Choosing Sports Shoes for Kids
Choosing the correct type of athletic footwear is essential for everyone, but is especially important for children to help prevent injuries and ensure success in their chosen activity.
Poorly fitting shoes can turn what should be a fun and formative experience, into an uncomfortable or even painful endeavor. Incorrect footwear can cause problems with blistering, toe deformities, and an increased risk of sprains and other injuries.
Some tips for getting the right sports shoes for children include:
●Choose the appropriate store—It’s always best to shop at a store that specializes in athletic footwear to get the best selection of brands and sizes, and to enlist the help of the knowledgeable staff to choose the proper style and ensure correct fitting.
●Shop at the end of the day—Since your feet tend to expand a little through the day, it is better to shop for footwear later in the evening and have both feet properly measured each time you purchase new footwear.
●Toe room and toe box—Check that there is a half inch of space in the front of the shoe to accommodate the longest toe without rubbing, and that the shoe has a wide enough toe box to allow some room for the toes to move laterally.
●Check the fit frequently—Since children’s feet grow so rapidly, be sure to check the fit frequently and purchase new footwear accordingly.
Choosing the correct sports shoes can help avoid injury, but some problems will inevitably occur. If your child has suffered a foot or ankle injury, we highly recommend that you consult our board certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!