Tips On Buying Athletic Shoes For Kids

For comfort and injury prevention, children who regularly participate in a sport should wear shoes designed specifically for the demands of that sport. For example, tennis shoes are designed for side-to-side motion, while running shoes are made for forward momentum and have extra cushioning.

When shopping for athletic shoes for kids, remember the basics of good fit. There should be a thumb’s width from the tip of the child’s toe to the end of the shoe. The toes should have room to wiggle freely. The heel of the shoe should not slip off the foot as the child walks or runs.

If specific socks are required as part of a uniform, it is important to wear these socks, or ones of the same thickness, to try on the shoes.

Look for good quality athletic shoes that have adequate support and cushioning.

Running shoes in particular come with a variety of arch supports. Knowing what type of arch the child’s foot has—high, medium, or low—can help in selecting the most comfortable and supportive shoe.

For some children who have flat feet or who pronate excessively, special orthotic inserts may be beneficial.

Lacing shoes correctly is important. It is helpful to lace through each top eyelet twice to ensure a more snug fit and decrease slippage. Children must be careful not to tie laces too tight, as this may cause injury to the nerves or tendons on the top of the foot and ankle.

Soccer shoes can contribute to heel pain in adolescents. The limited number of cleats in the heel of the shoe can cause excessive pressure on the growth plate of the child’s heel. Many soccer players between the ages of 9 and 13 complain of heel pain that worsens with side-to-side pressure. Shoes with multiple cleats at the heel can help to alleviate this problem, but can be difficult to find.

Shorter cleats on football and soccer shoes may help to reduce knee and ankle injuries. For young players, cleats should be no more than one-half inch long.

For a general athletic shoe, cross trainers are a suitable choice.

Shoes used for sports should be examined for signs of wear and replaced when necessary.

About The Author:

Zenon Cobuz is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com. Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.