Children’s Foot Development and Their Shoe Sizes

A child’s feet are constantly growing and developing, and that means, despite parents’ best efforts, many of them are running around with the wrong-sized sneakers. Since this is a potential problem for their foot structure and growth, we at My Chicago Foot Expert are here to shed light on children’s shoe sizes and equip parents with advice on how to find the perfect fit for their kids.

How Often to Change Your Child’s Shoes

Children’s feet grow incredibly fast, especially in their early years. During infancy and toddlerhood (ages 1-3), feet can grow by as much as a half-size every 2-4 months.

From ages 3 to 6, this typically slows to a half-size every 4-6 months, and from 6 to 10, it’s often every 6-12 months. This rapid rate means shoes need frequent checking, not just annually. Parents should routinely check their child’s shoe fit every couple of months for younger kids and every six months for older children.

How to Shop for Your Child’s Foot Size

To ensure your child wears the right size, parents should prioritize measuring their child’s feet regularly (ideally before each new shoe purchase). Always take your child with you to the shoe store to ensure proper fitting.

Did you know that one foot is larger than the other? Have both your child’s feet measured, and always buy for the larger foot. It’s also best to shop in the afternoon or evening, as feet can swell slightly during the day.

An important note: avoid buying shoes that are significantly too large, as this can cause tripping or relying on hand-me-downs, which may be worn in ways that don’t suit your child’s unique foot.

Is Your Child Wearing the Wrong Shoes?

Even with regular checks, it’s vital to know the signs of ill-fitting shoes. Look for physical indicators like red marks, blisters, or calluses on your child’s feet, especially around the toes, heels, or sides. Notice if their toes are curled or bunched up inside the shoe.

Your child might complain of foot pain, limp, appear clumsy, and hesitate to run or participate in usual activities. Even scuffed-up shoe fronts can indicate a lack of proper toe room.

Impact of Ill-Fitting Footwear on Developing Feet

Poorly fitting shoes can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s developing foot, which is still largely made of soft cartilage and is more pliable than an adult’s. Shoes that are too small or narrow can actually mold a child’s pliable foot into deformities and lead to hammertoes or bunions that might otherwise never develop.

Tight shoes can also cause painful ingrown toenails or frequent blisters, which, beyond being uncomfortable, can make a child reluctant to participate in physical activity.

Ill-fitting shoes can also lead to altered gait patterns as the child attempts to compensate for discomfort or misalignment. These unnatural walking habits can place undue stress on developing knees, hips, and even the spine and lead to long-term orthopedic issues that are much harder to correct later in life.

For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.