BOSTON -- Parents scrambing to outfit their kids with back to school clothes should should watch out for buying shoes.

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NewsCenter 5s Heather Unruh reported that the National Podiatry Association released some tips Friday for parents about buying new shoes.

First, forget the flips flops. Kids love them, but podiatrists give them a failing grade.

"They are the worst. There's no support. There's no protection," American Pediatric Medical Association Dr. Lloyd Smith said.

Experts say to never buy a "bender" or a shoe with serious twist. A good rule of thumb is to give the big toe room to grow.

Because size matters, podiatrists recommend bringing children to measure their feet. They said to shop late in the day when feet are swollen. Buy immediately comfortable shoes that need no breaking in. Buy for a child's larger foot -- they're rarely the same size, and always try on shoes with socks.

"You want the shoe to be snug at the heels so it doesn't go up and down or side to side, and you want room in the toes," Smith said.

Footing the bill can be costly. A good pair lasts just four to six months. But buying the right shoes will keep your kids' feet fit.

One more pointer is to never hand down footwear. Sharing clothing is fine, but sharing shoes can spread fungus, and just because a shoe fits one child comfortably, doesn't mean it will fit another.