Podiatrists from Vithas Málaga give advice on summer footwear for children:

Málaga/As spring gives way to summer, the rise in temperatures in Málaga has prompted a change of wardrobe to have access to cooler clothes and open footwear, such as sandals or flip-flops. Children are no exception, and relatives should take care of their footwear, as they spend more time outdoors. The podiatrist at the Vithas Medical Center La Rosaleda, part of the Vithas Málaga hospital network, Alejandro Castillo, has emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate children's footwear, aiding in the healthy development of the feet of the little ones and to prevent problems.

"Healthy feet are the foundation for a correct posture and proper motor development in childhood. Ignoring the importance of good footwear at these stages can have consequences that may manifest even in adulthood," the podiatrist highlighted.

Shoes that offer freedom of movement to children

At this stage, a child's foot is constantly developing, undergoing a transformation from being predominantly cartilaginous to ossifying and acquiring its definitive shape and function, explained by Vithas. And for this process to develop optimally, it is important that the footwear allows natural and unrestricted movement.

“Footwear that limits this natural movement can have short and long-term consequences. Too rigid footwear, for example, forces the foot muscles to work less, which over time can lead to their weakening and less stability. This, in turn, can alter the child's way of walking, causing compensations that can even affect other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, or back,” explained the specialist.

Problems from wearing inappropriate shoes

In the long term, the continued use of inappropriate footwear can contribute to the development of deformities such as claw toes, bunions, or even flat feet. The podiatrist at Vithas Medical Center Nerja, María del Carmen Carrasco, reminded that "the foot is not just a structure to bear weight, but also an incredibly complex sensory system, with numerous nerve endings that provide crucial information for balance and coordination."

She highlights that footwear that prevents the foot from 'feeling' the ground properly: "can interfere with the development of proprioception, which is the ability to perceive the position and movement of our body in space," the podiatrist pointed out. In summary, she notes that summer footwear for children should allow freedom of movement, be flexible, lightweight, and have space for the toes. "It's an investment in the long-term health of our children's feet," added the podiatrist.

How should children's summer footwear be

Summer children's footwear should securely hold the foot, especially at the heel and instep, while allowing natural flexion when walking thanks to a flexible sole. Podiatrists recommend prioritizing breathable materials such as leather or cotton to avoid excessive sweating and the proliferation of fungi, in addition to looking for a toe cap that protects the little toes from potential bumps.

"We often observe in our consultation problems derived from common mistakes such as choosing sizes too large (thinking about durability rather than the child's health) which actually compromises the correct fitting of the foot," declares the Vithas specialist. Carrasco also advises against the prolonged use of flip-flops “as they do not offer the necessary stability, and non-breathable synthetic materials, which promote moisture and dermatological issues.” It's also important not to forget the fundamental importance of a non-slip sole to minimize the risk of slips and falls, especially for pools or play areas.

Summer children's footwear according to age and type of activity

The type of footwear for children varies in relation to their age and the type of activity they perform. Older children and teenagers, who play sports, should choose a specific shoe for the physical activity they engage in, which "provides the necessary cushioning, stability, and grip to prevent injuries," lists the podiatrist.

Regarding the use of sandals, Castillo makes it clear that they can be used, “but always ensuring that they offer good support at the heel and instep, avoiding those without support for prolonged use.” The key is to adapt the choice of footwear to the stage of development and the activity the child will be performing, always prioritizing the health and safety of their feet.