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Back to School Fit Guide

Writer's picture: Prime Health PodiatryPrime Health Podiatry
Find the right fit
Find the right fit

It is the time of year for the dreaded back to school shopping. Arguably, the most important aspect of getting the kids geared up to step into another year of school are SHOES. Unfortunately, shoes also tend to be the most confusing and frustrating to shop for. Follow this quick fit guide to make the experience of school shoe shopping more pleasant for everyone involved.


  1. Should your child see a podiatrist before you buy school shoes?

The first thing you should consider is if your child might need to visit a podiatrist before being fitted for school shoes. Some signs that may indicate that it may be beneficial include:

  • Uneven scuff marks or wear and tear on your child's shoes

  • You feel that your child has a ‘hard to fit’ foot

  • Your child experiences skin rashes, hard skin on their feet, lumps, bumps, excessive sweating, itching or ingrown toenails

  • Your child complains of foot and/or leg pain

  • Your child trips or falls frequently


If any of these signs remind you of your child or if you have any questions about how a podiatrist can help, please contact the clinic on (02) 4989 6496.



  1. Finding the right shoe and fit

Have this checklist on you when shopping to ensure you are buying the best shoe for your child

  • Take your child’s uniform-issued school socks or stockings to ensure the shoes fit well with them

  • Get your child’s feet measured correctly for length and width at a store that offers trained assistants or by a Podiatrist

  • Ensure your child can wiggle their toes freely in the shoes, both up and down and side to side

  • There should be about 1cm of growing room (no more!) between the end of their longest toe and the end of the shoe

  • Make sure the shoes match their activities and the season. E.g. breathable material such as leather for school shoes and cotton or nylon for sports shoes

  • Selecting a shoe with laces, a buckle or Velcro allows for the shoe to be adjusted to meet the growing needs of your child. Avoid elastic shoes and slip-ons as these don’t support developing young feet.


Brand Recommendations

  • Ascent (caters to different foot shapes, 6-month outsole guarantee)

  • Clarks (good options for different widths)

  • PaperKrane (minimalistic design, great for growing feet)

  • Asics (durable sports shoe with leather options)

  • Hoka (lightweight sports shoe)


Just as every child is unique so is every foot, if you are concerned about choosing the best shoe for your child, please contact the clinic for more information (02) 4989 6496.

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