You decide to “swing-by” the mall shoe store to visit a sale on back to school shoes. You bring all of your kids because you are desperate for shoes that fit and are in a hurry! You did not plan for hungry kids fighting, unpleasant salespeople, your stroller tripping other shoppers all the while trying to find a shoe that fits, and is on sale. Most kids don’t enjoy trying on 6 pairs of shoes like adults do. Fitting a shoe on a child’s foot and having them stand up and walk on it over and over, can be exhausting. We’ve all been there! For those of us with children that wear orthotics, it can be even more challenging.
I found this article “Shoe shopping with children made easy” very informative. Planning ahead is crucial. Taking each child individually is a good idea, but sometimes not convenient. An alternative, is to bring a second adult for entertaining the child or helping to fin
d sizes. More advice is to make sure you have a bag packed with a snack, drink and toys. Going to the shoe store during the day instead of weekends or evenings is helpful when trying to avoid crowded aisles and busy salespeople.
I have repeatedly been the victim of “shoe fantasy”. I have ordered shoes for my child at a great price online based solely on their looks. When the shoes arrive, I am surprised that they don’t fit well over her orthotic. What good is a cute shoe that doesn’t fit? In my mind, I was saving time and money. In reality, it was just the opposite.
I have had the most success at a “physical” shoe store that has sales people that can measure and fit my child. When orthotics are involved, there seem to be fewer options of shoes and therefore fewer shoe stores that carry them. My preference is an outlet store that carries wide widths, such as New Balance or Stride Rite. An outlet also typically has trained salespeople to fit each child as well as bargain prices. Before making the drive, it is a good idea to give the outlet store a call and give them a “heads up” that you are looking for specialized assistance.
The width of a shoe isn’t always the determining factor for orthotics. Each shoe needs to be tried on with the orthotic and the child should walk in the shoe for a short distance to determine if the shoe fits well.
Every child deserves to put their best “foot forward” this fall. As a parent, take some time to plan for a successful shopping trip and you and your child will be thankful for it.
