As the school year winds down, many parents are starting to think about sending children off to summer camp next month. And, for kids who’ll be going to sleepaway adventures, we know that packing can be a major challenge—as can fitting everything on the suggested packing list into those never-big-enough trunks. Want to save time and space while ensuring your child’s summer isn’t derailed by foot pain, injuries or infections? Follow our guide to selecting the best camp sandals for the kids, along with tips for the other children’s shoes to include in the packing—along with the ones it’s more than fine to leave at home.
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Let’s face it, kids spend much of the summer in sandals. But not all sandals are created equally. So what features should you look for when selecting kids’ camp sandals? First, consider investing in some shower shoes for the kids, and emphasize how important it is to wear those water proof sandals any time they rinse off, or even just walk around the bathroom.
Why are shower shoes some of the best camp sandals for kids? Well, these wet surfaces that see lots of foot traffic allow lots of foot fungi to thrive. So, if children go barefoot in the shower, they’re more likely to come home from camp with a fungal toenail or an athlete’s foot infection. But, by keeping feet covered, children can reduce the risk for infection during their time away from home.
Now, because the shoes will be worn on slippery surfaces, it’s also important to make sure the shoes have plenty of traction in order to prevent falls. And that’s a feature you should look for in every pair of shoes you purchase for camp time, because children will be spending their days on surfaces as varied as grass and concrete or sand and wooded trails. And, while cleated shoes may help prevent falls for kids who are playing soccer, football or baseball at camp, they aren’t ideal for everyday footwear. Instead, you should look for daily wear pairs that have lots of traction on the soles, in order to reduce the risk for ankle sprains and foot fractures while the kids are away at camp.
What Else to Look for in Kids’ Camp Shoes
Now, whether you’re looking for the best camp sandals or sneakers, another important feature to look for is breathability. Of course, this is easier to do with sandals, since they usually have openings that allow for air flow and help keep sweat off kids’ feet. But, when it comes to sneakers or other closed-toe shoes, you have to look for styles that will prevent their feet from becoming hot and sweaty. (Otherwise, they’ll once again be at risk for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.)
Want to help them avoid this uncomfortable—and embarrassing—outcome? Look for shoes that can breathe, ideally made from leather or canvas. And steer clear of shoes made from cheap synthetic materials, since they’ll trap moisture around their feet and create an environment in which fungus can easily thrive.
Consider Specific Sporting Activities, Too
Some children will be heading to summer camps where they rotate through all sorts of activities, from nature walks and swimming to baking and putting on plays. But others will be spending the summer focusing on a specific sport. And, for those children, picking the best camp sandals won’t be enough to protect their feet from injury. Instead, you’ll need to select shoes designed for the specific activities in which they’ll be engaging, whether that’s tennis, baseball, basketball or something else.
But why are sport-specific shoes so critical for children’s foot health? Well, since different sports put pressure on different parts of the body, choosing a shoe specifically built to offset that activity’s forces can drastically reduce your child’s risk of injury. But reducing injury risk is not the only reason to select sport-specific shoes for summer camp. In fact, in many cases, you can actually help children boost their athletic performance by choosing shoes made for their sport of choice. However, if kids’ feet still hurt when wearing athletic shoes made for their sporting activities, additional support may be necessary. And, in those cases, we can fit their feet for custom orthotics, helping them play comfortably and perform to the best of their abilities.
Finding the Best Camp Sandals and Other Packing Tips for Summer
By now, you’ve probably gotten a good idea of the kinds of shoes to include in your child’s summer camp suitcase (breathable, comfortable, supportive and made for their favorite activities), and the ones you should leave at home. (Shoes made from synthetic materials, kicks that don’t have enough traction, or shoes that won’t stand up to the forces of their favorite activities.) Plus, we’ve suggested getting kids fitted for custom orthotics if persistent foot pain is a problem, even when they’re wearing the right kinds of shoes.
However, we also know that it can be tough to tell what’s causing foot pain for kids. Or if the shoe styles you’ve selected are really the best fit for their needs. So, what can you do if you’re feeling overwhelmed while trying to find the right children’s shoes and sandals? It’s simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help.
We all worry about our kids when they’re away. But our podiatrists in Medford, OR can help you stop worrying about your kids’ feet during their summer camp experience. Not sure what shoes to pack and what shoes to leave at home? Need some guidance purchasing a new pair or two to elevate their summer experience? Or feeling like your kids need the additional support of custom orthotic shoe inserts? Just click here to request an appointment in the office. When you come in, we can check your child’s feet and shoe fit, and help ensure that their summer camp experience is all smooth sailing.