MANY parents and guardians come to me for advice regarding the shoes their children wear and their foot development. In today’s article I have listed some of the more common questions posed.

1. At what age should I allow my child to wear shoes?Once a child starts walking they should be barefoot or wear the most flexible shoe possible so that their muscles can develop properly. The bones in a baby’s foot are soft and don’t fully develop until they are around five years old. At this stage the bones are still soft and vulnerable to trauma. Constricting soft bones within rigid shoes can prevent normal development.As long as the child is walking on a safe surface, barefoot walking is best. Babies use their toes to grip as they learn to walk and balance and shoes can restrict this. If a cold floor is a concern, then socks with rubber grips on the sole can help.When purchasing the first pair of shoes, ensure that they are flexible enough to bend in half and twist. Rubber soles are best and less slippery. The upper area should be made of a very soft material so that the foot bends easily and the material doesn’t cut into the skin. 

2. How often do I need to change my child’s shoes?This depends on the child’s age and growth spurts. On average, children’s feet grow at least two sizes per year in the first 4 years, and then one size per year after that until fully grown. It is advised that you check your child’s shoe size every eight weeks. 

3. How can I check that my child’s shoes fit properly?Ideally you should purchase children’s shoes from an establishment that measures your child’s feet correctly. There should be at least 1-1 1/2 centimetres extra space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. All shoes purchased for your child should have good support, be wide fitting at the toes with a lace, strap or buckle at the ankle to hold it in place. 

4. Should my child wear the same shoes every day?Not everyone is able to afford several pairs of shoes. Ideally, two pairs should be worn alternately to allow them to dry out. Children’s feet can be particularly sweaty and the excessive damp can lead to fungal infections, fissuring and plantar warts. 

5. What about socks?Socks should preferably be cotton or at least a high percentage of cotton. Avoid nylon socks as they will make the foot sweat and they do not absorb moisture. 

6. What are the warning signs I should look for when checking my child’s feet?There are many problems that can arise on a child’s foot or legs, here are a few examples:Check the nails and skin surrounding them for inflammation and colour changes. If you discover any abnormalities or have any concerns, consult with your podiatrist. Be sure that there is no rash or redness on the general skin, especially in the arch. This may indicate a fungal infection or irritation from shoes or hosiery. Raised painful or non-painful hard mass may be a plantar wart. These are very common in children and are a viral infection.Blistering and redness may also indicate poorly fitting shoes. A child’s toes should generally be straight. Sometimes the fourth and fifth toes curl inwards. If any of the toes appear excessively turned inwards or outwards or the arch looks very flat, consult with your podiatrist.It is important to remember that young children cannot always communicate their pain or discomfort so it is vital that you check their feet. 

Angela Davis BSc (Hons) DPodM MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay (293- 7119), Mandeville (962-2100), Ocho Rios (974-6339), Kingston (978-8392), and Savanna-la-Mar (955-3154). She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom.