Backpacks, lunch kits, notebooks – check. But when was the last time you sized up your child’s shoes?

Footwear may be one of the most underappreciated school supplies. Pediatric foot specialists say children’s feet grow faster than adults’, especially under age 12. Some kids can outgrow shoes three to four times a year as their cartilage and bones develop. And with growing feet come growing style preferences – which makes finding the right pair trickier than ever.

That’s where trained fitters at specialty stores come in – helping families match shoes to foot health and busy school-day routines. Sean McGrath, president, New Balance Toronto/Fit4Balance Inc., has spent decades guiding parents through the process.

“Most kids do well with a good pair of runners,” McGrath explains. “They’re built for forward motion and cushioning, so they work for everyday wear – class, recess, gym. But when children start organized sports like soccer or basketball, it’s worth considering activity-specific shoes with added traction and lateral support.”

Kids grow fast – but your budget doesn’t have to. New Balance carries shoes for all ages, and right now, there’s a special offer just for little feet: buy one pair in kids’ sizes (from toddlers up to age 8) and get the second for 50% off. It’s a smart way to keep them moving, without overspending.

For most kids:

• One well-fitting running shoe can cover school and casual sports.
• Specialized shoes make sense for team sports or intensive training.
• The priority is fit, flexibility, and support – not a closet full of sneakers.

When it comes to fit, McGrath and his team emphasize the essentials. They can guide families toward shoes suited for specific needs – like wider sizing, extra support, or orthotic room.

Shoe Fit 101: What parents should know

• Toe room: Leave a thumb’s width at the front. Toes should wiggle freely
• Insole check: Have your child stand on the insole to gauge interior fit – heels and toes should stay within the edges with wiggle room.
• Width: Snug, not tight. No bulging or squeezing across the ball of the foot.
• Heel fit: Aim for a secure hold.
• Sole support: Toddlers need flexible shoes. Older kids benefit from sturdier soles.
• Ease: Velcro or elastic laces help with independence and ensure a proper lockdown.
• Try-on rules: Test shoes on both feet – one foot is often larger.
• Walk test: Watch for awkward gait, limping, or complaints.

One often-overlooked factor? Rotation. According to the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, kids’ feet sweat more than adults’, and damp shoes can cause athlete’s foot or plantar warts. Alternating shoes every other day allows them to fully dry and decompress. If possible, have one pair for school and one for gym or play.

McGrath says many parents unknowingly make simple mistakes – like guessing shoe size, buying too big “to grow into,” or choosing fashion over function. His top tip? Make fit the priority, no matter where you shop. Just like car tires, kids’ shoes need regular checks and occasional rotation.

“Footwear sets the foundation for how kids move, learn, and play,” he says. “Shoes are the real MVP of school supplies.”