As kids head back to school, many parents find themselves buying new shoes. But did you know that the wrong shoes can make common childhood foot problems worse? Understanding kids' foot health can help you choose the right shoes and catch issues before they become bigger problems.
Common Foot Problems in Children![Idaho Child Podiatrist]()
Flat Feet
Flat feet are common in young children. Most kids appear flat-footed until around age 5 because their arches haven't fully formed yet. Some children continue to have flat feet as they grow, which can cause pain in the arches, heels, ankles or even legs. Supportive, well-fitted shoes and custom orthotics can help.
Ingrown Toenails
Tight shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes are common culprits for ingrown toenails. Kids who pick at their nails or cut them too short are also at risk. Soaking the foot and wearing properly fitted shoes can help mild cases, but some children may need a simple in-office procedure to remove the ingrown nail edge.
Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)
Heel pain is common in active kids ages 8 to 14, especially those involved in multiple sports. This condition, called Sever's disease, happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed from too much stress. Supportive shoes, heel cushions, stretching, and temporary activity modification usually relieve the pain.
Other Concerns
Children can also develop plantar warts, fungal infections, or walking issues like toe walking or in-toeing. Early evaluation can help prevent bigger problems later.
How Shoes Help — or Hurt
Poorly fitted shoes can cause or worsen foot problems. Shoes that are too tight can lead to ingrown nails, blisters, and skin irritation, while shoes with no support can worsen flat feet and heel pain.
Look for shoes that:
- Have a firm heel counter (the back part that cups the heel)
- Offer flexible but supportive soles (they should bend at the toes, not in the middle of the shoe)
- Provide enough room in the toe box for wiggling toes
- Stay secure on the foot without needing to grip with the toes
When Do Kids' Feet Stop Growing?
Children's feet grow rapidly and continue developing into their teens. Most girls' foot bones stop growing around age 13–14, while boys may keep growing until about age 15–16. Regularly check shoe fit — kids' feet can grow a full size in just a few months!
Tips for Buying the Right Shoes
When buying shoes for your child:
- Shop with your child so they can try them on and tell you what feels comfortable.
- Shop toward the end of the day when feet are at their widest.
- Bring the socks they usually wear — and any orthotics or inserts. You may need to go up half a size to fit these properly.
- Always fit shoes to the larger foot, as many people have one foot slightly bigger.
- Make sure there's about a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Ensure there's room for toes to wiggle freely.
- Avoid hand-me-downs — they're often too worn to provide proper support and can spread infections like athlete's foot or plantar warts.
- Watch for signs of irritation, such as blisters or ingrown toenails.
Signs Your Child May Have Foot Pain
Kids don't always say when something hurts. Watch for these clues:
- Limping or walking differently
- Asking to be carried or sitting down frequently
- Complaining of being tired or having sore legs or back
- Suddenly avoiding sports or activities they used to enjoy
- Developing blisters, ingrown toenails, or irritation on the arch, mid-foot, or ankle
When to See a Foot & Ankle Specialist
Healthy feet are the foundation for an active childhood. If you're concerned about your child's feet, ankles, or shoes, our experienced podiatrists are here to help. Our office specializes in pediatric foot care to keep your child moving, growing, and playing pain-free.
Call us today to schedule an appointment — let's make sure your child puts their best foot forward this school year!
