Signs Your School Shoes Are Worn Out

Jan 02, 2025

For Back to School this year, we've partnered with Susan and Alycia from Rightstep Podiatry to discuss why it's vital for your child's school shoes to fit properly and how to identify when it's time for a replacement.

Susan, the proprietor of Rightstep Podiatry, holds an Honours degree in Podiatry. Since qualifying, she has run her own practices in both the UK and Canning Vale. Rightstep Podiatry, established in 2009, now operates four and a half days a week.

Alycia completed her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree at the University of Western Australia, following her Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with a major in Medical Sciences. She has a particular interest in musculoskeletal pathologies, biomechanics, orthotic therapy, injury rehabilitation, and diabetic foot care.

Their combined expertise offers invaluable insights to ensure your little ones' feet are supported and healthy throughout the school year.

January is the time for children to be measured and fitted for new school and sports shoes.

Feet come in all shapes and sizes and children have different requirements depending on their level of activity. Shoes should be accurately measured by a shoe specialist to help reduce foot complaints caused by ill-fitting footwear.

1. If your little one's shoes are too narrow in width or incorrectly shaped in the toe box, ingrown toenails and runners nail can happen.

2. Pointy, tapered shoes are not suitable. Instead, opt for broad-toed shoes to prevent cramping and protect nails from damage.

3. It's important to allow space in your little one's school shoes for growth during the school term.

4. Tight footwear can cause blisters and nail damage in the short term and lead to corns and toe deformities over time.

Did you know? Some children can grow up to 2 shoe sizes in a school year. To avoid shoe-related foot problems, check the fitting of your little one's shoes regularly!

1. A scuffed upper on the toe area and general wear from sports or playground activities.

2. The upper of the shoe is starting to lean or collapse in. This can lead to foot and ankle pain.

3. Distortion of the upper.

4. The toe crease across the top of the shoe may become deep and excessive causing pinching across the toes.

5. The sole of the shoe has started to wear in a pattern specific to the wearer's biomechanics.

6. Excessive wear on one side of a shoe's sole can cause the foot to roll in that direction, potentially leading to musculoskeletal pain and ankle sprains.

7. In some cases, due to the high level of activity and use of the shoe the sole itself can become impacted, and the cushioning can be significantly reduced.

8. Foot and toe issues can sometimes arise from damaged seams, creases, or worn edges inside a shoe. Be sure to check the interior regularly!

Need to buy new school shoes? Explore our school range now.