Experts Offer Tips To Outfit Growing Feet

BOSTON -- Parents scrambling to outfit their kids with back-to-school clothes should take some care in buying shoes.

The American Podiatric Medical Association released some tips for parents about buying new shoes.

First, forget the flips flops. Kids love them, but podiatrists give them a failing grade.

"They are the worst. There's no support. There's no protection," said Dr. Lloyd Smith, of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Experts say to never buy a "bender" or a shoe with serious twist. A good rule of thumb is to give the big toe room to grow -- ½ to ¼ of an inch between the end of the big toe and the end of the shoe.

Because size matters, podiatrists recommend bringing children to measure their feet. They said to shop late in the day when feet are swollen. Buy immediately comfortable shoes that need no breaking in. Buy for a child's larger foot -- they're rarely the same size, and always try on shoes with socks.

"You want the shoe to be snug at the heels so it doesn't go up and down or side to side, and you want room in the toes," Smith said.

Parents should also limit the time children wear platform or heeled shoes. Alternate them with good-quality sneakers or flat shoes during the day.

Footing the bill can be costly. A good pair lasts just four to six months. But buying the right shoes will keep your kids' feet fit.

One more pointer is to never hand down footwear. Sharing clothing is fine, but sharing shoes can spread fungus. And just because a shoe fits one child comfortably, doesn't mean it will fit another.