Making sure that your child’s athletic shoes are comfortable and fit well is very important.
The bones in children’s feet are not fully developed until the age of 12-13 years old. The pressure from ill-fitting shoes — which increases during activity — can force bones to align incorrectly at the joints.
Recommendations
Various experts offer the following tips to help determine if your child’s shoes fit properly:
- Measure both feet and fit the larger foot.
- Check the fit when the child is standing and both shoes are completely laced-up.
- Press toe area with your thumb. There should be about one-half inch (1.25 centimetres) between the end of the longest toe (not always the big toe) and the tip of the shoe.
- Be certain that the ball of the foot is at the widest part of the shoe.
- The heel should fit snugly, not tight, to prevent slippage.
- Check the top line of the shoe for rubbing against the ankle.
- Use a “Double Fit Check Service” whereby a second knowledgeable salesperson checks the fit of the shoe to ensure correct size and comfort.
- Have your child jump, run and twist in place to make sure the shoes are comfortable.
- You shouldn’t need to “break-in” athletic shoes. If they don’t feel good in the store, select a different style.
The following is a recommended guide for checking the fit of children’s shoes:
| Age | Check fit every… |
|---|---|
| up to 18 months | 1-2 months |
| 18-24 months | 2-3 months |
| 2-3 years | 3-4 months |
| 3 years and up | 4-6 months |