Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright April 27, 1988
QUESTION: I have what you might think is a silly question. I have two kids and my youngest one is now at the age when he will be wearing shoes. My question is can he wear my eldest child’s old shoes. Would the shape of my eldest child’s foot have molded to the shoe, and would that be a problem for my youngest child when he starts walking? I hope you can understand what I mean and give me an answer.
ANSWER: I think I understand what you are asking and I think I can give you an answer.
Take the money you would have spent on buying new shoes and buy your child a new toy. My philosophy is not to worry unless something is there to worry about. It is true that some shoes will take on the shape of their owner’s feet after a while. Leather shoes will stretch in some places and bend in some places and become worn down in other places, as the person who walks in the shoe places stresses on different parts of their feet.
Everyone is different and so when your younger child tries on the shoes he may find them a bit stretched, bent, warped, worn, creased and most probably very dirty.
GOOD NEWS
The good news for parents who want to save the money needed for new shoes for each child is that most young children do not wear leather shoes, but even if they do, the changes are only minor and kids’ feet are very adaptable. Running shoes made from canvas or nylon are common and these shoes usually do not stretch permanently as much as does leather.
Shoes for children should be supportive, with a good arch, and be comfortable. Running shoes are fine. If your older child is wearing out his shoes at a more rapid rate than you think is normal, bring the shoes in to an experienced orthopaedic shoemaker, or your doctor or chiropractor. These people could probably tell you if the wear is normal or if it is excessive for his age.
You should also investigate the reasons for any abnormal wear on the shoes. This includes one shoe wearing out but not the other, wear only on the backs, fronts, inside or outside of the shoes, or anything else which doesn’t appear normal to you.
If your younger child doesn’t mind getting hand-me-down shoes from his big brother, and the shoes seem to fit properly, and they are comfortable, then save the money and don’t feel that you have to buy new shoes.
IN GOOD SHAPE
The shoes must be in good shape or you should throw them out. Worn-out shoes are not supportive enough for younger children.
While we’re on the topic of shoes, please make sure your children put their feet inside their shoes, not on top of them. Also, make sure the shoelaces are tied tightly, and properly.
Allan Horowitz, D.C., is a chiropractor and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer readers’ questions on a variety of topics including back pain, headaches, nutrition and preventive medicine.
Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, care of The Liberal, Box 390, Richmond Hill, L4C4Y6.