As a dad of three, I understand the importance of keeping kids active, and a big part of that is finding the right athletic shoe. Like any self-respecting parent, I live vicariously through my kids, so I lean toward footwear that looks good and promises some performance edge while costing less than a trip to Raising Canes. So, I reflected on my purchasing process, consulted an expert (my wife), and scoured the internet to find the five best ways to ensure you get your active kids into the best athletic shoes for them (and you)!
1. Know your child's foot type.
If you've ever watched your kids run and thought to yourself, "They run like a future professional litigator or hall-of-fame software engineer," do not be dismayed. There's still a chance they get picked first (or at least not last) during pickup games. Kids' feet are developing, and the muscles and ligaments that allow them to have that gait any parent would be proud of are still being formed.
So, before you sign them up for piano lessons, take a closer look at your kid's feet. If they are two or under, they probably have what appear to be fallen arches or "flat feet" (check out this article on children's foot types). They will likely grow out of that (hopefully, like every other weird tendency they have at that age).
When kids turn about six, the fat pad that gave the appearance of flat feet should have gone away, and they now have the makings of an arch (see this article on kids' foot development).
During this time, it is essential to outfit your child in footwear that allows them comfort, protection, room for proper toe splaying, and stability to prevent slipping or excessive foot movement while in the shoe (think fasteners, straps, laces, etc.)
2. Measure their feet regularly and check the fit.
Children's feet tend to grow quicker than grass during a Mississippi summer (or any southern humid state). The rule of thumb here is if they are four or under, you should measure their feet every six weeks (see this article); ages three and four, you should measure every 3-4 months; and older than that, they should fend for themselves (just kidding, you should measure every six months).
Here are a couple of helpful articles on how often to measure kids' feet (Stride Rite and Foot/Ankle Specialist). If you're like me, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Ain't nobody got time for that." The second thing that comes to mind is, "I'll just feel their toes in their shoes, and if it's near the edge, I'll get the next size up." While this is a timeless method, you may actually impact foot development, and it could lead to foot deformities if your kids regularly wear ill-fitting shoes (it's not really a blog without a scare tactic).
3. Look for quality and durability.
Kids are tough on houses, cars, pets, and, most relevant to this article, shoes. Look for shoes with reinforced stitching and durable materials, especially in high-wear areas like the toe and the heel. Our kids love to drag their feet along the ground as they scooter, so durability is a must for us! Also, kids' feet tend to sweat a lot (check out this article), so make sure the shoes are breathable to keep the feet cool and dry, preventing blisters and odors. This may mean you have to spend a little more money up front, but a high-quality pair of shoes can save you money in the long run (the puns will continue until morale improves). Even the best shoes don't last forever, so look for signs of dilapidation (beyond normal wear and tear) such as worn-out soles, damaged uppers, or complaints of discomfort/pain.
4. Consider the activities
I throw my kids in just about every available sport. It's like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. However, when doing so, you may get the inclination to let them go to all their activities in their favorite pair of play shoes (or it could just be me).
If true, I like where your head's at, but understand that different activities may require different shoes (or a shoe made for multiple activities). For instance, you will want to ensure the shoes have proper traction (cleats for grass/turf), proper support (high-tops for ankle protection for sports like basketball), and proper lateral support for other court sports like tennis.
Some shoes will have overlaps that allow for multiple uses, and from a parent's perspective, those shoes are golden.
5. Let them choose
If you have the quality, durability, and functionality department shored up, you can let your child choose the style. Letting them choose the color or style can get them excited about wearing the shoes.
Conclusion
Finding the right footwear for your active kids doesn't have to be as stressful as deciding what restaurant to eat at tonight. As long as you understand your kids' foot type, measure regularly, choose quality, consider the activity, and let them have a say, finding the right pair of shoes for your child can help them focus on what matters most—having fun and staying active!
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