7
2019
Tips for Buying the Right School Shoes
I can’t believe I am saying this but WHITE canvas shoes will soon be a thing of the past in schools in Malaysia. I have been holding on to it for the longest time ever since our Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik announced that all students will wear black shoes in the near future.
I have always loved white shoes. I mean we were not given a choice back then. Love it or hate it, we had to wear white canvas shoes.
With my youngest boy starting school too next year, I will have TWO school going children. I don’t think I can carry on with the white shoes battle anymore. I have finally relented. I am going to let both of them wear black shoes next year onwards as I believe it will make life easier for all of us.
Gone are the days where we swiped a stick of white chalk from the blackboard to rub it furiously over the soiled parts of our white shoes. Schools don’t even use chalk these days with white board markers taking over. How times have changed.
Colours aside, it’s important to get shoes with good fitting and comfortable. Look for that magical combination of durability and comfort. Extra features like lightweight, breathability and waterproof materials can help with the longevity of a school shoe, but comfort is arguably the most important factor of all.
It’s also advisable to get our child’s feet measured before we shop for shoes or risk miscalculating and ending up with a pair of shoes that start pinching before the term is even over. Make sure to measure BOTH feet. We don’t have to go in-store to do this as there is an online tool to do it these days. I checked my boys’ feet with this online feet measuring tool.
Here are 4 important factors to buying shoes that cater to our kids’ podiatric development:
- COMFORT
It goes without saying: comfort is key. Poorly-fitted shoes can actually hinder a child’s normal growth and comfort. It is recommended to get lightweight and flexible shoes that ensures better growing feet.
- EASY USE
We know how valuable time is especially during early morning rush. That’s why I chose Velcro for both the boys’ shoes because I can imagine screaming my lungs out if I have to hurry them to tie up their shoelaces every single weekday mornings.
- BREATHABILITY
A good ventilation system will help to keep feet cooler and drier. The mesh upper offer maximum ventilation and reduce discomfort and (urgh!) smelly feet.
- FLEXIBILITY
Soles should not be too stiff or too soft. For shoes to support our feet properly, they need cushioning that soften the blow to our feet with each step and arch support that hugs our natural footprint and prevent injury and strain to the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons in our feet.
School shoe soles should be sturdy and thick enough to protect our child’s feet from pain and injury. But they should also be flexible enough to bend with the foot.
Excited Lil’ Ayden with his spunky pair of shoes that looks cool AND feels great. He is so ready for school next year!
We got the boys’ school shoes online at www.pallas.com.my . You can get them at AEON, TESCO, MYDIN and PARKSON too if you prefer shopping the traditional way.
Pallas! I wonder where I can get these here in Sibu
wow! got online measuring tool for feet now! is it accurate?
Hi Mun,
Yes, it’s accurate. My boys have been using this online measuring tool for two years now.