As the back-to-school season approaches, parents everywhere are checking off supply lists, packing lunches, and—perhaps most importantly—buying new shoes for their kids. But choosing the right footwear isn’t just about fashion or fitting into dress codes. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to painful foot issues like ingrown toenails and long-term foot strain.
At Central Kansas Podiatry, our Wichita podiatrist sees a rise in foot problems every fall—many of them preventable with the right shoes. Keep reading below for some helpful tips on how to choose the best back-to-school shoes for kids and teens.
Prioritize the Fit—Not Just the Style
Children's feet grow quickly, so it's tempting to buy shoes a size up to "grow into." But shoes that are too loose can cause friction and lead to blisters, ingrown toenails, and even falls. Shoes that are too tight can cramp the toes and increase pressure on the toenail bed—one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails in kids.
To avoid this, shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are slightly swollen. This gives a better idea of how shoes will feel after a full day of wear. Always check for about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Choose Breathable, Supportive Materials
Look for shoes made of breathable materials like mesh or leather, which help reduce moisture buildup—a key factor in preventing plantar warts caused by viruses that thrive in damp environments. Arch support and a firm heel counter are also essential for growing feet that need stability.
Flat, flimsy shoes like slip-ons, Crocs, or ballet flats, offer little to no support and can lead to fatigue, heel pain, and collapsed arches over time. Try to avoid these types of shoes and look for options with sufficient arch support.
Check the Toebox Shape
A narrow or pointed toebox squeezes the toes and increases the risk of ingrown toenails, especially if your child is active in sports or wears shoes for long hours. Look for a rounded or square toebox that allows toes to spread naturally. Kids should be able to wiggle their toes comfortably inside the shoe.
Don’t Reuse Old Shoes or Hand-Me-Downs
Even if they look fine, old or second-hand shoes may be molded to someone else's foot structure, offering poor support or improper alignment. They may also carry fungi that can lead to plantar warts or athlete’s foot or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that can lead to plantar warts.
Watch for Red Flags After School Starts
If your child begins limping, complaining of foot pain, or develops redness around the toenail, schedule a podiatric check-up. Early signs of ingrown toenails or warts are easier to treat before they worsen.
The right pair of shoes is one of the best ways to support your child’s health and comfort throughout the school year. If you have questions about your child’s foot development—or if they're already dealing with warts or ingrown toenails—our Wichita podiatry team is here to help.
