Please welcome guest blogger Dr. Lance Silverman of Silverman Foot and Ankle. Dr. Silverman offers great tips on buying back to school shoes this fall.
From Dr. Lance Silverman…
It feels like summer just started, but if you’ve been to an outlet mall or your local pharmacy lately, chances are you’ve already noticed the big “Back to School” signs.
Buying pencils and folders may be at the top of your list, but many parents also like to send their children back to school in a new pair of shoes. Picking out a fresh pair of kicks can be fun, but there are some things to consider when shopping for new school shoes. Below are five tips to keep in mind when you’re out shopping.
Stylish Equals Excessive Stress
Your child may be begging for the new pair of Steve Madden’s, but it’s important to remember that stylish shoes often excessively stress the foot. Make sure that the shoe is something you would feel comfortable wearing and walking around for the entire day. Kids are much more active than adults and their footwear should reflect it. The shoe should fit the foot not the other way around.
Give the Shoes a Test Run
Even if you know your child’s shoe size and the style of shoe they want, bring them along so they can test out the shoes before you buy them. A child’s foot is constantly growing, so it’s imperative to find a shoe that fits right on all sides. Have your child wear the shoe around the store for a bit so they can get a better idea of how the shoe fits. It’s also a good idea to let your child break in their shoes before class starts, especially if they walk to school.
Get a Second Pair for Gym Class
This might seem like a no brainer to parents with daughters, but if your son wears tennis shoes to school you might assume they can just wear the same pair for gym class. Sometimes this is the case, but it’s generally a good idea to buy another pair of shoes that provides your child with ample ankle support. Over 30,000 people sprain their ankle each day, and your child could be at an increased risk if their shoes aren’t designed for quick movements.
Don’t Go Cheap
I’m not saying you need to pony up the big bucks for a pair of shoes your child will outgrow in six months, but be mindful of buying the cheapest option. Generally speaking, the cheaper the shoe, the lower the quality. Buying a cheap shoe can actually cost more in the long run if they wear down after a few months or if your child develops a foot condition like an ingrown toenail or bunions. Spend a little more to ensure the shoe is durable and supportive.
Shop Early
If you want to make sure your child gets the right size shoe, you’ll want to head to the store sooner rather than later. Hundreds of parents will be shopping for back to school shoes, and a lot of the most common sizes will be picked over in no time. You shouldn’t purchase shoes that are too big or too small because the size you needed was out of stock.
Dr. Lance Silverman is an orthopedic specialist and founder of Silverman Ankle & Foot. Dr. Silverman is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1996 and is a board-certified member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
