Summer Shoes for Children

Summer is a time for children to enjoy the outdoors, playing and exploring. While summer brings a lot of fun and games for children, it also means a lot of wear and tear on younger feet. Parents and caregivers must ensure their child wears the right shoes to prevent foot problems.
Choosing the right summer shoes for your child can play a critical part in their musculoskeletal development, including their posture. Here are useful tips to help you find the right shoe:
- Footwear with closed toes and heel
Children are far more likely to fall and trip over while having fun and jumping about. The feet are shielded from impact by footwear with a guarded toe and heel, usually found in closed-toe and heel shoes.
- Breathable
Shoes that can breathe are those composed of materials that let cooler outside air in while also enabling moisture to escape from within the shoe. This stops perspiration from building up within the shoe, which might result in bacterial or fungal diseases of the foot. For hot summer days, footwear made of mesh, canvas, or leather is appropriate.
- Verify the fit
The space between your child’s longest toe and the inside end of the shoe on average should be separated by roughly one finger’s breadth. You can do this by telling your child to put their foot forward as you put in your index finger to determine the space between the heel and the back of the shoe. Your toes should have enough wiggle room to move comfortably.
- Footwear with Non-Slip Soles
For safety, summer footwear must include a slip-resistant sole. For outdoor activities, shoes with a rubber sole are the best.
Summer shoe alternatives for kids:
- Sandals
Sandals are a popular summertime footwear option that is ideal for most summer activities. Choose sandals with closed toes for further protection, and look for ones with adjustable straps to guarantee a comfortable fit. Steer clear of flip-flops – they are not your ideal footwear as they do not provide much support and protection.
- Sneakers
Trainers are an excellent choice for kids who want to play and are active. Look for breathable trainers with non-slip soles.
- Water Footwear
For summertime water-related activities including swimming or having fun in the sprinkler, water shoes are ideal. They are built of materials that dry quickly, and some models even feature non-slip soles to stop falls.
- Close-Toed Footwear
For kids who want to play outside in terrain with uneven surfaces, shoes with closed toes are the best option.
At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we are here to address all your foot concerns. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.