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What to buy?
Photo courtesy of Runner's World
Dear Carol,
What shoes do you recommend for children ages 6, 8, and 10? My kids want to start running with me and I know they need good shoes but don't have any idea what to buy them.
Dave and Les
Dear Dave and Les,
You are right to be concerned with the type of shoes your children wear for physical activity. The foot carries the whole body, thus the impact of your stride travels through the body affecting ankles, calves, legs, shoulders, and back.
According to the California Podiatric Medical Association (1), the younger two of your children would benefit from a general sports shoe that fits well, that is unless they have a foot problem such as flat feet, pidgin toes, etc. (And in this case you should visit a podiatrist.)
To get a good fit:Shop for shoes at the end of the day when feet have expanded.
Measure both feet and allow for a half-inch between the end of the foot. Then fit the shoes to the larger foot.
Try on the shoes with the socks that will be worn most often with the shoes.
Make sure the heels don't slip.
Go for a short test run/walk to make sure the new shoes are comfortable.
Don't be tempted to buy fad-shoes with an elevated heel/sole. These are dangerous for sports activities.
Then break the shoes in gradually. Don't wear brand new shoes for a race. Check for the development of blisters (prevent with wicking socks and band-aid-type blister prevention aids).
After the age of ten, the American Podiatric Medical Association recommends a good sturdy running shoe. So right about now would probably be the time to get to the running store to have your older child's specific biomechanics evaluated. Buy a good fitting shoe that meets his/her structural needs. There are many types: cushioned, stability, motion control, to name a few. Later, you can buy from a catalog such as Road Runner Sports, which also can help with fit/needs and has a good return policy if the shoes don't work for you.
Be sure to keep an extra supply of laces around, both the right length and in good condition so that your children can always keep their shoes tied properly. If your child can't tie, try the elastic curly laces. They turn the shoes into slip-ons and result in a snug fit. Then spend some time, teaching them how to tie. If you follow the suggestions above, you will be meeting the most basic need for running gear - a good running shoe.
Carol
1. "California Podiatric Medical Association: Saving our Children's Soles" August 25, 1998, kidsource.com
