Shoes are one of the most expensive items when it comes to kitting your kids out for the new school year but getting it right is an investment in your child’s wellbeing and can save you money in the long run.

You get what you pay for

When it comes to school shoes, price is usually a good indicator of quality. Not taking a growth spurt into account, you should reasonably expect to get around nine months out of a pair of school shoes. Quality indicators include rubber soles for even stability, double stitching around the toes for prolonged lifespan, good cushioning for comfort.

Made to measure

Make sure the salesperson measures both feet as many of us have one foot slightly bigger than the other, and you will need a size that comfortably fits the larger/linger/wider foot. The gap between the end of the shoe and the longest toe should be no more than a child’s thumb width and the widest part of the shoe should be in line with the widest part of the foot. If the toes can’t wiggle comfortably, they’re the wrong size. Similarly, make sure the heel doesn’t slip up and down the heel, as this will cause blisters.

Size matters

Buying a size too small is an obvious one, but trying to economise by getting school shoes a size too big can be a health hazard as they can cause tripping and may slip off during running. Some brands don’t offer half sizes, which may be what your child needs. Problems that can occur as a result of poor fitting include corns, bunions and ingrown toenails.

Ask your child

If your child says the shoe hurts, listen. Discomfort is not limited to the feet so ask if their heel, knees or legs feel okay. Try on as many pairs as necessary to get the right response.

Avoid hand-me-downs

School shoes are not the place to skimp on back to school costs. Pre-owned school shoes will have been pre-molded to their original owner’s foot and will not fit properly – even if the children are the same size.

It’s a no for slip-ons

Podiatrists agree that slip on shoes are not beneficial for supporting growing bones and advise on lace-ups, Velcro or buckles.

Pay attention to problems

If your child has a specific problem with his or her feet make sure mention it when you’re having them measured as some brands cater better for various issues. Issues can include:

· Wide feet

· Prominent ankle bones

· High arches

· Pronating

· Narrow feet

· Flat feet

School shoes by numbers

· After the age of three, the average child’s foot grows about half a size every six months

· Your child spends around 30 hours per week in school shoes – that’s 15,000 hours by the time they finish Year 12

· Throughout 11 years of schooling, you will need to buy around 17 pairs

· Around half of kids will have flat feet and a fifth may have high arches.