If your child complains of pain in the arches, heels, ankles or lower legs, try applying some ice or frozen peas. This may be a tip-off to a mechanical foot imbalance which can be corrected easily. Poor quality shoes can be an aggravating factor. Children should be encouraged to wear their socks with running shoes. This avoids blisters and helps to prevent athlete's foot infection since socks will absorb perspiration.
Some parents like to put an additional pair of socks in a backpack on rainy days.
While this may not be of great help when the inside of a boot or shoe is wet as well, it's nice to have dry socks if needed. On sunny days be sure that sunscreen is applied to the top of the feet, front of the ankles and front of the lower legs. This region is particularly susceptible to sunburn. It may sound like a big job and is maybe a real pain, but you'll be more comfortable and you won't trip and hurt yourself. Open toe sandals are a no-no.