Getting the kids back to school

January is the time of year when Mums become busy with school shopping and trying on uniforms to see if they still fit. One of the biggest single expenses can be school shoes, and clever mums often come in and ask us for advice about what are the best brands and styles to buy. 
We’d love to be able to say that there is a particular brand and style which is always going to be the best for your child, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. But there is some advice that we do give to every Mum who is thinking of replacing school shoes: 
•    Always buy the shoes in the afternoon – your child’s feet will be at their largest. 
•    Definitely get your child’s feet measured so that you are getting the correct fit.
•    Have your child try the shoes on, and walk around in them so that you know they are comfortable with no tight spots or pinches.
•    Make sure that your child can wriggle their toes when they are standing up.
•    Choose shoes with a firm sole which will bends over the ball of the foot.
•    Don’t buy shoes with a ‘heel’ as this can damage your child’s feet.
•    Leather is best, but if it’s not in your budget, choose a material that is flexible and which breathes.
And you won’t be surprised to hear that this is the same advice we’d give to anyone who is buying shoes.
We’d also suggest that you bring your child in for a quick check up – we’ll be able to see if there are any issues which we can treat so that we can keep your child on their feet.