Dr. Zwick's tip:
“Tight shoes can hinder the natural development of the foot. Make sure there is enough room for the toes and check your kids' shoe size regularly.”
In this guide, you will learn all about healthy foot development, possible malalignments and what to look out for when buying kids' shoes. With the right information and suitable shoes, parents can do a lot to keep kids' feet healthy. In addition, Dr. Ernst Zwick, our experienced pediatric orthopedist, gives valuable tips on foot health.
How do kids' feet develop?
Kids' feet are constantly growing and changing. At birth, they consist mainly of soft cartilage tissue, which transforms into bone over time. This process continues into the teenage years. It is therefore particularly important in the early years that the feet have sufficient freedom of movement and can develop naturally. For this reason, the shoe size should also be checked regularly to ensure an optimal fit. A shoe that is too tight can impair the natural development of the feet and lead to malalignments.
Milestones in foot development:
Up to the age of around 3 years: The bones of the foot are still malleable and the arch of the foot gradually forms.
From the age of 6: The foot structure begins to solidify, but the feet continue to grow rapidly.
Growth phases of kids' feet:
- 0 to 3 years: Feet grow fastest during this phase. Parents should check the shoe size every 2 to 3 months, as the feet grow about 1.5 mm per month during this time.
- 3 to 6 years: Growth slows down slightly, but feet still grow around 1 mm per month. It is advisable to check the size every 3 to 4 months.
- From 6 years: Growth continues steadily, but at a slower rate. Nevertheless, parents should check their child's shoe size every 4 to 6 months.
Many children cannot feel for themselves if their shoes are too small. A regular shoe size check therefore helps to prevent malalignments. Find out how to determine the right shoe size in our article How to measure kids' shoe size.
What causes foot malalignment in children?
Foot deformities such as flat feet or fallen arches are not uncommon in children. Many of these malalignments are temporary and disappear over time, but there are also factors that can lead to permanent deformities.
Causes of foot malalignments:
- Genetic predisposition: Some children are naturally prone to foot problems.
- Incorrect footwear: Shoes that are too tight or too small can impair natural foot development.
- Lack of exercise: Children who walk too little barefoot or do not have the opportunity to train their foot muscles sufficiently are more frequently affected by malalignments.
Dr. Zwick's tip:
“Let your children run barefoot as often as possible. Walking barefoot on natural surfaces, such as grass or sand, strengthens the muscles and promotes the healthy development of the arch of the foot.”
For the barefoot feeling, superfit barefoot shoes are ideal, as they give the feet plenty of space and support natural foot development.
How do you prevent malalignments in kids' feet?
The good news is that many foot malalignments can be prevented by simple measures. Here are some tips to help parents promote the health of their children's feet:
Tips to prevent kids' feet malalignments:
- Walk barefoot: When children walk barefoot on different surfaces such as sand or grass, the foot muscles are optimally trained.
- Choose the right shoes: The right shoe size is crucial. Shoes should offer enough space for the toes, not constrict the feet and also have the right width.
- Flexible soles: Shoes with flexible, soft soles promote the natural movement of the foot.
Dr. Zwick's tip:
“A good fit, flexible soles and natural materials are particularly important for children's shoes.”
Are you looking for your child's first pair of shoes? In our article Baby's first shoe you can find out what you should pay particular attention to.
Foot gymnastics for children
Regular foot exercises are a good way to promote kids' foot health. Exercises such as gripping objects with the toes or balancing on uneven surfaces help to strengthen the muscles and prevent malalignments.
What to consider when buying kids' shoes?
When buying kids' shoes, there are a few things to consider in order to support the healthy development of kids' feet. In addition to the right size, the quality of the material and the construction of the shoe are also crucial.
Important tips for buying kids' shoes:
- Measure regularly: Kids' feet grow quickly. It is therefore advisable to measure their feet regularly. Use the superfit shoe size calculator, for example.
- The right shoe width: When buying shoes, pay attention to the WMS system (wide, medium, narrow) to ensure that the shoes have the right width. Read more about the WMS system here.
- Breathable materials: High-quality materials such as leather ensure a comfortable foot climate and prevent excessive sweating.
Conclusion: How to promote the healthy development of kids' feet
To promote the healthy development of kids' feet, it is important that children walk barefoot enough and wear well-fitting, high-quality shoes. Make sure to regularly check the shoe size and width to ensure that the feet have enough room and can move freely. With flexible soles, natural materials and the optimal fit, parents can do a lot to keep their kids' feet healthy.
