Ashleigh at her annual visit to Threads and treads in Verwood
We were posed the question: “My child’s school has changed their uniform policy to encourage an increase in physical activity, and now wants all the children to wear trainers at school. Is this good for their feet?”
To begin with, it is important to note that children’s and adult’s feet are not the same. As children, foot bones are not fully ossified (hardened) and tendons and ligaments are more flexible (Walther et al 2005). A child’s foot continues to develop beyond the time it reaches its final length (girls: 12-13 years, boys:13-15 years) (Mauch et al 2009).
What should I look for in a children’s shoe?
Regardless of which shoe a child wears, the right fit is paramount. Incorrectly fitting shoes are associated with foot pain and disorders e.g. deformity of the small toes (Buldt and Menz 2018). When looking at incorrectly fitting shoes, the issue is that most are too narrow for the wearer. Having children professionally measured for their shoes can negate this issue. However, there is often an issue for children where shoes that are considered fashionable may not be available in wider sizes.
It is generally agreed amongst healthcare professionals that shoes should be protective of the skin, allow normal forefoot function, provide a stable base and keep the foot secure in the shoe (Davies et al 2015).
So, are school shoes or trainers better for my child?
A positive aspect of all children wearing trainers to school is the reduction in wearing of shoes that do not follow the advice. An example of this, is a ballerina pump which has been found to be the most popular style of school shoe for girls (Braithwaite 2015).
In the most basic sense of what a shoe is used for, a ballerina pump does not protect the foot by covering the dorsal aspect. Additionally, ballerina pumps do not support the foot with a fastening. This leads the foot to change shape, often with clawing of the toes to keep the shoe on to the foot.
Studies looking at trainers for children’s sports discuss the need for balancing impact on children’s bones. This is because a certain amount of impact is necessary for children’s bones and muscles to develop. However, where sports are played on particularly hard ground (e.g. concrete, sports halls), shoes should have adequate cushioning to prevent excessive levels of impact that can lead to injury (Walther et al 2008).
In terms of increasing physical activity for children, research has found inappropriate footwear has been found to be a barrier to increasing physical activity (Naylor et al 2006). With consideration, changes that can be made to keep our children active and living healthy lives in the future should be supported.
If you have any questions on anything related to your children’s feet why not book an appointment for an assessment? This can not only deal with any current issues such as verruca and fungal infections and growing pains, it can give you the confidence in knowing what to expect as your children grow. We hope you found this helpful!