There are many running shoes available for kids, making it difficult to know what to look for when choosing a good pair of running shoes. The California Podiatric Medical Association, or CPMA, says that neglecting foot health can cause problems in the rest of the body, such as in the legs and back. As kids age, their feet are continuing to grow and develop, making good running shoes important for a child's health.
First Pair
Babies who are still crawling do not need shoes, only booties or soft shoes that do not restrict the foot's movement. They should be flexible, unsupportive and conform to your baby's foot. A child does not necessarily need shoes as soon as she begins to walk, says CPMA. It is best to let her walk barefoot or in socks while indoors so she can develop proper foot muscles and learn how to grasp with her toes. When your child becomes more active and her feet have developed, you will need to buy her a good pair of running shoes.
Shoe Characteristics
The stiff back of the shoe behind the heel, the heel counter, should be firm, strong and stable. The bottom, or sole, of the shoe should be relatively straight, not overly curved, to match your child's straight foot. The shoe should be flexible where your child's foot is flexible, at the ball of his foot, not at the middle, or arch. The laces or Velcro should hold his foot against the back of the shoe so it cannot slide forward. Look for breathable materials, as children's feet tend to sweat more often.
Fit
Getting the right fit is the most important part of finding good running shoes for your child, says ePodiatry. Measure your child's foot while she is standing, and if one foot is larger than the other, pick the shoe that fits the largest foot best. Check to make sure there is a thumb width, or 1 inch, from her toe to the end of the shoe. Ensure the shoes are wide enough by pinching the upper part of the shoe. Have her walk around the store for a few minutes in the shoes to see if she has any discomfort.
Replacing Shoes
Children's feet grow very fast, and it is that pace that will probably dictate how often you have to replace your child's shoes. Children's feet grow two sizes per year for the first four years of life, and one size per year after that, says the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Peak rates of growth correspond with puberty.
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