Cymraeg
Information for Parents and Carers
The foot and ankle are designed to walk on flat ground, slopes and uneven surfaces, and cope with a variety of movements and forces during activities. A child’s foot posture changes over time as they grow, but generally it is best to choose footwear which is:
- Well-fitting
- Protective
- Secure
General Advice for Children’s Footwear
To promote healthy foot growth and reduce the risk of developing foot problems, we would recommend checking the following when purchasing new footwear:
Check length
If unsure of your child’s shoe size, it may be helpful to take your child to a shoe shop to have their feet measured. Typically, for young children with small shoe sizes, allow a ‘pinkies width’ at the end of the toes. For children that are transitioning into adult footwear, increase to an ‘index finger’s width’. This additional length allows the foot to move within the footwear without applying pressure to the ends of the toes.
Check width and depth
Once the footwear is securely fitted on your child’s foot it is important to check the width and depth at the ball of the foot and over the top of the toes. The fit should be ‘snug’ and secure, without excessive tightness.
Secure fastening
For safety and comfort it is important that footwear is fastened securely on the foot, preferably with laces or Velcro straps.
New footwear
When ‘breaking in’ new footwear, build the wear time up gradually by 30-60 minutes at a time. Check the feet for any signs of abnormal pressure (blistering, rubbing or excessive redness) until you are confident they fit well.
Regular checking of size
We would recommend that every 2 – 4 months footwear be checked to see it still fits.
Choosing the correct shoe is one of the most important features to get right when you have foot & Ankle pain – They are like the foundations of a building – everything else you do that follows will rely on the correct shoe being used.
Is there anything I should avoid?
Whilst this only a brief summary, it is best to avoid:
- Very thin soles which could let something sharp poke through
- Slip-ons where there is no secure fastening and the child has to claw their toes to try and keep the shoes on
- High heeled footwear as there is too much pressure on the front of the foot
- Tapering or narrow heels as this is an unstable base of support
Is there any additional footwear advice if my child has a low arch foot type?
Sometimes parents are concerned if their child’s foot has a low arch. Research suggests there is no need for prescription insoles to support a low arch, unless the feet are painful. Whether or not your child has insoles, it is important to have well fitting, protective and secure footwear. If your child has painful feet with a low arch it may be appropriate to ask the GP to refer your child to a Podiatrist for assessment to see if insoles could be helpful.
Is there any additional advice if I wear prescription insoles?
If you are provided with insoles by a Podiatrist or Orthotist it is important that these are taken with you when buying shoes to ensure that they fit correctly in the shoe and leave room for the foot. Check your child walking in the shoes with insoles while in the shoe shop, and make sure the shoe is not slipping up and down at the heel or their foot is not being pushed out of the back of the shoe.
What should I do if my child has a high arched foot type and/or broad foot shape?
If your child has very broad or high arched feet then it may be helpful to find wider and deeper footwear. Whilst we do not recommend specific suppliers, there are some brands who offer wider and deeper footwear (such as ‘Clarks’ or ‘Geox’ footwear), and they may find trainers easier.
What should I do if my child has an unstable ankle?
For children with a greater degree of ankle instability, it would be helpful to focus on styles of footwear which have secure fastenings, a nice broad sole which offers a more stable base, and styles with firmer material around the back of the shoe and over the foot. It is best to avoid footwear with very little structure and poor fastenings. If the child has had a sprained ankle it may sometimes be helpful to consider wearing boot styles which provide extra support higher up around the ankle.
What should I do if I cannot get footwear to fit?
If it is not possible to find footwear that fits appropriately, then you may benefit from being referred to an Orthotist for advice. Orthotists can examine the feet to advise upon appropriate retail footwear styles, or, if it is clear that retail footwear will not be suitable, then they may be able to explore prescription footwear options should there be a clinical/medical need.
Finally…
Poorly fitting footwear is the greatest cause of foot pain, so before seeking medical advice check that your child’s footwear all fits well. If you find a particular pair which is worsening their symptoms discard them and find an alternative. Well-fitting footwear and a healthy active lifestyle should offer your child’s feet the best opportunity to develop.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding footwear – please feel free to contact the Podiatry department for further advice on 01633 615225 or email ABB.RiscaPodiatry@wales.nhs.uk
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