Foot Specialist Offers Suggestions for Shoes to Purchase for Students During Back-to-School Shopping Spree
Dr. Robert Buckenberger, a board-certified foot surgeon with 30 years of experience, offers valuable advice for parents when it comes to selecting shoes for their children. He emphasizes the importance of choosing shoes that promote foot health and stability, particularly for kids and teenagers.
According to Dr. Buckenberger, the key features for children's everyday shoes include stability, proper fit, structured support in sandals, and the necessity of trying the shoes on before buying.
Stability and Proper Fit
For a healthy and supportive shoe, Dr. Buckenberger advises against buying shoes that are overly flexible or more than half to one size larger for kids to grow into. Such oversized shoes can lose their function and cause pain. Instead, he recommends shoes that are stable and fit the child well.
Structured Support in Sandals
If choosing sandals, Dr. Buckenberger suggests opting for those with structure and more support rather than flimsy ones. He believes that wearing some sandals is equivalent to going barefoot, which can lead to foot issues.
Trying Shoes On
Dr. Buckenberger also emphasizes the importance of trying shoes on before buying them for kids. He recommends allowing the children to walk in the shoes to ensure comfort and fit.
Secondhand Shoes
When buying secondhand shoes, Dr. Buckenberger advises sanitizing them and checking them to ensure they are not worn out. This is crucial to maintain the shoes' function and prevent any potential discomfort for the child.
Preventing Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common issue that Dr. Buckenberger sees in patients, particularly in kids between the ages of 11 and 14. Good, supportive shoes can help prevent heel pain, according to Dr. Buckenberger. In addition, he suggests stretching and icing when symptoms of heel pain are present.
In summary, when shopping for children's shoes, prioritize stability, proper fit, structured support, and the importance of trying the shoes on before buying. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your child's foot health and prevent potential foot pain.
When shopping for your child, prioritize stability and proper fit in shoes, as oversized or overly flexible shoes can lead to discomfort and pain.
For sandals, opt for ones with structure and more support to prevent foot issues and ensure foot health, as wearing flimsy sandals can be equivalent to going barefoot.
