Watching your child run, jump and explore is one of life’s little joys. Each step they take is full of curiosity and purpose, whether they’re sprinting across the playground, jumping in a puddle or skipping across the sand. However, when corns and calluses enter the mix, these joyful strides can become a source of discomfort.
At Start-Rite Shoes, we’re passionate about more than just finding the perfect fit for your child’s feet. We want to help parents understand how to prevent those pesky foot problems, so little feet can keep on exploring in comfort and tip-top health.
Understanding the 'whats' and 'whys' behind corns and calluses is the first step towards prevention. These small but mighty thorns in the side of foot comfort are areas of thickened, hardened skin. They arise as a defensive response to pressure and friction - the foot's attempt to shield its more tender layers, protecting itself from ill-fitting shoes, rough surfaces or excessive activity.
While they are not severe health threats, corns and calluses can be a source of pain. So, if your child starts complaining about their feet hurting or you notice small patches of hardened skin, it’s worth taking note. You can also help to prevent corns and calluses by keeping an eye out for common causes of this foot condition.
The main offender of corns and calluses! Ill-fitting shoes - be they too tight or too loose - can create a myriad of issues for feet. Tight shoes squeeze and compress foot areas frequently, putting extra pressure on certain areas, while loose shoes can rub against the skin, causing friction. Both scenarios often lead to corns and calluses.
At Start-Rite Shoes, we prioritise the perfect fit. Well-fitting shoes are crucial for preventing foot problems, particularly with footwear like school shoes that are worn for extended periods. Ensuring a snug and comfortable fit that accommodates the natural movements and growth of your child's feet is essential for keeping them free from irritation and discomfort.
Children love running around barefoot. Whether it’s at home, in the garden or on the beach, there’s something magical about feeling the earth under their toes. However, walking around without shoes or socks, especially on hard, rough surfaces like concrete, rocks or wood, can lead to calluses forming as a protective barrier. This direct exposure to hard textures can ask more of their skin than it can handle. The result is calloused layers forming as a natural armour.
The solution isn’t to stop them from enjoying their barefoot adventures entirely (because let’s face it, that’s half the fun). Instead, keep an eye out for how often they do it and make sure they wear adequate protection on rougher surfaces. Encouraging the use of socks, slippers and cushioned footwear can help preserve the softness of those precious little feet and protect them from unforgiving surfaces.
Being active is lots of fun for children—and we love seeing them explore, play and enjoy every little adventure. Whether it's taking a new route to school, heading out on a family walk or going all-in at playtime, these bursts of energy can sometimes lead to extra demands on their little feet. When kids spend more time walking, running or standing than they’re used to, it can result in corns and calluses—a natural response to added pressure.
As parents, it’s not always easy to spot when their feet need a little extra care. So, it’s always worth checking in with your child and looking out for signs of sore feet like hard patches of skin. This could be a sign their feet are feeling the strain, and it may be worth checking if their footwear is providing the support they need for growing feet.
The good news is that our bodies are wonderfully adaptive. Over time, those little feet will get used to their new daily activities, be it getting used to a new school route or learning new dance routines! Providing shoes that offer proper support and giving their feet time to rest are key steps in protecting little feet.
At Start-Rite, we're committed to designing shoes that cater to the needs of growing feet, ensuring the comfort, cushioning and durability necessary for endless exploration and discovery.
Just as you wouldn't wear sandals to a snowball fight, choosing the right footwear for any activity is crucial. Ensuring your child wears the appropriate shoes for their adventures is essential not only to minimise foot pain and discomfort but also to prevent the development of corns and calluses, which can result from ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear.
For example, our range of super soft First Shoes are excellent for wobbly walkers, providing the support they need as they take their initial steps. Our lightweight, washable canvas shoes are designed to keep little feet comfortable and protected during play, while our multi-width school shoes are built to endure the rigors of a school day.
Ensuring your child's feet are comfortable, healthy and well-supported is our top priority. Appropriate footwear is key to this. With the right knowledge and footwear, your child can grow and develop in comfort.
