MD Podiatrist Discusses What to Look for in Children’s Shoes

Choosing supportive shoes can make a long-term difference in how your child’s foot develops by helping the arch and foot form properly. Dan Michaels, DPM says, “By restricting motion, you are eliminating the deforming forces that affect the forefoot.” He recommends seeing a podiatrist if your child suffers pain or any of the other complications associated with flat feet like “back pain, knee pain, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, juvenile arthritis, and juvenile bunions.”
  
According to Dr. Michaels, choosing well-structured shoes that fit properly is critical so that children with flat feet “don’t over-pronate and [cause] problems with their knees, hips, and back.” Things to look for include a supportive yet flexible sole, laces, or adjustable straps for a snug (but not tight) fit. According to Dr. Michaels, one thing you definitely want in a shoe is good arch support. He says it’s also important to “pay attention to width, especially in the toe box.”