
Shoes that Fit
Being barefoot is far from the only issue that faces children when it comes to footwear - it’s estimated that over 65% of children in America go to school in shoes too small.
It’s important not to guess with your child’s shoe size; shoes too small can cause foot and posture problems, and is one of the main causes of bunions.
Instead, measure your child’s feet with the appropriate tool - and measure them both. If the feet are different sizes, go with the larger one. Different brands will fit differently, and children won’t always be able to feel if shoes are too tight, so try them on if at all possible. If you’re not sure between sizes, you will almost always want to go with the larger one, since your child’s feet can only get bigger.
Even if you aren’t able to buy multiple pairs of shoes in a year, it’s a good idea to measure you'r child’s feet every couple of months so you’re aware of changes before you even go shopping.
For more information, this foot and ankle clinic has a fantastic guide to finding the right shoes for your child!