School
The last thing your child needs to worry about is uncomfortable shoes, because they'll be wearing them day in, day out, for up to eight hours a day.
- Caring for their feet
- New parents
- Pre-crawling
- Crawling
- First steps
- Running & jumping
- Pre-school
- School
Running around in the playground
Before you know it, it's time for school. The last thing your child needs to worry about is uncomfortable school shoes, because they'll be wearing them day in, day out, for up to eight hours a day. It's important to get feet measured and buy school shoes that have been properly fitted, because their bones are not fully developed until they reach their late teens.
The older children get, the more style-conscious they become but these days you don't have to sacrifice fashion for fit. Start-rite school shoes look good and comply with school uniform regulations, as well as offering all these important features:
- Stylish designs in high quality leathers ensuring great looks and durability
- Whole and half sizes in up to six width fittings from C to H, to ensure best fit
- Riptape fastenings to make putting shoes on quick and convenient for kids who are in a hurry to get going
- Soft and supple leather uppers to avoid rubbing, and dyed-through leather so that scuffs and scrapes will be easier to conceal with a good polish
- Breathable linings for maximum comfort, allowing perspiration to escape through the surface of the shoe
- Lightweight, flexible and non-slip soles in different styles, although in older children, heels should not be too high
Once your child is of school age, you should check the fit of their school shoes every 3 or 4 months.
Your child's development
School brings new activities: walking to school, running around the playground, playing team sports and organised activities which often combine a number of movements and skills.
You could try these activities to help your child develop:
- Encourage your child to join in a team sport like football, netball or basketball
- Teach your child to skate on rollerblades or a skateboard
- Go out for country walks or bike rides as a family, with the enticement of a picnic
- A mini-trampoline is a fun way to get a good workout
Common children's foot health issues
Here are a few foot health conditions that are common amongst children. Most go away naturally as they get older, but if you are concerned, by all means visit your doctor.
- Toe walking
Some toddlers find walking on tiptoes feels better than the normal stride.If their walking doesn't flatten out in the second year, you may want to visit a doctor. - Pigeon toes
Most children's feet roll inwards at some stage (also known as pronation), but nearly all will correct themselves as their muscles grow stronger. Well-fitted shoes help. Start-rite offer selected styles with additional strengthening around the heel and on the inside as far as the arch, to help support the foot. - Toeing-out
Some toddlers do this to improve balance. It normally corrects itself gradually between 2 - 3 years of age. - Bow-legged and knock-kneed
It's normal for toddlers to be bow-legged until two years of age, then knock-kneed after. Between 7 and 10 years old, this straightens out. If only one leg is affected, or one is more pronounced, or the condition is extreme, discuss it with a doctor. - Sweaty feet
Children's feet have as many sweat glands as adults. Only choose school shoes made of breathable materials and limit the wearing of trainers. Rotate shoes regularly, change socks each day and wash feet thoroughly. Encourage your child to walk barefoot indoors as much as possible.
Find out your child's shoe size
Visit our fitting guide for helpful videos and advice on how to measure your child's feet and fit their shoes.
