The ring of the class bell means students are heading back to school, trading in their swimsuits for books. It’s also time for parents to help their child select back-to-school shoes.

Children’s feet are not fully formed until they’re in their late teens. They need properly fitted shoes that give their feet ample room to develop and grow in a healthy manner.

The California Podiatric Medical Association recommends that parents use a discerning eye and remember that comfort should always come first when helping their children sift through the new footwear styles of the season.

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. It should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole and a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends at the ball of the foot.

•The child’s foot should be sized while he is standing up and fully weight-bearing.

•Always have both feet measured for length, and 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 approximately a half-inch longer than the longest toe. The child should able to comfortably wiggle her toes in the shoes.

•Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes while wearing the shoe with the proper type of sock. Ask the child if he feels any pressure spots 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 on the foot with laces, straps or Velcro fastenings.

•Heel height should be no more than 1.5 inches, and lower for younger children.

•The heel should have a broad base and be made of a shock-absorbing material.

•Natural material uppers such as leather are best.

This article is provided by the Californian Podiatric Medial Association.