Step Up for Success: Why Properly Fitted School Shoes Are a Must This Back-to-School Season!
Step Up for Success: Why Properly Fitted School Shoes Are a Must This Back-to-School Season!
As the back-to-school season fast approaches, us parents are busy ticking off items on our checklist—backpacks, uniforms, stationery, and, of course, school shoes. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is ensuring that your child’s school shoes are properly fitted. While it might be tempting to opt for convenience or choose a larger size to allow room for growth, the importance of well-fitted school shoes cannot be overstated. At My First Steps we know properly fitted school shoes are not just a fashion statement; they play a critical role in your child’s overall well-being, physical development, and even academic performance.
The True Foundation of Healthy Development
Your child’s feet are still growing and developing, and this process continues into their late teens. Ill-fitting shoes can interfere with the natural growth of the feet, leading to a variety of problems. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, corns, and calluses, while shoes that are too loose can lead to instability, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Over time, poorly fitted shoes can also lead to more serious issues such as foot deformities, postural problems, and chronic pain.
Properly fitted shoes provide the necessary support to the arches, heels, and ankles, helping to distribute the body’s weight evenly and reduce the risk of injury, and we all want to avoid those twisted ankles this back to school season. They also promote healthy bone and muscle development, ensuring that your child’s feet grow correctly and comfortably. By investing in a good pair of school shoes that fit well, you are laying the foundation for your child’s long-term foot health.
Enhance Their Comfort AND Confidence
Comfort is key to our children's overall happiness and confidence at school, especially as they will wear them approximately 60% of their waking hours during a school day!!
Uncomfortable shoes can be a constant distraction, making it difficult for our children to concentrate or participate. Shoes that pinch, rub, or cause discomfort can lead to a reluctance to walk or run, affecting their ability to engage in playground activities or sports.
On the other hand, a well-fitted pair of shoes can significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem. A comfortable child is a happy and confident child, ready to take on the challenges of the school day.
So, whether they are walking between classes, standing in line, or participating in sports a well fitted shoe will know doubt help ease the day.
No one wants an irritable child, which can affect their concentration and mood. By ensuring that they are comfortable, we are helping them to maintain their focus, stay energised, and perform to the best of their abilities in the classroom.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Did you know, the consequences of wearing ill-fitting shoes can extend beyond immediate discomfort and injuries. Over time, poorly fitted shoes can contribute to a range of long-term health issues, including chronic foot pain, joint problems, and even back pain. When a child’s shoes do not fit properly, it can alter their gait and posture, leading to uneven wear and tear on their muscles and joints.
This can result in compensatory movements that place undue stress on certain parts of the body, potentially leading to pain and discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. These issues can persist into adulthood, affecting a person’s overall quality of life. By choosing properly fitted school shoes for your child, you are taking a proactive step in preventing these long-term health problems and promoting their overall well-being.
At My First Steps this is our speciality, so by choosing a fitted service this back to school season 'their feet will thank you'.
My First Steps Top Tips for Ensuring a Great Fit
During a fitting with one of our experts we will ensure a proper fit when shopping for school shoes including:
-
Measuring Both Feet: Children’s feet can vary in size, so it’s important to measure both feet and choose a size that accommodates the larger foot.
-
Allow for Growth: While it’s important to avoid shoes that are too large, there should be a small amount of room (about a thumb’s width) at the front of the shoe to allow for natural growth and movement.
-
Check the Width: Ensure that the shoes are wide enough to accommodate your child’s foot without squeezing. The shoe should also provide adequate support around the heel and arch.
-
Test for Comfort: Have your child try on the shoes and walk around in them to test for comfort. Ensure that there are no areas of rubbing or pinching, and that the shoes feel secure on the feet.
-
Consider the Socks: Make sure your child is wearing the type of socks they will wear to school when trying on shoes, as the thickness of the socks can affect the fit.
-
Assess the Flexibility: Check that the shoes are flexible enough to bend at the ball of the foot, but also sturdy enough to provide support.
Investing in properly fitted school shoes is not just about immediate comfort and performance; it’s an investment in your child’s long-term health and development and will ensure a great start to their school year!
Trust us at My First Steps Ennis, Galway or Online this Back To School Season, Their Feet Will Thank You!
Walks In and Appointments Welcome
Book An Appointment Here https://www.picktime.com/myfirststeps