Back-to-School Foot Care Tips for Kids

As families around the Tri-Cities gear up for a new school year, back-to-school checklists are in full swing — new clothes, sharpened pencils, and packed lunches. But one essential part of your child’s health often gets overlooked: their feet.

Children spend hours each day walking, running, and standing — whether it's walking through the halls, sprinting across the playground, or playing organized sports. And with feet still developing throughout childhood, foot health is critical for posture, coordination, and overall physical development.

At Kiddy Foot & Ankle Group in Kennewick, Dr. Kiddy specializes in pediatric podiatry and is here to help parents support healthy feet from the ground up. Here are Dr. Kiddy's top back-to-school foot care tips every parent should know.

1. Start with Supportive, Well-Fitted Shoes

Buying shoes isn’t just a fashion decision — it’s a health decision. Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can lead to long-term foot problems like bunions, heel pain, or gait abnormalities.

When shopping for new school shoes:

• Measure both feet — kids’ feet grow fast and not always evenly.

• Look for about a half-inch (thumb’s width) between the toe and the shoe tip.

• Choose firm soles with good arch support (avoid flimsy or ultra-flexible shoes).

• Prioritize breathable materials like mesh or leather to prevent odor and fungus.

• Avoid hand-me-downs, which can wear unevenly and cause foot strain.

Pro Tip: Shop for shoes in the late afternoon, when feet are slightly swollen, for the most accurate fit.

2. Inspect Feet Regularly (They Change Fast!)

Children's feet grow quickly — sometimes over a full size in just a few months. They may not always mention pain, but subtle signs can indicate problems:

• Uneven shoe wear

• Red marks, blisters, or calluses

• Complaints of tripping, toe-walking, or heel pain

• Limping after recess or practice

Make it a habit to check their feet every month. If anything seems off, schedule an exam. Dr. Kiddy offers pediatric foot screenings that can catch problems early before they become chronic.

3. Prioritize Hygiene — Especially for Teens

With gym class, PE lockers, and shared showers, back-to-school season is prime time for foot infections like athlete’s foot, warts, and toenail fungus.

To help your child avoid infections:

• Encourage them to wash and thoroughly dry their feet daily.

• Always wear flip-flops or sandals in locker rooms.

• Pack an extra pair of socks on gym days.

• Never share socks, shoes, or towels with others.

• Keep toenails trimmed straight across — not curved — to prevent ingrown nails.

If you notice peeling skin, itching, or odor, book a visit — most infections are simple to treat when caught early.

4. Sports? Use the Right Gear and Rest Days

Children participating in sports like soccer, basketball, dance, or cheerleading are at a higher risk of foot and ankle injuries, particularly when training on hard surfaces or wearing improper shoes.

Here’s how to protect them:

• Invest in sport-specific footwear — running shoes aren't ideal for court sports, and vice versa.

• Consider custom orthotics if your child complains of fatigue, heel pain, or flat feet.

• Ensure shoes are replaced every 300-500 miles or every sports season.

• Build in rest days between practices to reduce overuse injuries like Sever’s disease (a common cause of heel pain in kids).

Dr. Kiddy can create a personalized plan if your young athlete is struggling with pain, mobility, or performance.

5. Don’t Ignore Foot Pain

Children should never experience chronic foot or ankle pain. Growing pains are normal, but limping, toe-walking, or avoiding activity are red flags.

Standard school-year foot issues include:

• Sever’s disease (heel pain from growth plate inflammation)

• Flat feet leading to fatigue or knee pain

• Plantar warts from locker rooms

• Ingrown toenails from tight shoes or improper trimming

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If your child has recurring issues, Dr. Kiddy offers gentle, kid-friendly treatment plans designed for growing feet.

Schedule a Back-to-School Foot Exam Today

Healthy feet help kids stay active, confident, and focused in school. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or suiting up for varsity, foot health plays a huge role in their academic and athletic success.

At Kiddy Foot & Ankle Group in Kennewick, Dr. Kiddy is a board-certified expert in pediatric podiatry and loves helping kids feel better fast.

Call us today to schedule your child’s back-to-school foot checkup.Let’s make sure their school year starts off on the right foot — literally.