MD Podiatrist Offers Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Tips

Shoes should fit. Your child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months, so account for growth when shopping. This doesn’t mean you should buy shoes that are too big — oversized shoes can cause the foot to slide forward, putting excessive pressure on the toes. “A good fit is about a finger’s width from the end of the shoe to the tip of the big toe,” says Daniel Michaels, DPM.
 
 
Dr. Michaels warns that tight shoes can cause blisters, corns and calluses on your child’s toes, blisters on the back of their heels, or worse, ingrown nails, which can become infected. Signs of infection from ingrown nails include pain, redness, or fluid draining from the area. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon, who can perform a simple, safe in-office procedure to remove the nail.