The College of Podiatrists of the Valencian Community advises parents to choose properly the shoes that their children take to school. The idea is that the footwear adapts to the motor needs of the child or adolescent, so that the foot and the musculoskeletal system are developed correctly. Experts say that "you have to be especially cautious in the age range between 3 and 7 years." These are the recommendations of podiatrists:

1. The shoe must reach below the malleal (lateral bones of the ankle) and in the case of boots, they must be flexible enough to allow full movement of the ankle joint.

2. The insole of the shoe must be breathable and flexible.

3. A healthy shoe is flat and with very little heel to promote balance and safeguard the legs and back. In addition, it must be wide enough in the front to allow the fingers to open and move freely.

4. Acquire footwear made of natural materials that allow perspiration of the feet, such as skin or leather. Avoiding sports shoes that are mostly made of synthetic materials.

5. The most suitable model is a shoe or boot that fits and fastens well to the foot, which can be adjusted to the foot by means of laces or velcro on the instep. The flip flops and clogs are not recommended because the perception that the shoe comes out at every step forces the fingers to an extra work of unnecessary “grip”.

6. Despite having chosen the right shoes, keep in mind that shoes should be worn a few hours a day. At home, the feet should be free, with a non-slip sock or slipper to be at home.

7. When buying it, try on the shoe with the socks on and ensure that there is enough space (about 5 to 10 mm.) Between your longest toe and the toe of the shoe. Then, press on the tip of the shoe at the top to see if the fingers rub against it and, if so, it will mean that the shoe is too small.

8. The best time to try on footwear is at the end of the day, when the child's feet are more swollen. It is necessary that when you try it you stand up, so that you carry your weight on both feet, and be able to verify that it is adequate.

9. Never buy an excessively large shoe so that the child can use it for longer. If the shoe is not fair your size could alter the way you walk or create blisters or lacerations.

10. Only the medical specialist or the podiatrist are trained to diagnose and treat foot problems. The most common diseases due to the use of inappropriate footwear are: deformity of the fingers and fingernails (very common when using rubber toecaps), Achilles tendonitis and bursitis in haglund exostosis (due to a too rigid buttress), pain in the sole of the foot and talalgias (as a result of a very thin or rigid sole), mycosis, warts or eczema due to dyshidrosis when using shoes made of synthetic materials.

Of course, the best option is to be advised by specialists, who will look for the shoe that best suits the needs of the child. In CalzadosRosi.com we have been wearing several generations for more than 30 years with only one concern: the health and well being of our clients' feet.

Most common diseases by choosing a shoe that is not adequate or of poor quality.

DishidrosisMicosisUñero

Dyshidrosis / dry skin Mycosis / nail fungus