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FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's back-to-school season, and that means many families are buying new outfits for their kids ahead of the new year.

Health professionals are warning that when it comes to shoes, some of the most sought-after styles may not be the best for your feet.

"This is a very popular shoe, and it's not really the most stable. You can see when you flex it, it's really flimsy," Dr. Robert Buckenberger, a podiatrist, said.

He's been a podiatrist for 30 years.

He's a board-certified foot surgeon, and he's seen foot and ankle issues in patients of all ages.

He says that for an everyday shoe, kids and teens should be wearing something that is stable and not overly flexible.

"This type of shoe is a lot more stable. So, this would be a more all-around type of shoe. It's got good structure, so that's going to hold up a person's foot much better," Buckenberger said.

Buckenberger says adding insoles can also improve shoe function.

He says while some people can tolerate going barefoot, most people need support, including when they're wearing sandals.

"So people say, 'Well, I don't go barefoot. I wear this,'" Buckenberger said while demonstrating with a sandal. "Well, you might as well be going barefoot."

Instead, he says, look for sandals with structure and more support.

Shoes should fit your child, but if you're buying a bigger size for them to grow into, Buckenberger says don't purchase shoes more than half or one size larger.

"We don't want to have to waste a lot of money when kids are outgrowing their shoes, but you really shouldn't go too much larger or you lose shoe function and then you develop pain anyway," Buckenberger said.

If you're buying secondhand, he suggests sanitizing them and making sure they're not worn out.

He says the most important thing is for kids to try the shoe on before buying it.

"Walk in the shoe store. Try them on. Make sure they feel good," Buckenberger said.

Buckenberger says he sees a lot of heel pain start in kids between the ages of 11 and 14.

He says that can be prevented with good, supportive shoes. He also suggests stretching and icing when symptoms are present.