Repeated falls, pain when walking, shoes that wear out too quickly… So many signals that are often trivialized in children, but which can reveal real foot problems. On the occasion of National Foot Health Day, Wednesday June 10, 2026, professionals are warning of the importance of early detection and offering free podiatry assessments throughout France.
A health issue that is still underestimated
The child’s foot is a structure under construction. Fragile, evolving, it nevertheless plays a central role in balance, posture and the quality of walking. Despite this challenge, follow-up remains largely insufficient: only 15% of children consult a chiropodist-podiatrist.
At the same time, nearly 85% of children wear sneakers every day, especially to school. Practical and popular, these shoes are not always adapted to the morphology or physiology of the child’s foot. Approximate size, lack of width in the forefoot or soles that are too rigid can, in the long term, disrupt locomotor development.
Unsuitable shoes and invisible problems
The choice of shoes is not trivial. Specialists recommend models that are wide at the toe level, with a flexible and flat sole, equipped with an effective closing system (laces, Velcro or strap). Unsuitable shoes can cause postural disorders, poor distribution of support or pain during exercise.
In the long term, foot pathology undetected during childhood can develop into lasting problems in adolescence and adulthood. A reality confirmed by the PodoScore 2024 study, which shows an improvement in nearly 75% of children after appropriate podiatric care, including in particular the wearing of foot orthotics.
These signs that should alert parents
Some behaviors or symptoms should not be attributed to simple clumsiness. A child who frequently falls while walking, or who often falls while running, deserves special attention.
Other signs should prompt you to consult: feet turning inwards, knees or toes “looking at each other”, asymmetry of posture or walking, pain, excessive fatigue, abnormal wear of shoes. Added to this are skin and nail pathologies, such as ingrown nails, warts or excessive sweating.
A podiatric assessment then makes it possible to assess posture, walking dynamics and development of the foot, in order to offer, if necessary, appropriate care.
June 10, 2026, a day to prevent and act
National Foot Health Day, Wednesday June 10, 2026, aims to raise awareness among families and educational stakeholders of the importance of preventive monitoring from an early age. Free podiatry assessments will be offered in many public places across France.
For people who cannot travel, free teleconsultations will also be set up. A national mobilization to remember that taking care of children’s feet also means investing in their future health.