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10 Points of Children's Shoe Fit

1. Always measure both feet. Most children have one foot larger than the other.
2. Children's shoes should feel comfortable immediately. Don't let your child wear hand-me-downs or expect him or her to break in the shoe.
3. Most children don't fully develop an arch until preadolescence and a shoe is not needed to help the arch develop.
4. Children should wear shoes shaped like their foot and that allow plenty of room to wiggle all their toes.
5. Allow a thumb's width from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe.
6. The heel of the shoe should fit well and not slide.
7. The sole of the shoe should protect the foot from injury and provide cushioning.
8. The shoe should be made out of material that gives and breathes, such as leather.
9. The shoe should provide enough room for the child's foot to grow.
10. A proper-fitting shoe should not cause calluses, sores or other deformities.

Special Considerations

Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They only need soft booties or socks to keep feet warm. Toddlers do not need shoes in a protected environment. When they do wear shoes, make sure they don't have heavy or sticky soles that can cause falls. Children should be measured at every store visit for shoe size, as their feet can grow very rapidly. Follow the 10 points of shoe fit to avoid painful foot problems like blisters, calluses or foot deformities.

Courtesy of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Foot Menders will not answer medical questions via email. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.