Tight shoes equals academic failure

If the shoe does not fit, it is time to get a fresh pair for the new school year, according to Dr. Robert Rampino, President of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA).
With the belief that ill-fitting shoes become a prescription for academic failure, NYPSMA offered to join together with parents to help select the proper shoes for their kids before the school season.
“Kids want what always looks good, not necessarily what fits best,” Rampino said.
NYSPMA warns against buying the best-known brands for kids, because not only will parents be left paying a higher price, but also the affects of discomfort such as corns and calluses may develop later on.
To counteract foot problems that originate with poorly fitting shoes, finding the correct size and purchasing a larger fit is essential.
In addition, shoes should never be bought based upon their numerical size, for the fit varies among different brands and styles.
NYPSMA also said feet swell as the day progresses, so the best time for shoe shopping is in the afternoon.
“Allow for 3/8 inches to 1/2 inches or room between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe,” stated Gloria Smith, publicist for the NYPSMA.
Shoes are also supposed to be tried on, as they would be normally worn, so Smith said that it is better to have children try shoes on with socks or tights, if they are worn like that.
“What’s more, few shoe stores have sales professionals properly trained to measure and fit shoes,” said Rampino. It is recommended that parents insist on having their child’s feet measured with each visit to the store.
Parents buy shoes with the expectation that they will loosen with time or will be easily broken in, but according to the NYPSMA, shoes are made to maintain their shape and should be fit comfortably instantly.
Aside from comfort, another important feature to shoes is support.
“Make sure the shoe isn’t too stiff or too flexible - it should bend with your toes,” stated Smith. Materials like leather that is soft and stretches is preferred over materials like vinyl, which does not “allow the foot to breathe and is not flexible.”
Parents should also stay away from cheap heels. If the heel does not collapse when pressure is added on both sides it is a sign of lasting shoes.
Last but definitely not least - hand-me-downs are a definite no-no.
While sharing does save parents money, there is also the possibility that it will promote the spread of “ ‘yucky’ problems like athletes foot and nail fungus,” Smith stated.
Hopefully with new knowledge on shoe shopping, kids will be more comfortable in the classroom and focus their attention on achieving higher grades.