The Child's Foot:
The human foot is a very complicated part of the body and the feet of young children are soft and pliable, so abnormal pressures can easily cause the foot to deform. The foot of a child grows rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. That first year can be very important in the development of the feet.

Flat foot in the child:

• Flexible flatfoot or a pronated foot is usually painless in young children, but may cause an ache, especially if the child is overweight or older.
• In the very young child, there is often a 'fat pad' in the arch area of the foot which gives an appearance of a flat foot, when it is not.
• If the foot also rolls inward at the ankle (pronates), then this may be cause for concern.
• In the majority of cases, most will grow out of it, but some do not.

Importance of Footwear:

• Many adult foot problems can have their origins in childhood, so attention to footwear in children can minimize the risk of these problems in adults.
• Poorly fitting children's shoes can cause a number of problems in adulthood. Given the high level of pain and discomfort that these problems can cause, it is obviously logical to attempt to prevent these problems by ensuring that the child's shoe is fitted appropriately. Foot problems in children are usually preventable by correct fitting quality footwear.

Advice when buying children's footwear:

• Children should have their feet measured about every 3 months (thus ensuring the need for new shoes as required).
• When looking at the bottom (sole) of the shoe, it should be relatively straight (not curved in too much) - the foot is straight, so the shoe should be straight.
• The fastening mechanism (laces, Velcro or buckles)
• Heel counter, width and size are very important factors when buying a shoes.
• Leather and canvas are a better material - they are more durable and can breathe. Synthetic materials do not breathe as well, unless they are of the 'open weave' type. Avoid plastics.
• Shoes should not need to be "broken in". If they do, they are either poorly designed or poorly fitted.
• Fitting footwear properly in adults is also just as important.

At Kiddie Kobbler Whitby

"We'd rather explain price than apologize for quality"