While parents easily can determine how well clothes fit a child, determining how well shoes fit often can be more tricky -- and has more serious consequences if not properly done.

Only a small percentage of children are born with foot problems, but by the age of 5, 22 percent of toddlers and preschool children develop some type of deformity, foot pain, bone malformation or other problems with their feet, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The lack of awareness of proper foot care, which includes wearing ill-fitting shoes, is a major contributor to these problems.

Many parents do not know how to properly fit their children with shoes. They simply follow the steps taught to them by their parents, who were also ill-informed.

However, according to Tom Brunick, director of The Athlete's Foot stores' Research and Development Center in Atlanta, Ga., learning a new set of guidelines can make life much more comfortable. "It's just a matter of replacing some old myths and beliefs with a new set of guidelines," says Brunick. "Properly fitting shoes are very important for the overall health of a child's feet. Keeping these new guidelines in mind each and every time you shop for shoes will prevent unavoidable problems from occurring."

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.