Are You Buying the Right Sports Shoes for Your Child? Avoid Injuries with These Tips

Fall is right around the corner, which means your child’s sports programs are about to swing back into action. But before you buy new sports shoes or cleats there are a few factors you should consider, as an ill-fitting shoe can cause injuries.

“Not all sport shoes are created equal. It’s important that you get your child’s feet professionally measured by a podiatrist to ensure that you are buying the right shoe,” says Dr. Hyatt, a Triad Foot & Ankle Center podiatrist. “Wearing an ill-fitting shoe or one that doesn’t provide the right amount of support can lead to injuries.”

To avoid sports-related injuries, use this guide provided by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) when picking out your child’s sports-specific shoe:

Basketball

• Common Injuries: Sprains, Stress Fractures, Tendinitis
• Shoe characteristics you should look for: Thick and stiff sole that offers support while your child runs and jumps. The shoe should also have a high ankle for added support during quick motion changes on the court.

Soccer

• Common Injuries: Ankle Sprains, Turf Toe, Ingrown Toenails
• Cleat characteristics you should look for: Make sure there is no more than a half inch of space between your child’s big toe and the end of the shoe. You should also look for the stud type that will be appropriate for the type of ground they will be playing on (soft, hard, or firm).

Football and Lacrosse

• Common Injuries: Turf Toe, Achilles Tendinitis
• Cleat characteristics you should look for: You want to look for cleats with high ankle support, especially if you play in a position where you make quick sideways movements, like linemen.

Running

• Common Injuries: Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints and Morton’s Neuroma
• Shoe characteristics you should look for: Shoes with shock absorption is advised to help runners avoid impact-related injuries. Your shoe should also match your arch type (high, medium, low).

If you want to ensure you are purchasing the proper footwear for your child, the first step is seeing a podiatrist who will provide a proper measurement of their foot and evaluate what type of arch your child has. The podiatry experts at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, who have locations in Greensboro, Burlington, and Asheboro, can help you make the right decision and prevent your child from having to visit the doctor’s office as a result of an injury.

Click here to request an appointment or call 336-375-6990.

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