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School Shoes

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and parents have concerns about children's footwear, but there is limited research on this topic.

Ill-fitting shoes have been linked to foot problems in children, while comfortable, properly fitting shoes have therapeutic benefits. The impact of footwear on children’s foot function is not well understood. Research in this area has primarily focused on sports and orthopedic styles for athletes or the elderly. Children’s feet differ from adults due to growth and maturation. Footwear can influence gait patterns and foot development. Historically, therapeutic footwear aimed to correct deformities, but studies suggest that arch development occurs regardless. Modern footwear often prioritizes fashion over foot health, potentially compromising function. Our work gathered expert opinions on school shoe design for 6- to 10-year-olds, focusing on flexibility and support. AHPs such as podiatrists, physiotherapists, and orthotists contributed to this discussion. This study also identified the design criteria and potential differences in professional opinions.

Where should a school shoe provide flexibility and support for the asymptomatic 6- to 10-year-olds and on what information is this based? A Delphi yielded consensus

Davies N, Branthwaite H, Chockalingam N. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2015 Jun;39(3):213-8. doi: 10.1177/0309364614522684. 

Prof. Nachiappan Chockalingam

Professor of Clinical Biomechanics

Helen Branthwaite

Senior Lecturer Clinical Biomechanics

CBRT Staffordshire University