One of the most inmportant but yet one of the most abused parts of the human body is our feet.  Our feet are designed to carry our entire body weight and transport us around, and yet feet are often crammed into unsuitable shoes.  The only time feet are given a thought is when they hurt.

There is no doubt that from birth to early teen sis when feet are most vunerable, as the many bones in the foot so not completetly solidify until around the age of eighteen.  Parents often bring their baby to a shoe fitting specialist fr their child’s first shoe, but it is equally important to have them measured and sized correctly until they reach adulthood.

So when does a child need their first pair of shoes?  The simple answer is when the child is walking most of the day and wants to alk outside.  This can be any time from seven months to two years.  Never push your child to walk and don’t give in just beacuse a friend’s child is walking.

Have feet measured by a qualified fitter.  Remember the fitting guague is merely a guide and diferent shoes depending on their sytle and where they were made, will fit differently.  A qualified fitter will assist you in ensureing the footwear you chose is the correct size for your child.

Look for shoes that are available in different width fittings, with good support, and made of natural materials, as these materials breathe and mould to the shape of the foot.  Man made materials make feet sweaty and keep their original shape, whhich can lead to fungal infections or abrasions and blisters. And never pass on second hand shoes.  They will have taken on the shape of the previous wearer and may be harbouring infection.

Never rely on the question “do they feel comfortable” when fitting very young children.  Children will often say they are if they like them! Your qualified shoe fitter will know best.  Children’s shoes should be checked for the correct fit every 4-6 weeks (up to 3 years of age) every 6-8 weeks (3-4 years of age) and 10-12 weeks thereafter.  This is not to say that they will need new shoes each time, but as childrens feet grow in fits and starts, it is important to check on a regular basis.