The summer calendar is winding down and kids and parents are gearing up for back-to-school shopping. Just like pencils and notebooks, shoes will make the list of must-haves this shopping season. Getting the correct shoes is not just a matter of finding the right size. Width, arch type, pressure points and any tendency to roll in or out are all important factors in determining correct fitting shoes. John Rae from The Athlete's Foot St Ives, says that a proper fit should be at the top of the list for kid's athletic and school shoes. John has significantly increased the range of school shoes in stock at The Athlete's Foot St Ives. The shop now carries a number of stylish girls' models as well as a choice of velcro closure models for younger children.

According to the Podiatric Medical Association, only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. Podiatrists believe lack of proper care - including ill-fitting shoes - brings on many foot ailments. It is particularly important that young growing feet are properly fitted. John offers the following shoe shopping tips for parents to consider before hitting the stores this back-to-school season:

• Fit after fitness - foot size can vary through the day. Try to avoid buying your child's new shoes first thing in the morning. The best time to shop for new shoes is after playtime or from late morning onwards. This will help to ensure the best fit for your child.
• Try on both - it is really important to have your child try on both shoes and walk around in them to ensure comfort. The shoe should fit so that the heel does not slide up and down. Also, since one foot is commonly longer than the other, be sure to size the shoe to the larger foot.
• No growing into it - many parents buy shoes for their children that are a size or two larger than the proper measure, thinking that kids will grow into them. But it is unlikely that a child's foot will grow to fit the shoes before wearing the shoes out. Too large a shoe can lead to slips, trips or falls.
• Thumb it - when fitting your child's foot, determine how much toe room they should have in the shoe by leaving space that is equal to the width of the child's thumb - not the parent's thumb - between the child's longest toe and the end of the shoe while they are standing. Keep in mind that the longest toe isn't always the big toe.
• Wear them right away - having to break-in a pair of shoes is a myth. Your child's shoes should be comfortable the first time they try them on.
• Visit The Athlete's Foot - the staff of The Athlete's Foot St Ives are highly trained and understand the importance of a good fit. Plus by using their exclusive “Fitprint” system to map the pressure on your child's foot, your child is guaranteed a great fitting shoe to help them hit the ground running.
  

The Athletes Foot is located at Shop 41, Lower Level,
Phone 9440 5614.

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