Blisters
A blister is a collection of fluid underneath the top layer of skin.
Redness or slight blistering in the first couple of weeks of the 1st term is normal. At this stage the shoe leather and structure of the shoe is still new and needs to loosened over time. However, if your child continues to get redness and blistering after the shoes has been broken into, then the style of shoe they are wearing may not be suitable or they have been fitted into the wrong size.
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Here are some tips on how to break the shoe in and avoid blistering:
1. Breaking Shoes In
Wear the shoes around the house for a couple of hours to loosen the leather and mold the shoe to the shape of your foot.
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Stretch the leather by
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Putting a round object in the toe and leave over night, e.g. ball of newspaper.
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Warming the leather with a hairdryer.
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Moisten it with leather conditioner.
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Use a rubbing bar.
2. Blister Preventers
During the first couple of weeks of wearing the new school shoes, there are cushioning products you can get in most pharmacy's. These products prevent redness and blisters forming.
3. Persistent Blisters
Blisters that are large with severe redness, extreme pain and under a lot of tension is not a normal blister and would advise not to wear the school shoe if this is present. An example is the top image on the left of a "not normal" blister.
4. Importance of Socks
Socks is a barrier between your child's foot and shoe. It's important to have a clean, intact socks for good hygiene purposes and to stop the shoe rubbing on the skin.
(Medicine Net, 2016)
(other advice gained from professional shoe fitter)