Shopping for growing feet isn’t just about finding the right size. It’s about protecting your child’s long term foot health. Kids are active, constantly growing, and not always great at telling you when something hurts. That’s why many podiatric issues go unnoticed until they become more serious.
At Beyond Podiatry, we often see children dealing with foot pain, skin peeling, heel pain, or improper walking patterns. So much of this can start with the wrong shoes. Back to school season is the perfect time to not only buy new shoes but to check in on your child’s foot development. Here are 7 tips our team put together to help prevent common foot problems before they start. Still have questions? Come into the office! We’d love to help you prep for this upcoming school year.
1. Measure their feet every time. Growth isn’t always even.
Children’s feet grow quickly and sometimes unevenly. That means their shoe size can change within months, and one foot might even be larger than the other. Shoes that are too small can lead to ingrown toenails, corns, or toe deformities like hammertoes over time.
What to look out for:
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Red marks or indentations on the skin
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Complaints about toe pain or pressure
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Toenails growing at odd angles or becoming inflamed
2. Avoid “too big” shoes. They’re not better.
While it may seem like a good idea to size up for growing room, oversized shoes can cause just as many problems. Loose shoes can lead to tripping, poor walking mechanics, or constant friction causing peeling skin, blisters, or even foot fatigue.
Common issues:
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Heel slippage
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Worn-down socks from sliding feet
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Skin peeling on heels or toes
What to look out for:
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Frequent trips or stumbles
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Shoes creasing unnaturally in the wrong spots
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Blisters forming on the back or sides of the foot
3. Prioritize arch and heel support
Support matters, even in children! Many foot problems that develop in adulthood can start early due to lack of support. Proper arch and heel structure in a shoe can help prevent issues like flat feet, overpronation, or even Sever’s disease (a common heel pain condition in growing kids).
What to look out for:
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Foot pain after activity
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Shoes wearing down unevenly
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Child walking with feet turned in or out excessively
4. Choose breathable materials to avoid skin problems
Feet spend all day in shoes, and sweaty environments are the perfect breeding ground for odor, bacteria, and fungus. Shoes made with breathable mesh or leather help regulate moisture and reduce the risk of athlete’s foot, blisters, and skin breakdown.
What to look out for:
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Persistent foot odor
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Peeling between the toes
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Red, itchy patches on the foot
5. Inspect the insole and shoe shape
Children’s shoes should mirror the natural shape of the foot. Cramped or narrow toe boxes can cause bunions, corns, or nail trauma, while flimsy insoles offer little shock absorption for active kids.
If your child is dealing with flat feet, foot pain, or gait issues, one of our podiatrists may even recommend orthotics. These are specially designed inserts that fit into their shoes to provide support, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on growing feet. Not every child needs them, but when they do, they can make a world of difference.
What to look out for:
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Toes overlapping or curling
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Complaints of “burning” feet after walking
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Flattened or worn-down insoles within weeks
6. Look beyond the shoe. Check for foot hygiene
Good foot hygiene goes hand in hand with proper footwear. Children often overlook washing their feet or changing damp socks, which contributes to fungal infections, plantar warts, and general discomfort.
What to look out for:
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Thickened or discolored toenails
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Skin cracking around the heels or toes
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White, moist skin between toes (often an early fungal sign)
Help your child start the year on the right foot.
The truth is, many childhood foot conditions go unnoticed because kids adapt quickly and may not speak up. Starting the school year with a quick foot check and proper shoe fitting can make a big difference in their comfort and confidence.
Our team at Beyond Podiatry is here to help, from first steps to the teenage growth spurt. If you notice any of the warning signs above or just want reassurance, we’re happy to evaluate your child’s foot health and make shoe recommendations tailored to their needs.
