The non-stop nature of active children results in an unforgiving demand on their feet. Kids in a constant state of motion need shoes to support growing feet and protect them from the impact of harder surfaces. Aside from sprains and strains children can encounter pain related to their growth plates. Growth plates in a child’s body are much weaker than the surrounding bone and require more protection. Read on for tips to finding the best fit and choosing a shoe that will encourage having the healthiest feet possible.
Focus on Fit
Finding the proper shoe fit is incredibly important for comfort, performance and preventing injuries. It may be tempting to go for a shoe your child can grow into but keep in mind your child is likely to wear them out before they outgrow them. A good fit leaves a thumbnail’s space between the big toe and shoe. The heel should be snug and secure. Bring along the socks your child will be playing in to further ensure they’re the right fit. It’s also a good idea to visit the shoe store towards the end of the day when feet are naturally slightly swollen. Podiatrist Cameron Palmer of Auckland Sports Podiatry advises on the importance of fit.
“A perfectly fitted shoe is even more important for a child than an adult. This is due to the foot being under a near constant state of growth and change. If a shoe does not fit well, it can place stress on the growth plates and bones, leading to possible foot issues.”
Avoid Injury and Pain
As the sports season starts it is not uncommon for active children to develop pain in their heels from sports activity. Girls aged 8 to 10 and boys 10 to 12 years old are particularly prone to this pain especially in sports such as football, rugby, and netball. A lack of good support along with poor cushioning found in football boots puts stress on the growth plate in the heel causing it to become inflamed and painful. Their favourite sports become difficult and they will need to take a break to give them time to heal.
“Undoubtedly the most common issue we see in children is Sever’s Disease, this is not actually a disease but an irritation to the growth plate of the heel bone.”
Palmer goes on to explain, “This occurs when the heel bone is in an active phase of growth and is either bruised from below or pulled on by the calf/Achilles tendons. Harder grounds at the beginning and end of sports season often bring out a flurry of Sever’s cases.”
To avoid Sever’s Disease look for shoes with a strong heel counter, firm support in the midsole and plenty of cushioning under the heel for good shock-absorbency. All ASICS kids shoes and kids football boots feature a heel gradient designed to stop the stress on the Achilles by alleviating the pulling on the back of the heel. The GEL Cushioning System helps absorb shock and softens repetitive forces that occur during activities. These components are also effective in assisting the prevention of shin splints and stress fractures.
No parent wants to see their child’s season cut short due to any of these problems. Shoes chosen specifically for your child’s foot that have been fitted properly, and are designed for their sport, will make a world of difference in helping to prevent unnecessary injuries. Be sure to visit a specialist shoe store for help and see a podiatrist if your child is experiencing any ongoing discomfort or problems with footwear.
For more information on shoes for growing feet visit our guide to Kids Shoes.