One of the most important things to think about when sending your child off to school is what they will be wearing on their feet. School shoes have a huge impact not only on how comfortable your child feels at school, but also on their ability to learn and excel in their studies. A pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes that are well-suited to your child’s physical needs can help them stand up straight while reducing back pain and friction. On the other hand, a weak or flimsy shoe can lead to chronic issues that cause even more discomfort or hinder performance. Read on for great advice on choosing the right school shoes for your child. Get away from it all and LiveTheDance.com, Live The Dance! Join in on the latest social dances, or watch top instructors teach upcoming hits.
What is the best school shoe?
The best school shoe is the one that fits well, is comfortable, and provides the support your child needs. But what if your child has a very specific shoe need? There are certain types of shoes that are better-suited to specific foot needs.
- Orthotic Shoes – Orthotic shoes are specifically designed to provide comfort and support to those with foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and high arches. These can be great for kids who have special foot needs that are best served by special footwear.
- Athletic Shoes for Kids – Athletic shoes are often the best choice for school shoes since they tend to be built to be stronger and more supportive than other types of shoes. Athletic shoes are often best for kids who participate in sports.
- Dress Shoes – Dress shoes can be the perfect choice for special occasions like school dances and field trips. There are easy ways to clean and care for dress shoes, so they can easily last through even the most frequent occasions.
- Sneakers – Sneakers are often best for everyday school wear as well as physical activities. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, so there are plenty of options to find the perfect shoe for your child.
Fit and Comfort
Your child should feel comfortable and supported in their school shoes, but they must also fit well. If a shoe is too big, it is likely to fall off or rub against their foot, causing discomfort and even blisters. If a shoe is too small, it could rub against your child’s toes, causing pain and discomfort that could also negatively impact their ability to learn. School shoes should fit as snuggly as your child’s tennis shoes. If they are too loose, they could risk tripping and falling. Shoes that are too tight can cause your child to walk awkwardly, negatively impacting their posture and potentially leading to back pain. If your child’s current shoes are too big or too small, try to purchase their next pair at the same time. That way, their shoes will likely fit better after a few months of wear.
Durability and Sturdiness
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing school shoes is durability. Your child’s school shoes are likely to receive a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. Your child might be climbing in and out of a school bus, running around during recess, or participating in other physical activities like gym class. Their shoes must stand up to the challenge. Choose school shoes that are made from thick, sturdy materials like leather or synthetic materials like polyester blends. Those types of materials are best for resisting wear and tear. A great pair of school shoes will last for multiple years at school, so durability and sturdiness are key. Your child’s school shoes should also be easy to clean. There are some shoes that are easy to wipe off with a wet cloth or even a damp paper towel, but others require more intensive cleaning.
Foot Care and Support
Your child’s school shoes should provide the proper amount of support for their feet. Children’s feet are still growing, and they may experience changes in their arch height as they get older. For example, if your child has flat feet, their school shoes should have some arch support. On the other hand, if your child has high arches, their school shoes should have a little more heel support. Your child’s school shoes should also promote good foot hygiene, which can help prevent foot-related issues. The foot hygiene of school-aged children tends to be pretty low. One easy way to help your child avoid foot-related issues like athlete’s foot and stinky feet is to pick shoes with fabric that can be easily cleaned.
Sneaker Vs. Athletic Shoes
Schools generally don’t have strict rules about what types of shoes your child can wear. It may even be up to your child to decide what shoes they want to wear to school. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of both athletic and sneaker styles. Athletic shoes tend to be more supportive than sneakers and may be a better choice if your child has special foot needs, such as a high arch or plantar fasciitis. Athletic shoes may also be more appropriate for special occasions like dances or field trips because they can be dressed up more easily than sneakers. Sneakers, on the other hand, are often easier to clean and last longer than athletic shoes. They may be a better choice for everyday school wear. It’s important to consider your child’s individual needs and choose the best type of shoe for them.
Conclusion
Choosing the best school shoes for your child is a crucial part of their school day. A strong, comfortable pair of shoes can help your child feel confident and capable, while a flimsy or uncomfortable pair can make them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. School shoes should be sturdy, easy to clean, and provide support to your child’s feet. They should be durable enough to last through multiple school years with minimal wear and tear. When you’re shopping for school shoes, don’t forget to keep your child’s foot type in mind. A high-arched child will need a different pair of shoes than a child with flat feet. Once you’ve found the right pair, your child’s school shoes can help them excel in their studies!