The importance of properly fitted shoes

Buying new shoes is part of the “Back to School” tradition and there’s good reason to ensure your children’s footwear is a good fit.

Children’s feet are not fully formed until they’re in their late teens. Until then they need properly fitted shoes that give their feet room to grow healthily and happily.
Shoes that don’t fit properly can prevent natural growth, cause discomfort and lead to health problems. They can even adversely affect your child’s walking development.
Because your child’s feet are as unique as their personality, it’s important to have the shape and size of their feet assessed by a trained shoe fitter. They’ll be able to advise you on the best possible fit for your child.
Trained shoe fitters have experience in the development of children’s feet and fitting.
The trained shoe fitter will use a specially designed measuring gauge to check the length, width and depth of your child’s feet – these are all vital in making sure that their shoes fit well. But measurement is only a guide – the most important part is checking the shoes when they’re on the foot.
Once the shoe is on your child’s foot, there are six main points to look out for.
1. It’s the right length, and there’s the correct amount of growing room
2. It’s the best width, with no pressure on the sides of the foot
3. It’s the correct depth for the right fit and comfort
4. That the top of the shoe wraps neatly around the ankle bone and will not rub
5. That the shoe grips the child’s heel shape well
6. That when walking the child moves easily and naturally in the shoes