Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Part 3

Fall is here and the kids are heading back to school. And of course, everyone wants new shoes. While the latest styles may be what your kids are screaming for, you may want to remember some important tips before letting fashion take a front seat to practicality and safety.
Kids come in all shapes and sizes and so too do their shoes. Shop at stores with experienced sales people that feature a wide selection of footwear styles, sizes, and widths. Do not assume a given size will fit the same for different brands of shoes. Avoid man-made materials (like rubber and plastic) because they limit breathability. Hand-me-down clothes are great- but not shoes. Once you've purchased those new shoes, remember to check them every several months, since kids' feet grow rapidly.
While flip flops are all the rage for the beach and the pool, they can create problems in crowded school hallways and getting on and off the school bus. While it may not be easy to coax your kids out of flip flops for school, its safer for them to wear a shoe with more support. Your podiatrist can recommend some great options for teenagers that may fit the bill in the fashion area while still providing support and comfort throughout the day.
If your children will be participating in sports this fall, send them onto the field or the court with properly fitted shoes that are designed for that specific sport. Basketball shoes, for example, are designed for quick stops and starts, and ankle support, while a football cleat needs to serve an entirely different purpose. Let the shoe fit the sport and try to get help when choosing shoes for each sport.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

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