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Hi, my name's Dr. John Fritz, and today we're going to talk about what to look for in children's
shoes. When your child first starts to walk independently, it's when he needs, or she
needs, a first pair of shoes. It's important to take your child to a shoe store that deals
with children. Have their feet measured. Proper width and length is critical. Please avoid
slip-on, plastic, or sandal shoes. They just lead to problems in the future.
Check the length of your child's shoe. The tip of your shoe should be 3/8" to 1/2" longer
than their longest toe. Know which toe is the longest on your child. It may be their
second toe.
Have your child's shoe width checked and shoe size checked approximately every three months.
Under two years of age, a little bit more frequent, over two years of age, maybe a little
bit longer. Children's shoe sizes change rapidly, and you must be aware of this, otherwise it
can lead to problems with their nails, skin, blisters, and deformities of the toe.
Children who are not yet walking independently do not need supportive shoes. They need a
shoe to provide warmth and to provide safety.
Have your child's shoes checked frequently. It's critical to prevent skin and bone deformities
from forming due to improper shoes.