Posted on: Saturday, September 17, 2005
Be kind to kids' feet by buying proper shoes
Gannett News Service
Here's what to look for in children's shoes, according to www.FootCareMD.com:
Upper parts made of breathable materials, such as leather, canvas or mesh.
Insoles made of absorbent materials.
Flexible outer soles that aren't too thick.
To test a shoe's flexibility and fit, put the shoe between your hands, so that the heel is in one hand and the toe is in another. Squeeze your hands together. The shoe should bend at the toes, not the arch.
Repercussions from wearing the wrong shoes:
Hammer toe: The lesser toe contracts upward, one of the joints contracts upward while the other is straight.
Claw toe: Both joints bend downward.
Mallet toe: The very end of the toe is contracted downward, usually not seen in a child.
Ingrown toenail: A common problem with children, caused by wearing shoes that are too tight.
Friction blisters: Caused by shoes that don't fit or shoes that have a seam that irritates the foot.
Learn more: www.footcaremd.com. FootCareMD offers a good guide to buying the right shoe.
