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ANATOMY OF THE SHOE
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THE STRAP AND LACES:
These components make up the strap and
laces that holds the shoe on the foot. When
using laces having more than four reinforced
eyelets is important to pull the sides of the
shoes closed. This helps to stabilise the shoe
on the foot.
THE UPPER:
These pieces make up the top half of the shoe
known as the upper. Leather usually is the best
material for the uppers of kids’ shoes. It’s
flexible, with light stability and is soft but still
hard-wearing. As it is a natural material, it also
lets air in but keeps moisture out. This helps
your children’s feet stay cool and dry in
most conditions.
Nubuck and suede are increasingly found on
modern children’s designs and are different
types of leather and share most of its benefits.
Avoid shoes with uppers made of other
materials (synthetics or plastics) as these are
often hard, inflexible and won’t allow your
child’s feet to breathe and may impede
movement and natural function.
INSIDE THE SHOE:
The inside of a shoe is just as important as the
outside. The lining should be breathable which
transfers moisture away from the foot. Try to
avoid shoes that have inner seams as these
can rub and cause skin irritation.
THE SOLE:
Rubber and polyurethane are the best
materials for the soles of kids’ shoes as they
provide flexibility and are hard-wearing. This
is important to withstand the punishment most
kids put their shoes through! These materials
can also be moulded to create sole patterns
that provide great grip and design features that
appeal to children. Try to avoid shoes with soles
made of resin or leather as they don’t grip very
well and can cause slips and trips.
In any situation, the main features of a good
pediatric shoe are:
• A firm heel cup (the area of the shoes where
the heel sits)
• Slight heel elevation (no more than 3-4mm)
at heel
• Good flexibility of the forefoot (you should be
able to bend this easily with your fingers)
• Some mild stiffness of the mid-part (upper)
of the shoe
• Adequate fastenings that can be adjusted
(double Velcro, laces or strap)
• Reasonable height of heel counter or a boot
(in the case of a flatter foot type, a higher
heel cup will offer better support)
• Friction on the sole, ensure the shoes
providesufficient grip on the ground to
avoid slipping
T
he ‘anatomy’ of shoes is made up of the components which can be grouped into
those that make up the upper and the sole of the shoe.
SIZING AND FITTING:
Wearing shoes of insufficient length during
childhood is often cited as leading to foot
deformities, particularly the development of
hallux valgus (bunions). Klein et al (2009)
reported a significant relationship between
a larger hallux valgus angle and pre-school
children who were wearing footwear too short
in length. This is just one example as to why
assessing shoe size and fit is very important
in the developing foot. Other reasons to check
size is to prevent other problems like lesser toe
and nail disorders, blistering or formation of
hard skin due to the shoes being too tight or
too loose.
SIZING:
When considering size, it is important not just
to consider the length of the shoe but also the
width, depth and shape of the shoe.
Don’t get fixated on a size or number because
you may have three pairs of shoes that are
all the same size, however they will all fit your
child’s foot differently because of the style,
shape or brand.
The general rules for sizing are:
LENGTH:
Children’s shoes need a small
gap on the end of the shoe measured for the
longest toe to allow for growth and movement.
WIDTH:
Correct width should allow the toes
to rest flat on the inner sole of the shoe without
begin compressed.
DEPTH:
Correct depth is important to
prevent pressure being exerted on the tops of
the toes.