Tag: shoe size

This past week, I had the opportunity to see a cute 8 year-old-boy, who I’ve seen since birth, for his annual well child check-up. As we were wrapping up our delightful visit, I simply asked, “Do you have any questions or need anything?”

He replied, very seriously, “Doc, I have a problem.”

“What’s the problem?” I inquired, a bit concerned.

“I need a new butt,” he responded.

“Oh?” I inquired.

To which he responds, “Mine has a crack in it.” And he promptly died of laughter.

I couldn’t help but laugh. According to his mom, he’s been preparing his joke for the last two weeks. I told him, he’d definitely make a post! How can you not love peds?

-Photos courtesy of www.123rf.com

Your child’s foot can grow a size or two in just 6 months. Here are a few tips to save you time and money when it comes to getting shoes for your child.

1. Choose the right size. The old trick that my mom used to “allow for a finger’s width worth of growth” measured from the longest toe to the end of the toe box is actually good advice – nicely done, mom; nicely done. A tight shoe can lead to blisters or ingrown toenails, whereas a shoe that is too large will allow for too much movement and can cause additional problems.
2. Check for proper cushioning and arch support. Over time, shoes loose their shock absorbing properties. If the shoe is worn or torn at the edges, the shoes need to be thrown out. In new shoes, the toe box of the shoe should be flexible, but not the middle of the shoe’s sole.
3. Try on both shoes in the store. It is common for a child’s feet to be uneven. If this is the case, buy for the largest foot. The shoe should not feel tight or have any uncomfortable rub-spots. You should never have to “break in a shoe.”
4. As a general rule, use hand-me-down clothes, but not shoes. Shoes wear and form to an individual’s feet. The proper cushioning and arch support may not line up from kid to kid. Every foot is different.