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5 Tips for Buying the Perfect School Shoe Published On: 9/5/2017

When choosing a school shoe for your little ones, you want something that’s versatile enough to go from the classroom to the playground while also getting something that will last until they’re ready for a new size.

Here’s what you need to know to get the perfect school shoe for your kids.

1. Start With a Sizing

Simply going up a size or a half-size can seem like an easy way to get a good fit, but children’s feet don’t always grow in a predictable way. Sometimes one foot can grow slightly more than the other, or your kid’s feet may begin to grow wide and require an accommodating shoe.

A professional fitting is your best bet. That way, you’ll not only get the perfect fit, but your shoe fitter can also show you different lace-up techniques to get a custom fit.

2. How to Spot a Good Fit

A professional fitting will make sure you’ve got a good fit, but if you want to see for yourself, check for these points:

• Wiggle Room. Toes should be able to move freely without any friction or poking from any sides.

• Width. The widest part of the foot should match up with the widest part of the shoe.

• Secure Heel. Whether laced or hook-and-loop, the fastener should keep the foot firmly in the back of the shoe.

• Stability. While a flexible sole is good for growing feet, there should never be any twisting--only bending.

3. What to Avoid

Hand-me-downs are a great way to get the most for your money, but save them for clothes and accessories. Old shoes have already molded to the shape of another foot and could cause problems or discomfort on a different foot.

Also, avoid slip-on shoes for everyday use. Although they’re perfectly fine for special events and occasional wear, a school shoe should lace up or use hook-and-loop closures for a secure, stable fit.

4. When to Shop

Choosing what time to shop will affect the fit of your children’s shoe. Feet swell slightly throughout the day so an early fitting might result in shoes that are a bit too tight. We recommend getting fitted for school shoes near the end of the day when feet are at their biggest.

5. Signs It’s Time for A New Shoe

In most cases, a quality shoe will last an entire school year. Most little feet grow about a half size every six months, but growth spurts and changing feet can mean it’s time to get a new fitting to see if a larger size is necessary.

If your children complain of pains in the feet, heels, knees, or legs that are otherwise unexplained, check their shoes. Uneven wear might also mean that shoes aren’t fitting well anymore, and unusual tripping and falling could be the result of uncomfortable feet.

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