It can often be difficult to find the right shoes for your child. Their feet are constantly growing and changing, making it a challenge to ensure that their shoes fit properly. There are three things that you can do to make sure that their shoes fit right. First, when buying shoes, make sure that there is a little bit of wiggle room in the front of the shoes. There should be about a 3/8 inch of space between the end of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. Next, make sure that the shoes are the right width. Check the widest part of the foot. If their foot is bulging out of the shoe in this area, or if their pinky toe is pressed against the side of the shoe, then the shoe is too narrow. Finally, make sure that there is no extra space around the heel by sliding your finger around the heel. If you can fit one or two fingers between the end of the shoe and your child’s heel, then the shoes are too wide. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, please consult with a podiatrist. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.