As summer winds down and the school year approaches, preparing your kids for their return to the classroom should also involve getting your children’s feet ready for the upcoming year’s activities! Podiatry Center of New Jersey understands that proper foot care ensures your child’s comfort, performance, and overall well-being, and has compiled the below tips and tricks to starting the school year off right.

1. Start with a Proper Footwear Fit

  • Children’s feet grow quickly, so measure their feet at least every few months to ensure the right size.
  • Shoes should have about a thumb’s width of space between the toes and the end of the shoe.
  • Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning to protect growing feet during various activities.

2. Invest in Activity-Specific Shoes

  • For exercise and physical education classes, look for shoes with good shock absorption and support.
  • Soccer cleats, basketball shoes, or tennis shoes each offer unique benefits like traction and stability for their respective sports.

3. Prioritize Foot Hygiene

  • Teach your child to wash their feet daily with soap and water, ensuring they dry them thoroughly.
  • Encourage your child to change their socks daily and choose moisture-wicking fabrics to keep feet dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections.

4. Check For Foot Issues

  • Look for signs of foot problems like persistent pain, blisters, or calluses. These can indicate issues such as improper shoe fit or alignment problems.
  • If your child complains of ongoing discomfort, make sure you visit a podiatrist!

5. Educate on Proper Footwear Use

  • Explain that indoor shoes should be worn only indoors and sports shoes should be used for their intended activities.
  • To prevent infections and ensure proper fit, discourage sharing footwear.

6. Regularly Assess and Replace Worn-Out Shoes

  • Regularly check the soles and insides of shoes for signs of wear and tear.
  • Replace shoes that are worn out or no longer provide adequate support.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth transition back to school and a year filled with activity and success. For more advice on back-to-school foot care, the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey is always here! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.