What is an appropriate shoe?
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It’s that time of the year when children go back to school so here are some key things to look for when getting new shoes:
Children’s Footwear (PDF, 393 KB)
What is an appropriate shoe?
Our podiatrists are often asked what makes an appropriate shoe.
Here are the key features to look out for:
- A sturdy heel counter (essentially the hard plastic backing that cups the heels when pushed on does not compress).
- A shoe which has either a strap, laces, buckle or a Velcro fastening on the top of the foot.
- The shoe should only bend where the ball of the foot starts and the big toe bends.
- The shoe should have some adequate cushioning so that the foot is not walking straight onto the ground. This allows protection and shock absorption for the feet.
- The shoe should be wide enough for the toes to move around and not cause excessive pressure on the outsides of the foot.
- Adequate length should be ensured to prevent the toes from experiencing trauma and deformity.
Wearing appropriate footwear can make a big change to your daily life. It can help to reduce foot pain, help prevent foot deformity, help reduce irritation to the feet and provide greater support to your feet.
Download What is an appropriate shoe? (PDF, 286 KB)