With the ringing of the class bell, it's time for parents to help their children select backtoschool shoes.

The California Podiatric Medical Association recommends that parents remember that comfort should always come first when helping the child shift through the new footwear styles.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for new shoes:

•Buy shoes in the afternoon. Feet tend to expand throughout the day.

•Examine the shoe itself. It should have firm heel support, adequate cushioning and a builtin arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends—at the ball of the foot, not the middle of the shoe.

•Measure feet when the child is standing up.

•Always have both feet measured for length. If they are two different sizes, shoes should be chosen that fit the larger foot best.

•Ask if the shoe salesperson is a trained shoe fitter.

•A newly fitted shoe should be about a half-inch longer than the longest toe. Children should be able to comfortably wiggle their toes in the shoe.

•Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe with the type of sock they will be wearing with it. Ask the child if any pressure spots are felt in the shoe. Feel the inside of the shoe for staples or irregularities in the glue that could cause irritation. Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot. Look for signs of irritation of the foot after the shoe is worn.

•Avoid slip-on shoes. Shoes should be held with laces, straps or Velcro fastenings.

•Heel height should be no more than 1-1/2 inches and lower for younger children.

•The heel should have a broad base and be made from a shockabsorbing material.

•Natural material uppers like leather are best.

•The toe area of the shoe should be toe-shaped, not pointed, and also deep enough to allow the toes to move freely.

•Pick shoes that do not need a break-in period. Shoes should feel comfortable right away. Tight shoes can cause blisters or corns.

•If a child wears prescription orthotics—biomechanical inserts prescribed by a podiatric physician—take them along to the shoe fitting.

This article is provided by the California Podiatric Medical Association.