With back-to-school shopping in full swing, we at Podiatry Center of New Jersey want to remind parents to choose the right shoes for their children. The wrong footwear can cause blisters, pain, and possibly ruin their first week back. So, let’s rank the most common types of shoes and talk about why some deserve an A+ and others, well, a detention slip.
The Honor Roll: Best Shoe Choices for Foot Health
Sneakers: This is the gold standard for daily school wear, especially for kids who are constantly running, jumping, and playing. Quality athletic shoes offer excellent cushioning and shock absorption, which protects their developing bones and joints from impact. They also provide crucial ankle stability, so strains and sprains are easily preventable. For active kids, a good pair of sneakers should be on top of the shoe-shopping checklist.
The C’s: Okay Footwear for School Shopping
Classic Canvas Sneakers: These are a schoolyard staple for a reason. However, a traditional canvas sneaker offers far less support and shock absorption than a dedicated athletic shoe. They are fine for light use in the classroom, but they are not an ideal choice for recess, P.E. class, or long periods of walking. Think Vans and Converse, here.
Ballet Flats and Dress Shoes: Most ballet flats and many dress shoes are notoriously flat and unsupportive. They offer very little cushioning for the heel and no arch support, so reserve them for special occasions, not for the entire school day.
Supportive Sandals: Okay… a sturdy, supportive sandal isn’t the worst choice for warmer days. But we’re not talking about flimsy flip-flops here. The best sandals for kids have a contoured footbed with arch support, a cushioned sole, and secure straps that hold the foot firmly in place. This combination provides breathability without sacrificing all stability. Think Crocs, gladiator sandals, or anything with extra straps and support.
The Detention List: Worst Shoes for Back to School
Flimsy Flip-Flops: These are the worst offenders for daily wear. Their thin, flat soles offer zero arch support, cushioning, or stability. They force your child’s toes to clench to keep them on, which can cause toe deformities over time. And worst yet, they provide no protection from sharp objects, stubbed toes, or tripping. Leave these behind at the pool deck.
Heels and Wedges: For older kids and teens, heels or even high wedges should be completely avoided for school. They can even change your child’s natural gait, shift all the body weight onto their forefoot, and sacrifice their ankle stability.
Not to mention, consistently wearing them can lead to blisters, bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia, and a higher risk of sprains.
If you have more questions about foot care or want to address specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.
