Back to school shopping was always a horrible trial for my family. I’ve never been a huge fan of clothes shopping, so it was a miserable experience just for that. Then there was the huge divide in taste between me and my mom, which eventually got settled with this rule: if I picked something she hated, then she got to pick something I hated.
Shoe shopping was only slightly less of a battlefield, if only because the choices were somewhat more limited! Much of our shoe shopping (in the elementary school years, at least) was done at the little shoe store in town, just a few blocks from home. I still remember the ritual of foot measuring — the cold metal of the sizer, and the tickle of the little slider moving against my sock. Mr. T. coming out of the back with a pile of shoe boxes, and dutifully tromping around the store to see how each pair fit.
If you’re gearing up for back to school shoe shopping, here are some tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association that might help:
- Always measure your child’s feet before you buy. Don’t assume a previous measurement is still accurate, as feet can grow very quickly!
- If your child has two different-sized feet, buy shoes to accommodate the bigger foot and find ways to make the smaller foot more comfortable (insoles, extra socks, etc).
- Always have your child try the shoes on and walk around a bit. While a short walk around the store won’t necessarily tell you everything, you will be able to judge the basic fit after a few steps.
- Don’t buy shoes that are too small (they’re gonna hurt) or too large (even if you think your child will quickly grow into them). Shoes that don’t fit right are shoes that aren’t going to get worn.
- You shouldn’t have to do too much “breaking in” on a new pair of shoes — they should be comfortable from the start. Sure, you may need to get used to the feel, but they shouldn’t be miserable. Again, shoes that aren’t comfortable are shoes that aren’t going to get worn.
Be cautious about hand-me-down shoes — they may carry germs, bacteria, or fungus (like athlete’s foot). New shoes can be expensive, but they are healthier for the wearer. If your budget is tight, skip the big name brands and opt for more affordable shoes — and keep your eye out for good deals at the shoe stores.