THOUSANDS OF PARENTS FORCED TO REPLACE SCHOOL SHOES THIS HALF TERM

As the first half term approaches, thousands of parents face the prospect of buying more school shoes after just half a school term of wear. 61% of the parents who claim to be frustrated by their child’s school shoes, cite that the shoes either fell apart, were unstable or unwearable within six weeks. Four in ten parents feel school shoes are a waste of money and almost half (46%) report that the school shoes have left their child in pain.

The survey by the leading children’s school shoe specialist, Start-Rite Shoes, comes with advice on how to avoid school shoe disappointment and a health warning of the dangers of wearing poor performing footwear.

Mum of two, Frances Taylor shared her experience firsthand on WhingeWhingeWine: “My son likes to spend his break times playing football and running around the playground and seems to get through a lot of shoes that way. Having purchased cheap supermarket shoes in a panic, I can personally confirm that a £20 pair of school shoes might not be such a bargain if they don’t even last a term – and some (like the pair below which lasted less than a month) don’t!”

See Image 1 - Deteriorated sole bonding of a low-quality school shoe – Credit: Frances Taylor

Maria Suburban Mum agreed: “A few months ago, my eldest came home complaining that his school shoes hurt his feet. Upon inspection, it turned out the insoles of his shoes had almost worn away and the inside of his shoes was all lumpy. Eventually, the insole came away, revealing the mechanics of the shoe. We tried adding new insoles, but they didn’t stay in place.”

Karen Randell, Clinical Director of Randells Footcare in Aylsham, Norfolk, explains the dangers of footwear that is not fit for purpose: “It is not recommended to purchase shoes solely based on their appearance because what you see is not always what you get. Footwear, especially in the developing foot, should not be taken lightly. The shoe can impact the function of the foot, encouraging incorrect or uncontrolled walking patterns. There are a variety of issues we see and treat in children such as heel pain, ingrown toenails, corns and callouses, fungal nail infections, nail injuries and bunions. All are a direct consequence of incorrect footwear.”

Martin Haines, a biomechanics expert from Brytespark, adds: “A child’s body continues to grow until they mature between 16-18 years of age. As they wear their school shoes for eight hours a day, 195 days a year, their footwear is intrinsically linked to their development.”

Children’s shoe retailers are seeing these problems weekly. Coleen Rhodes, MD of David Spruce, leading shoe retailer in Manchester, added: “We seem to have forgotten how important our feet are. I am concerned that over the next few decades there will be a massive knock-on effect with poor posture, knee problems, hip, and back problems all due to children’s footwear not providing the correct support. There will be an aftermath of neglecting our children’s feet.”

Wayne Lubbock, Start-Rite Shoe’s Technical Development & Fitting Manager, explains the important features to look for in school shoes before making a purchase. He calls it the ‘intelligence’ within the shoe. His checklist includes:

1.     Look for shoes with rubberized wrap-around toe units, this will improve durability.

2.     Choose styles that fit the shape of the child’s foot. Ill-fitting shoes will wear more quickly.

3.     Look for shoes that improve air-flow within the shoe to reduce sweat and prevent bacteria building up.

4.    Always consider the ‘cost per wear’ to estimate value for money. Premium shoes should protect a child for 6-12 months before they grow out of them. This means purchasing no more than two pairs of shoes in one school year. If you look after the shoes then you should not have to buy new again at the start of the new school year in September. 

5.    Flex grooves in the sole unit, angled to support the age and stage of the child’s development provide a real health benefit. Pick up a Start-Rite style and you will see the grooves change from Primary to Secondary.” 

Joe Seager, dad of two ThriftyChap, agreed: “My recent experience with fitted footwear has really opened my eyes. Not only in the value for money, but also the peace of mind I got knowing I’d done the best I could for my child’s development.” 

Ends

Editors notes

Notes:

1. All retailers, fitted footwear experts and foot expert Karen Randell available for further comment
2. Survey undertaken by OnePoll from the 14th-18th of August 2023 with 1,000 respondents of UK parents of 5-16 year olds
3. The peak uniform sales period is based on Start-Rite Shoes sales data

About Start-Rite Shoes:

A British family business for eight generations, Start-Rite Shoes has helped children explore in comfort and confidence for 230 years. Proudly specialist in little feet, every Start-Rite shoe is anchored in a deep understanding of the ways children live and move today.

With constant innovation at its core, the brand works with biomechanics experts to create shoes that not only support a child’s developmental needs, but also their lifestyle needs.

From first steps to school days, fearless explorers to social butterflies, Start-Rite Shoes extensive range is built around four pillars; child-specific precision fit in whole, half and multi-width fittings; targeted flexibility for natural movement at every life stage; intelligent protection precisely where it’s needed; and niggle-free comfort on any terrain.

Start-Rite shoes are designed to give children the freedom to go where they want, how they want.

Start-Rite Shoes on social media:

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