Parents are being warned about the dangers of improperly fitted children's shoes, as experts report a rise in young patients with painful foot conditions. The decline in specialist shoe shops on the high street is being blamed for a surge in foot problems among children.
Nadia Arden-Scott, co-founder of the Footwear Hub, has highlighted the 'reality' that 'do-it-yourself' shoe fittings by parents at home could be causing 'long-term' damage to children's feet. 'Parents have been led to believe that fitting shoes is simple and can be done at home, when the reality is that do-it-yourself shoe fitting is potentially causing long-term damage to their child's feet,' she told The Guardian.
The warning comes as Green Street property analysts reveal that more than 1,000 shoe stores have closed in Great Britain since 2020. Due to the high number of closures, many parents are now ordering children's shoes online without professional fitting.
In response, the Footwear Hub has launched a 'fit well, grow well' campaign to tackle what it describes as a 'decline in children's foot health.' Ms Arden-Scott, who runs a children's shoe store in Farnborough, said: 'We want parents to value their children's feet the way they value their teeth and eyes. They would not skip a dentist appointment because they thought they could check their own child's teeth at home.'
Podiatrists warn that poorly fitting shoes can lead to long-term foot issues, including ankle, knee, and back problems. Potential risks include fallen arches, hammer toes, claw toes, bunions, and muscular problems. Jill Ferrari, a podiatrist and academic, said: 'Young people's feet continue to grow until mid-teens and poorly fitting footwear can lead to toe deformities, poor foot function and reduced gait efficiency. In younger children, poor footwear choices can increase the risk of tripping and falling.'
Shoe fitters involved in the campaign report seeing patterns of children wearing shoes that are too small or too narrow. Tanya Marriott, a co-founder of Footwear Hub and a professional shoe fitter for over two decades, said: 'What we are seeing is deeply concerning. Unlike other clothing, shoes directly affect how children move, develop and grow, and the consequences of a poor fit can last a lifetime.'
Footwear Hub researchers note that shoe fitters often see children with existing foot conditions, such as toe deformities, who have not received appropriate fitting support. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage parents to seek professional fitting services to protect their children's foot health.
