Although it is a headache, school shoes are probably the most important piece of uniform to get right. The bones in the feet of children don’t fully develop until the age of 18. At birth, the foot contains 22 partially developed bones. By age 5, these will have divided into 45 bones. By the age of about 18, many of these will have fused together and the adult foot contains 26 fully ossified bones.
As children wear their school shoes for 8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week, it is important to get shoes that fit well, provide adequate support and have sufficient growing room to prevent toes becoming cramped. Factor in the child’s desire to have fashionable shoes, shoes with toys in the soles, the same pair that their friend has etc. etc. – it can be a minefield!
For more information about growing feet and a directory of shoe shops who have highly qualified shoe fitters visit Fit Kid Shoes
