10 Fool Proof Back-to-School Shoe Buying Tips

10 Fool Proof Back-to-School Shoe Buying Tips
The number 1 reason for most of the foot problems in the US:
selecting the wrong foot wear for our feet.

75% of adults have a foot problem and we pass our lack of knowledge on to our children. Thus, if we’re not careful, we can be the primary reason why our beloved Sasha and Simon have bad feet. I ran around in flip flops for years as a child, playing, jumping and hoping on the playground, sidewalks and everywhere. All the while, my favorite shoes were ruining my feet. At that time, my parents didn’t know my favorite shoes were harming my feet. Imagine my surprise when the podiatrist told me my foot pain was due to lack of arch support, probably due to my years in flip flop. Ugh. I had a couple pairs in my closet at the time. Two custom orthotics later, the pain was gone.

My pain is your gain

My foot pain is your gain. My painful experience can help you get the perfect shoes for your baby girl or boy. We’ve put together 10 Fool Proof Back-to-School Shoe Buying Tips that you can use before and while you shop.
Now before you take off for your favorite shoe store, keep in mind that our feet swell during the day. The ideal time to try on shoes is in the late afternoon and the evening. Taking children shopping is difficult enough as it is, so waiting for the late afternoon, or the evening to shop with them could be a real disaster. Compounding the shopping experience is the overwhelming urge to purchase what looks good verses what fits best. Adults face this each time we shop. It’s much more difficult to squash this in tired or unruly children who have their heart set on a specific shoe. Use your best judgement before you set out. Using the tips below will help ensure your kids get off on the right healthy foot, this school year.

1) Shoe shopping should not be rushed. Plan to spend at least one to two hours shoe shopping so the children can try on various styles and sizes.
2) Purchase the right type of shoe for your child’s needs. Invest in shoes that provide good arch support for your children to play in. Tennis shoes will not meet the needs of a track star. Flat shoes and stilettos have both contributed to an increase in foot problems in women, young and old. Dress shoes won’t hold up very well on the playground.
3) Unless your child’s foot was measured last week, ask the shoe salesperson to measure your child’s foot with the Brannock Device, the silvery metal thingy.
4) Ensure the clerk uses the correct Brannock Device for your child’s feet. It’s available for Men, Women and the Junior model for children. If your 9th grader is wearing a man’s size, 9, he’ll need to be measured on the Men’s Brannock Device. Also keep in mind, measuring girls with the Men’s device will not give you an accurate measurement.
5) If you can’t find someone to measure your child’s feet, find the Brannock Device and measure them yourself. The link below will help you. https://brannock.com/pages/instructions-fitting-tips
6) Remember, shoes can run large, small or just right. Be prepared to have your child try on shoes in a half size smaller or larger.
7) Measure both feet. It is not unusual for people to have one foot that is larger than the other. If your child has one foot that’s larger than the other, purchase shoes to fit the larger foot. If the shoe on the smaller foot slips, try using an insert or heel pads.
8) Have the child try on both the left and right shoe. Feel the toe of the shoe to ensure the child’s toe has room and is not too close to the end of the shoe. Make certain the shoe is wide enough and does not cramp the widest part of the feet. Stand behind the child and watch them walk. If the shoes flop off the heels, pinches their feet or hurts anywhere, put them back in the box and select a different size or a different pair.
9) Have your child try on shoes with the same type of socks they plan to wear the shoes with. If girls try on dress shoes wearing thick play socks, the shoes won’t fit well when the girls wear the shoes with tights. If you forget to bring your socks or tights with you, investing in a new pair will ensure your shoes fit properly.
10) If you order shoes online, make certain you follow the measuring instructions the company provides. If the company doesn’t provide measuring instructions, use one of the links here for easy to follow video instructions. Also, read their return policy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeHoatJ8-os

Have fun!

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