Back to school shopping can be a pain in the neck. But if you buy the wrong shoes, it can mean pain in your lower extremities, too. That’s why we wanted to put together this handy guide for the best supportive shoes for teachers and kids.
After all, education is hard enough work without having to worry about your feet hurting.
So here are some things to look for when looking for those back to school shoes:
Back To School Shoes For Kids
There are 3 main factors to keep in mind when looking at back to school shoes for kids: fit, durability/versatility, and support.
Back To School Shoes: Fit
Shoe shopping for kids can be tough… mostly because their feet are still growing!
It can be a challenge to determine the right fit for growing feet, but it’s still very important. If the fit is sloppy, or too loose, it can lead to movement within the shoe. Movement leads to friction, and friction leads to blisters.
That being said, you don’t want to pick a shoe that’s too snug, or the shoe will soon be too uncomfortable to wear when it is outgrown.
We recommend looking for a fit that allows for a little extra room in the toe to make room for growing, while still wrapping around the foot enough to curtail movement.
Back To School Shoes: Versatility & Durability
If possible, it’s good to get versatile shoes for kids. Shoes that can be used for the classroom, the playground, and the gym.
You may remember gym shoes being tricky, since black-soled shoes would leave marks on gym floors, but in the last 5-10 years this hasn’t been that much of an issue. So look for a shoe that can be used in multiple situations!
The main factor when picking out a shoe that will be worn all the time? Whether or not it will hold up to being worn all the time.
So look for durable shoes, too. Leather uppers tend to hold up longer (and are easier to clean,) but mesh uppers can be more flexible and breathable. A combination shoe utilizing both of these elements may be a good compromise.
Back To School Shoes: Support
The supportive elements of a shoe are the base, which should be wide enough for correct weight distribution and balance, and the midsole, which contributes to arch support.
Depending on foot type, a child’s gait may overpronate or strike too hard on the heel. This can lead to an array of discomforts and possible injuries, including plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Sever’s Disease, or even just sore feet.
So look for supportive shoes!
If your child does absolutely need a pair of shoes that aren’t supportive, consider a supportive insole. Orange Insoles come in sizes as small as size 4.5 in mens/boys sizes, and may be a good option for middle and high schoolers especially.
The Best Supportive Shoes For Teachers
But kids aren’t the only ones who need great back to school kicks! Teachers need all the support they can get.
What Types Of Shoes Should Teachers Wear?
Running shoes usually come with an array of support options, and it’s usually fairly easy to find an athletic shoe that can offer the right support for your foot type.
Elementary school teachers may want to consider these, or hiking shoes, as they are able to be worn both inside and outside.
However, running shoes may not have the professional look that you’d prefer for the workplace. They may not even be allowed as part of your school’s dress code.
Luckily, the fundamentals of supportive shoes are the same as what to look for in any shoe! Look for a wide base with a high-contoured midsole to help post the medial arch.
What If The Shoes Teachers Need Aren’t Supportive?
If you need to wear dress casual shoes, or prefer a lightweight shoe to change into that you can keep in the classroom during the winter months, consider adding an insole for additional support.
Teachers spend much of their day on their feet, which can lead to fatigue, soreness, and uneven weight distribution.
An Orange Insole can provide a heel cup, arch support, and a metatarsal pad to help keep pressure where it needs to be on the foot.
If you can remove the sock liner in the shoe, consider an Orange Full for maximum support. The Orange ¾ and Orange Light can also provide support for shoes with a thinner profile.
Get one in your size today, and get the support you need for the rest of the school year!
