Tips for Buying Back-to-School Shoes

It’s that time of year, when parents are rushing out to do back to school shopping with their kids for school supplies, clothes and shoes.

But there are a number of things you should be considering before you go shoe shopping with your children.

"Before you go out shoe shopping think for a moment about what types of shoes your child will be needing for the school year and how active he or she is," said Jim Sajdak, certified pedorthist and president of . "Will your child be required to wear a dress shoe with a school uniform? Or, will he need special gym shoes that stay at school? Is he going to be participating in any extra-curricular activities? And, how rough is your child on shoes? These are all important things to consider."

Sajdak said while it may be tempting in this economy to save a few dollars by accepting hand-me-down shoes from a family member or friend, you really should shy away from this practice.

"Used shoes are already worn to the shape of another child’s foot, and as a result they probably won’t support or fit your child’s foot properly," he said.

In order to make sure that your child will be able to run, play and get through their school days in comfort, Sajdak suggests parents should always have both of their youngster’s feet measured by a trained fit specialist every time they go shoe shopping.

"Children’s feet are constantly growing and it’s not uncommon for them to change a size every three to four months, so having your child’s foot measured each time they get new shoes is critical for a proper fit," he said. "This is also why we don’t recommend purchasing your children’s shoes online no matter how convenient it may be."

Sajdak also recommends that parents purchase shoes with laces or Velcro to help ensure a proper fit where the child’s heel is snug enough so it isn’t slipping but yet not tight enough that will cause a blister. The shoe should also fit the contour of the foot with no obvious gaps on the sides particularly around the ankles, and your child’s toes should be approximately an inch away from the front edge of the shoe.

"I also like to recommend that parents purchase shoes with a slightly elevated heel to accommodate the natural shape of the foot," Sajdak said. "Plus, the sole of the shoe should bendable at the ball of your child’s foot yet sturdy enough to protect the entire foot. And, living in Wisconsin, there be some sort of traction on the sole of the shoe so your child won’t fall on slippery surfaces as it becomes colder outside."

For more back-to-school health tips, . And for a complete back-to-school guide, .