How to measure the clubfoot properly?
24 March 2020
How to clean the Mitchell boots?
29 March 2020
In our opinion, MITCHELL boots are currently the best option for maintaining the correction of clubfoot. However, choosing the right size is not simple or straightforward – it often causes difficulties for both parents and doctors. What should you pay attention to when selecting the correct size, and why shouldn’t these shoes be bought with the idea that “they’ll last longer”?
The table in the infographic shows the range of foot lengths and widths corresponding to each shoe size.
| Foot length (mm) | Foot width (mm) | Sandal size |
|---|---|---|
| 60-62 | 25-40 | Preemie 1 |
| 63-66 | 30-45 | Preemie 2 |
| 67-70 | 33-48 | 0000 |
| 71-75 | 30-55 | 000 |
| 76-80 | 30-55 | 00 |
| 81-87 | 30-60 | 0 |
| 88-92 | 35-60 | 1 |
| 93-102 | 38-65 | 2 |
| 103-112 | 45-70 | 3 |
| 113-122 | 47-70 | 4 |
| 123-132 | 48-70 | 5 |
| 133-142 | 50-75 | 6 |
| 143-152 | 55-80 | 7 |
| 153-162 | 67-82 | 8 |
| 163-172 | 70-85 | 9 |
| 173-182 | 74-89 | 10 |
| 183-192 | 77-92 | 11 |
| 193-202 | 80-95 | 12 |
Example:
A foot measuring between 92 mm and 102 mm in length and between 38 mm and 65 mm in width fits into a size 2 shoe, which already includes the necessary length allowance. This means the shoe is not a tight fit. It’s logical that when the foot is smaller, the visible space in front of the toes is larger, and when the foot is bigger, that space is smaller — but it is still an intentional allowance.
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW WHEN MEASURING THE FOOT?
Please, see our previous post HOW TO MEASURE THE FOOT PROPERLY?
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT SHOE MEASUREMENT?
Insist that your doctor measures your child’s foot.
Remind them about it every time. Ask the doctor to write down the measurements for both feet (if the condition affects both sides) – including both the length and the width.
Show them the infographic that illustrates how the measurement should be taken.
If you’re measuring the foot yourself, do not add any extra “allowance” – it has already been included by the manufacturer. Measure the actual length and width of the foot, and use those measurements when choosing the correct shoe size.
Do not buy shoes thinking “they’ll last longer” – this kind of reasoning can be harmful.
Shoes that are too large may cause a relapse, because they won’t hold the foot properly in place – the heel may slip upward.
If the feet are of different lengths (which always happens with a unilateral deformity, but can also occur with bilateral clubfoot), buy two different shoe sizes. Each foot must be properly supported and held in place.
Do not measure the foot while it’s still in a cast, and do not choose the shoe size based on that measurement. If you’re unsure what to do in this situation, contact us at contact@ponseti.eu
When the foot is between two sizes – for example, when both size 1 and size 2 could fit – it’s better to choose the smaller size, even if it will be used for a shorter time.
If possible, buy two sizes of the shoes – you can return one or resell it later if it’s been used.
When the foot is ATYPICAL/ COMPLEX, or when it is wide and chubby, sometimes a slightly larger shoe size works better than the one that technically matches the foot’s measurements. Conversely, a narrow and delicate foot will usually fit better in a smaller size.
Sometimes the shoe may have a noticeable space in the front, but what’s essential and absolutely crucial is that the heel sits correctly in the shoe.
The heel windows must be fully filled by the heel, and it should be clearly visible inside them – there must be no gap between the bottom of the shoe and the sole of the heel!
Sometimes children have a narrow and delicate heel, which can create a small side gap inside the boot. This means there’s a bit of space on the sides of the heel, between the heel and the holes of the heel strap. This is normal in such cases — it simply means that the back of the shoe is slightly wider than the child’s narrow heels.
The toes should not be positioned in front of the toe strap (when looking from the heel toward the toes). The toenails must not be under the strap.
If you’re switching braces, for example from a Denis Browne bar to Mitchell, a smaller shoe size may fit better — the foot sits differently in the Mitchell shoe.
If your child is undergoing re-treatment, a smaller shoe size may work better to hold the foot securely in place.
It’s impossible to predict in advance how often the shoe size will need to be changed.
Children grow at different rates, and so do their feet. When the foot grows, the shoe size must be adjusted accordingly – just like with regular walking shoes.
Boots that are too small can cause a number of serious complications – don’t wait too long to move up to the next size.
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, PLEASE, CONTACT US!
WE’LL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE CORRECT BOOT/SHOE SIZE.
