New research from across the pond suggests that up to 30 percent of children may be wearing the wrong shoes.
The findings are important when you consider that adolescence is an important time for a child’s feet. This is when the majority of the growing happens, and if abnormal forces are inhibiting your child’s natural gait, it could lead to big problems down the road.
Is Your Child Wearing The Wrong Shoes?
For the study, researchers in Britain surveyed more than 2,000 parents about the footwear habits of their kids. What they found was concerning:
- Nearly 30 percent of children were found to be wearing the wrong size shoe for their foot.
- 55 percent of children suffered blisters, bruises or calluses from their incorrectly sized shoes.
- 56 percent of parents have bought their children shoes without first getting their feet measured.
- 38 percent of parents say they give their children hand-me-downs from older siblings without checking to see if they properly fit.
- Girls were at the greatest risk for wearing improperly-fitting shoes, and 22 percent of parents say they felt pressured to buy their daughters “fashionable” shoes that don’t always properly support the child’s feet.
“It is worrying that so many children are wearing shoes which either don’t fit them properly or are not suitable for everyday wear,” said Dr. Stewart Morrison, a podiatrist from The College of Podiatry and who participated in the study. “Wearing the wrong size or type of shoe in the short term causes blisters, rubbing, bruising and calluses, but in the long term it could affect foot development and result in musculoskeletal issues in the future.”
Morrison continued by saying that improperly-fitting shoes can be very problematic for growing children, and they should have their foot size checked every time they need new shoes.
“Children’s feet are still growing and are more susceptible to damage than adult feet, so it’s really vital to ensure they are wearing shoes which fit them well – in width as well as length – and that are suitable for age, as well as the task they are wearing them form,” said Morrison “Children often won’t say if their shoes are too tight or are hurting, which is why it is important that we raise more attention about children’s foot health and encourage parents to check their children’s feet regularly.”
So make it a point to talk to your children about their foot size and their shoes. You’ve probably been wearing the same size shoe for years now, but your child’s foot may be growing faster than expected. Do this with all their shoes – their every day shoes, their sandals, their athletic shoes and their dress shoes – because wearing a shoe shouldn’t be a painful experience.