Back to School, Back to Foot Pain? Shoe Tips for Growing Kids

Is Your Child’s Footwear Ready for the School Year?

September rolls around, the backpacks come out, and suddenly your child is walking, running, and standing all day in their school shoes. But what happens when those little feet start hurting?

At Achilles Foot Clinic in Ballincollig, we see a rise in foot pain among kids right after school starts. Most of the time, it comes down to one thing: the wrong shoes.

Kids are constantly growing—and so are their feet. Wearing shoes that are too tight, too flat, or too worn out can lead to pain, poor posture, and even long-term foot issues.

Let’s look at how to choose the right school shoes so your child stays pain-free and active all year long.

Common Foot Issues in School-Aged Children

Your child might not always say “my feet hurt,” but here are some signs to watch out for:

• Complaining of tired legs after school

• Heel pain, especially in active kids (common in Sever’s disease)

• Tripping or clumsiness

• Avoiding sports or PE

• Blisters or red marks from shoes

These can all be signs that their shoes aren’t fitting or supporting them properly.

6 Expert Shoe Tips for Growing Feet

1. Always Check the Fit (Not Just the Size)

Kids' feet can grow quickly—sometimes half a size in just a few months. A properly fitted shoe should have:

• A thumb’s width of space at the toe

• A snug (but not tight) heel

• Room to wiggle the toes

📏 Get their feet measured standing up—that’s when the foot spreads most.

2. Choose Support Over Style

Avoid trendy shoes that lack structure. Look for:

• A firm heel counter (the back of the shoe)

• Arch support inside

• A flexible sole that bends only at the ball of the foot

3. Avoid Slip-Ons for Everyday Use

Slip-on shoes (like ballet flats or fashion runners) often lack support and cause the toes to grip, leading to muscle fatigue.

Instead, go for shoes with laces or Velcro for a secure fit.

4. Mind the Materials

Breathable, durable materials like leather or mesh help prevent sweating, blisters, and odour. They also tend to mould better to the foot over time.

5. Watch for Uneven Wear

If one side of the sole wears out faster, it could be a sign of poor foot mechanics or alignment. This is especially important if your child is active in sports.

👀 Bring the shoes in during a foot check—we can spot a lot just by looking at them!

6. Replace Shoes Every 6–9 Months

Even if they still fit, shoes can lose support over time. Worn-out soles and flattened cushioning won't protect growing feet during a long school day.

Bonus Tip: Watch for Growth Spurts

Kids’ bones and joints are growing rapidly—and that makes them more prone to foot pain during growth spurts. Stretching, good footwear, and (in some cases) custom orthotics can help them stay pain-free and active.

Back to School Shouldn’t Mean Back to Pain

A well-fitted, supportive shoe is one of the best investments you can make in your child’s health. It keeps them moving, playing, and learning without distractions from aches and pains.

If your child is experiencing heel pain, limping after PE, or wearing through shoes too fast, we’re here to help.

📍 Achilles Foot Clinic – Ballincollig, Cork
Paediatric foot care | Gait assessments | Custom orthotics

Book your child’s back-to-school foot check with us today. Let’s make sure those growing feet get off on the right foot this year!