Although foot problems are more common in adults than in children, the foot faults we ignore as children can influence the long-term health of our feet. It’s important for parents to make sure their children are wearing appropriate, foot-friendly shoes.

Making those choices can be challenging, especially when your child is focused solely on fashion or the latest footwear fad, but there are some definite guidelines that can help you avoid the weaker sneaker.

FOR TODDLERS

In children 4 and younger, the most important thing to consider is protection from the elements: weather, rocks and sharp objects.

Bare feet indoors, where they won’t step on anything harmful, and simple, comfortable shoes are best for strengthening young foot muscles.

Look for nonbinding shoes with a flexible sole that will allow your child’s foot to move, bend and absorb ground forces. 

FOR CHILDREN

As your child’s feet continue to grow and develop, flexible options for day-to-day wear remain your best bet.

Slippers allow the foot to develop naturally and are fine for everyday use, as long as your child has no pain or discomfort when wearing them. Styles built with a slight arch are best.

When shoe shopping, resist the urge to buy shoes a size or two larger than what your child needs.

An appropriate fit would equal the child’s thumb width between the tip of the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Bargain purchases are fine, though parents may consider adding supportive inserts from a sporting goods store.

FOR TEENS

Teens often consider fashion over form when choosing footwear. Popular styles — Converse sneakers, ballet flats, flat sandals — lack arch support, which can lead to pain. Add inserts in their sneakers and alternate these styles with more supportive low-heeled footwear whenever possible.

Children who play sports spend a lot of time on their feet and the right type of footwear is crucial to prevent injury. Tennis shoes, for example, have a rigid, stiff design to provide lateral stability on the court, while running shoes have more cushion and flexibility to absorb impact. Fittingly, it is worth it to invest in sport-specific athletic shoes because they are designed to accommodate the specific movements of the sport.

Remember, proper footwear choices for our children mean less pain later in life.

Dr. Earl Wong is chief of podiatry at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center.