Children's Shoes Are Too Small And Causing Deformities, A New Study Finds

    NEW YORK, NY, March 18, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Young children are wearing shoes that are too small, according to a new study presented by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). As a result, these children are at risk for developing serious foot deformities.

The 2009 study, which took place in Switzerland, included 250 boys and girls. Researchers measured children's feet and footwear to determine whether the children were wearing properly sized shoes.

"The most striking finding was that more than 90 percent of children's shoes were too small," says Norman Espinosa, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.

Shoes that are too tight are the leading cause of a foot deformity called Hallux Valgus, a condition that occurs when the big toe begins to angle sideways toward the second toe, causing a bump or bunion on the side of the foot.

To prevent these problems, parents should check the fit of children's shoes every month or so. Many children will outgrow their shoes before the shoes are worn out.

Children's shoes come in many shapes and sizes. A common instinct for parents is to purchase something that looks cute rather than a shoe that is designed to assist in a child's optimal growth.

According to most experts, babies don't need shoes till they're up and walking around. It's important for infants to get in lots of barefoot time to gain balance and learn how their toes and feet work.

"When children start to spend time on their feet, Pediatricians recommend soft shoes that move with baby's feet." says Drew Waters, founder of MostComfortableShoes.com. "The soles should be non-skid to prevent falls and flexible to allow a full spectrum of movement. Natural materials that breathe are also recommended."

When buying shoes, allow at least half an inch space in the toe area of the shoe. On average, a child's feet will grow two full sizes a year until age five so regular measurements are essential.

Parents should also buy shoes designed by reputable children's footwear companies specifically for toddlers and young children. A child's foot is a different shape from that of an adult or teenager, requiring a correspondingly much bigger toe area than the shape of an adult shoe.

To see a selection of children's shoes that will assist in the optimum development of children's feet, visit MostComfortableShoes.com at the following link: http://www.mostcomfortableshoes.com/category/kids-shoes/comfortable-infants-shoes/

About Most Comfortable Shoes

Most Comfortable Shoes is an online consumer guide for comfortable shoes, boot sandals and clogs. For further information, please contact us at: [email protected]

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