But what can you do when a child or teenager refuses to wear anything else? No matter how skilled a negotiator you are, you’re hitting a wall. Convincing a child or teenager to ditch their sneakers—even just occasionally—is a real challenge. And this isn’t just a problem for young people: wearing sneakers has become a way of life for many adults. However, it would be best to limit them to two or three days a week, no more. For an adult, that’s a reasonable compromise, but for a teenager… that’s a different story.
Not all sneakers are bad for your health, but some are worse than others. The worst? Models that are too flexible, like Converse, which offer neither support nor stability. Ideally, a suitable sneaker should have a stiff upper (especially at the back) and be able to be laced tightly for a good fit. If your teenager swears by his Converse, a compromise could be reached: getting him to wear other styles most of the time.
In general, sneakers do not provide adequate support for the foot, causing it to splay out more, which affects posture. Over time, this can lead to pain in the knees, ankles, and back. The main cause? Proprioception. This mechanism allows the foot to send information about the ground surface (texture, slope, etc.) to the brain. If the foot is not properly supported, it can no longer perform this function correctly, compromising postural balance. This issue is even more problematic for people with flat feet or those suffering from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia—the membrane that supports the arch of the foot.
Fortunately, yes. Wearing orthotic insoles can correct certain imbalances and limit the negative effects of sneakers on posture. To obtain them, you can consult a pharmacist with a degree in orthopedics. These professionals conduct an examination so that a podiatrist can design custom insoles tailored to each patient’s needs. Some of them are equipped with the Vistapod plate, a medical device that analyzes foot prints—both static and dynamic—in just a few minutes. This tool identifies areas requiring correction and models the insoles to be manufactured. These insoles, produced in France by expert podiatrists, are delivered to the pharmacy a few days later, along with a podiatry assessment.
So even if your child doesn't want to give up their sneakers, there are ways to keep them healthy without compromising on style.
