Here’s How to Get the Best Back to School Shoes for Kids

If you notice any visible sign of wear on your child’s shoes, that’s a clear sign they need replacing. Holes are an obvious red flag, but you should also check the shoes’ midsole for creases. Why would creases be a problem? When they appear on the bottom of a shoe, that indicates that the inner padding of the shoe is shrinking. If that’s happening, the school shoes won’t do well with shock absorption. As a result, your children may complain about foot or heel pain. 

Another spot to examine is the outsole of your child’s shoe. It sits directly beneath the toe box. Here, wear and tear shows itself in the form of shallow treads. And that’s a problem because it means the shoe’s grip is wearing out, leaving your children vulnerable to slipping. 

Now, in some cases, worn-out shoes won’t show any visible signs of damage. But they could still be damaged in ways that you can’t detect. As such, Dr. Lisa Brandy has one clear rule for school shoes: if your child says that his or her school shoes are hurting, believe what they’re saying. Then, take them out to pick a new pair, using the following six rules for finding the right school shoes for their feet! 

We know that children like to have a say in what they wear, so we suggest letting them be the boss about the brand or color of their kicks. However, as the adult in the room—and the one who’s following this back-to-school shoe shopping cheat sheet—you have to have the final say in regards to the fit and structure of the shoe.  Here are the rules to make the right selection. 

Every child’s foot functions differently. As a result, a pair of hand-me-down shoes won’t every fit a child’s foot properly, even if the size is technically correct. To ensure comfort and avoid foot concerns, always purchase new school shoes for your child, allowing the kicks to conform to the wearer’s unique foot structure. 

Before you let your youngster try on—and fall in love with—a new pair of shoes, scan the pair for these critical features: A stiff heel, bendable toes, and rigidity in the midfoot (it should offer strong resistance when you try to twist the shoe.) And just to help you avoid in-store arguments, avoid brands such as Vans or Keds. None of their styles will meet these criteria. 

Every brand and style of shoe fits differently, and you child’s feet grow quickly, so they should be measured by a professional every time you’re ready to get new shoes.