If when your children start a new school year, you are one of those who think that the little ones can inherit the shoes of their older siblings, be careful! Although it is usually a common practice in families with several siblings (due to financial savings), in matters of growth it is not recommended. On the one hand, it is logical that, if the footwear is still in good condition, you continue to use it. However, you must remember that this takes the shape of the foot of the person who uses it. If it is very deformed due to continuous use, it is normal that it will affect the development of the foot of its future owner.
This aspect usually occurs frequently in families with several children of close ages. Therefore, it is important to know the pros and cons of reusing shoes and sneakers during childhood. Below we will inform you, in detail, about this issue.
Can footwear be inherited?
Each person’s way of walking is unique and non-transferable. And this is printed on the footwear physically. In a shoe that is used regularly, you can see the marks that toes and heels leave on the inside, due to prolonged use. Signs from the outside are also evident in the wear on the toe and sole. These usually indicate the gait of the person wearing it, providing information on which parts the foot rests on most and the type of stride that is taken.
The main factors that depend on whether your children inherit shoes from siblings or relatives are the age range and the condition of the footwear.
In general terms, according to expert podiatrists, it is important not to reuse footwear in children under eight years of age. In this period, the evolution of their lower limbs is in full development. The little ones adapt their shoes to their way of walking. Using another that already has the shape of another person would cause discomfort and affect the structure of the foot.
Among the problems that may arise when using footwear adapted to another foot are minor discomforts such as chafing or wounds. However, serious problems can also arise. By altering the way you step, you may experience certain walking imbalances or suffer from flat feet. On the other hand, it could restrict the movement of the toes and alter the structure of the sole. In extreme cases, this leads to spinal problems.
However, shoes can be exchanged for children up to two and three years old. These do not suffer great wear and tear, because at this stage of childhood growth, children’s feet grow very quickly and they have barely learned to walk. In addition, its design is usually very robust to prevent the little ones’ feet from being damaged.
From the ageof thredevelopmentbody develoment is very rapis advisableore, it is advisable not to inherit footwear. The exception is shoes that have been worn occasionally or that have barely deformed. If the shape of the heel is rigid and stays straight without sinking downwards, you will be lucky ite able to reusfive
The other factor we were referring to is the state of children’s footwear. In this aspect, the use given to it has a decisive influence. For example, it is not advisable to reuse shoes that are part of a school unis usuallyhis tyalmost every is usually worn almost every day, so its deformation is more significant than in models that are worn punctually.
Sports shoes are not recommended either, since they are usually made of softer materials to make them comfortable and wear out faster. Additionally, when used daily and for sports activities, they suffer great deformations and breaks.
Footwear can only be inherited if it meets these characteristics:
- They do not present deformation.
- They do not contain folds on the insteps.
- The heel and toe reinforcements remain rigid.
- If the wear of the heel and sole is insignificant.
Addi for yourd visit thodiatry specialist with your children so that their feet grow healthy and strong. Experts recommend periodic visits between 4 and 10 years of age. This is the most important period of growth for your little ones. During this period, you have the possibility of detecting anomalies and problems in the formation of the foot.
So far the factors and causes that make it not advisable to reuse shoes between siblings or family members. As you have seen, using models adapted to another person’s way of walking is detrimental to foot development. The continuous use of inherited footwear can alter the plantar structure and even cause deformities and a tendency to develop flat feet. Now you know that inheriting shoes is not recommended in most cases.