Kids' Shoe Shopping: Easy as "1,2,3"
Bethesda, MD – Most back-to-school lists this fall will include new lunchboxes, books, and backpacks. But what about smart kids footwear that’s important to overall health?
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) wants to remind those heading back to the classroom that a sturdy shoe can go a long way toward avoiding injury now that school is back in session. While price isn’t necessarily indicative of quality, certain shoe characteristics are better for growing feet.
“A pair of well-made shoes can keep children safe from foot problems such as sprains and strains – both in class and on the playground,” said Michael J. King, DPM, APMA President. “Checking for three different aspects of a shoe’s design makes it easy for parents to distinguish which models are foot-friendly.”
If a child’s feet hurt, APMA recommends that they find a podiatrist immediately to prevent serious injury. To learn how to tell if a shoe makes the grade for your child’s feet—including how to perform the simple “1,2,3 Test”—watch the following video:
For a full list of children’s footwear products that carry APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for promoting proper foot health, visit apma.org/shoesforkids.
“Like” APMA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theAPMA
Follow us on Twitter: @APMAtweets
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college, and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.
###