With the school holidays in full swing, now is a great time to get ahead and check in on your child’s foot health before the back-to-school rush begins. At Surrey Foot Service, we see firsthand how vital a well-fitting pair of shoes is for growing feet – and how problems can arise when footwear isn’t quite right.

Why the Right Fit Matters

Children’s feet grow rapidly, particularly in the early years. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of issues from blisters and calluses to longer-term problems like ingrown toenails, bunions or postural discomfort. A child may not always complain about sore feet, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on how shoes fit and how they’re walking.

A good school shoe should support the arch, protect the toes and provide enough room for natural movement. Ideally, shoes should have a firm heel counter, adjustable fastening (like Velcro or laces), and a flexible, grippy sole.

Measuring Makes All the Difference

Getting your child’s feet measured by a trained professional is a must. Ideally both length and width. Each brand can vary, and children often have one foot slightly larger than the other. A proper fitting ensures shoes accommodate growth without being too loose or restrictive.

Even if your child insists their shoes “feel fine,” it’s worth checking every few months, especially if they’ve had a recent growth spurt or you notice changes in their gait or complaints of tired legs.

Common Foot Issues We See in Clinic

At Surrey Foot Service, we regularly see children with:

• Ingrown toenails – often caused by tight shoes or improper nail cutting
• Heel pain (Sever’s disease) – particularly in sporty children during growth spurts
• Flat feet – which may or may not need support depending on symptoms
• Warts/verrucae – often picked up in communal areas like swimming pools
• Blisters and corns – usually the result of rubbing or pressure from poor-fitting shoes

Many of these problems are preventable with the right footwear and early intervention.

Supporting Local: Hopscotch Shoe Boutique in East Molesey

We’re lucky to have an excellent local children’s shoe shop locally; Hopscotch Shoe Boutique. Their knowledgeable team offers expert fitting advice and stocks a great selection of quality children’s school shoes from trusted brands. If you’re unsure where to start, we often recommend Hopscotch for their friendly service and attention to detail. 

Appointments can be easily booked online via the Hopscotch Show Boutique website and they highly recommend securing a slot early, especially during the busy back-to-school season.

https://hopscotchshoeboutique.co.uk

When to Visit a Podiatrist

If your child complains of foot, ankle or leg pain, avoids activities they used to enjoy, or wears through shoes unusually quickly, it might be time to book a visit. Early assessment can help address problems before they become more serious.

In-house Musculoskeletal Specialist Paediatric Podiatrist
We are proud to have Rebecca, a Specialist Paediatric Podiatrist on our team, trained specifically in the care of children’s feet. She is skilled at identifying and treating a range of paediatric conditions from developmental concerns to sports injuries. 

Rebecca also works closely with parents and carers to offer practical advice around footwear, physical activity and home care enabling you to support your child’s foot health outside of the clinic. Her calm, friendly manner helps children feel at ease, even if it’s their first visit to a podiatrist.

When to seek a Paediatric Podiatry Assessment

• Concerns about foot structure (e.g. flat feet, high arches)
• In-toeing, out-toeing, tiptoe walking or walking difficulties
• Foot, ankle or leg pain
• Signs of skin or nail issues
• Concerns about footwear or foot function in sports

If you’d like advice or an assessment before the new term starts, pop into the clinic, give us a call or book online.

We’re always happy to help.