Supps Footwear with StrideSmart technology designed by an Australian podiatrist fulfils every suggested recommendation from the UK's College of Podiatry on what to look for in a children's shoe.*
A survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 1-18 conducted in May 2017 on behalf of The College of Podiatry in the UK found that nearly a quarter of parents (22 per cent) say they feel pressure to buy their daughters fashionable shoes such as flip flops or even high heels which could put young feet at greater risk of developing foot problems and musculoskeletal issues in the future.
Dr Stewart Morrison, a podiatrist from the College of Podiatry and The University of Brighton commented, "Children's feet are still growing and are more susceptible to damage than adult feet, so it's really vital to ensure they are wearing shoes which fit them well - in width as well as length - and that are suitable for age, as well as the task they are wearing them for."
The UK's College of Podiatry recommends the following features to look for in a children's shoe:
- Adequate length and width: All children’s footwear should be measured for length and width, and fitted by an appropriately trained shoe fitter. If fitting is not available, or is refused, go elsewhere.
- Broad base of heel: This should be as wide as the heel to give stability, and be made of a shock-absorbing material.
- Height of heel: You are looking for a slight heel to provide sufficient shock absorption, ideally around a quarter of an inch. Completely flat shoes such as ballet pumps provide little shock absorption but heels of 2cm of higher can shorten calf muscles and place pressure on the ball of the foot.
- Toe area shape: This should be foot shaped and not pointed, or excessively tapered.
- Holding the foot in the shoe: It is important that the shoe is kept on the foot by laces, Velcro or ‘T’ bar, which acts like a seatbelt in a car, holding the shoe onto the foot. This helps to prevent toe deformities, as lack of support to keep the shoe on the foot can allow the foot to slide up and down in the shoe and damage the toes or cause the toes to claw to help keep the shoe on. This is a particular problem with the current fashion of not tying shoe laces or with ballet pump and slip-on style shoes.
- Material: Leather is the best material for kids’ shoes as it is flexible and soft, but hard wearing. It also lets air in but keeps moisture out, meaning feet stay cool and dry in most conditions. Nubuck, suede and other soft fabrics are different types of leather and share most of the benefits. Avoid shoes which are largely made of other materials (synthetics and plastics) as these are often hard, inflexible and (in closed shoes) won’t allow your children’s feet to breathe.
- Adequate depth of toe area: This is particularly important in individuals with a big toe that curls up at the end and helps to avoid toenail problems.
- Support: The shoe should offer sufficient support for the foot. The shoe should not bend or crumple excessively. Flip flops/thongs and ballet-pump shoes are examples that bend too easily.
Supps meet every recommendation of the UK's College of Podiatry for children's footwear and was indeed ahead of its time.
Supps Footwear do all the work ~ girls reap all the benefits and parents can buy Supps with confidence and peace of mind!
* A survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 1-18 conducted on behalf of The College of Podiatry (UK) by Ginger Communications. The research was conducted online between 19 and 23 May 2017. The College of Podiatry is the academic authority in the UK, and an independent charity dedicated to feet health research, education and public awareness. The College is the public facing and academic arm of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists - the professional body for the UK's registered podiatrists. Podiatry is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other disorders of the feet.
* This article is for reference only. Supps Footwear has not approached the UK's College of Podiatry for endorsement. The College of Podiatry's media release is published here.