Foot Health
Buying a 'Healthy' Shoe Crucial During Back-To-School Shopping Season
By
Aug 7, 2008 - 1:13:41 PM

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers shoe-buying tips and "1,2,3 Test"

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - BETHESDA, Md., -- With the hustle and bustle of a new school year only weeks away, parents are jotting down back-to-school shopping lists that include the names of important supplies and fashionable new clothing options for their child. But while many items can be quickly dropped into a shopping cart, purchasing a new pair of children's shoes should be more time-intensive than simply picking a brand name off of a store's shelf.

According to results taken from American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) surveys among adults aged 18-49, 18 percent of males and 65 percent of females have not had their feet measured in the last five years. Wearing an improperly fitting shoe often leads to foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, so it's particularly important for children -- whose feet are still in their developing stages -- to always have their foot measured by a shoe store professional.

"Parents should remember that not every child's shoe on the market is a healthy choice, and price is not indicative of quality," said APMA President Ross Taubman, DPM. "In addition to having your child's foot size professionally measured before purchasing a shoe, pay close attention to three footwear aspects: a stiff heel counter, proper toe flexibility and proper rigidity. Doing this drastically reduces the chance of injury in young feet."

To help parents understand the basics of buying a healthy shoe, the APMA has assembled a list of important shoe-buying tips, as well as an easy-to-remember "1,2,3 Test." The tip sheet and "1,2,3 Test" can be viewed in PDF format by visiting http://www.apma.org/s_apma/docs/23400/23309.pdf.

Several children's footwear companies and products on the market have recently received the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, including footwear companies Chaco and See Kai Run, as well as Reebok's Versaflex Collection of Toddler Footwear. APMA's Seal program recognizes products that set the benchmark for footwear and foot care industries. Evaluated by a committee of APMA podiatric physicians, these products are proven to allow for normal foot function and promote quality foot health. For a full listing of Accepted children's products, please visit http://www.apma.org/s_apma/doc.asp?CID=12&DID=22961.

For more information about children's foot health, visit www.apma.org.

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