child’s long-term foot health and prevent serious complications.

If your child is experiencing a foot ailment, please contact Dr. Chapman’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an examination.

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has multiple convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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