Footwear Advice for Children
Why Correct Footwear Matters
The right shoes support healthy foot development, improve balance, and reduce the risk of pain, blisters, tripping or early foot fatigue. As children grow, their bones, muscles and coordination are still developing — so well-fitting and supportive footwear plays an important role in comfort and injury prevention.
What to Look For
- Toe room: Around 5–10mm space in front of the longest toe to allow growth and natural toe movement.
- Wide and high toe box: To prevent pressure on growing toes and reduce risk of ingrown nails.
- Secure upper: Laces or Velcro straps for proper heel hold — avoid loose slip-ons.
- Firm heel counter: The back of the shoe should gently support the heel and reduce excessive rolling inwards.
- Flexible forefoot: The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle.
- Cushioned sole: Soft but supportive to absorb shock during running and play.
- Breathable materials: Leather or quality mesh to reduce sweating and discomfort.
Common Footwear Mistakes
- Shoes with narrow or shallow toe boxes
- Slip-on shoes that lack heel stability
- Worn-out or hand-me-down shoes (altered shape)
- Runners with overly stiff soles
- Sandals or thongs for everyday long-term use
School & Sports Shoes
- Choose a deep, rounded toe box for school shoes
- Sports shoes should be flexible, cushioned and supportive
- Replace shoes when worn unevenly or when toes reach the end
- Avoid boots that narrow the front of the foot
When to See a Podiatrist
Book a footwear assessment if your child:
- Complains of foot or leg pain
- Trips or fatigues easily
- Shows toe walking, flat feet or uneven shoe wear
- Struggles to find comfortable shoes
- Has recurrent ingrown toenails or blisters
Quick Tips For Parents
- Measure both feet — buy for the larger one
- Check shoe fit every 3–6 months
- Encourage barefoot play indoors on safe surfaces
- Use quality socks that breathe and wick moisture
- Visit a podiatrist-recommended shoe store for fitting