Research commissioned by Sports Direct found that 41% of children admit to wearing a school shoe simply because it looks good rather than because it fits properly. According to the study, the average child goes through three pairs of school shoes every year, meaning that parents invest a lot of time and money into finding the right shoes.
And one in 10 parents say their children won’t tell them when their school shoes are starting to feel too small for them. Sports Direct partnered with Musculoskeletal Podiatrist, Rob Payne from the London Podiatry Centre, to share tips on how to spot when a shoe doesn’t fit.
He said: “Parents can easily check shoes to make sure that they are fit for purpose. If a shoe wears prematurely then this will indicate that the shoe isn’t beneficial for the child."
The 90 degrees test
When placing a shoe flat on a counter, the shoe must be at 90 degrees to the supporting surface and not be tilted in either direction. If it is tilted, then that indicates that the shoe has become distorted by the child and must be replaced. Shoes that tilt excessively or too quickly usually have an internal issue with the structure.
Checking for wear
Shoes should generally wear on the outside. Inside wearing of the shoe can be a serious problem with the child's gait and in such instances the parent should see a podiatrist.
The research highlighted that parent’s biggest cause for concern about their child’s school shoes is that they will grow out of them very quickly (48%) followed closely by durability issues and the fact they might get scuffed easily (47%).
To help parents know what to look for in a new pair of shoes, Rob suggests:
Ensure the shoes are properly secured
“It is important that shoes are properly secured, and, in this regard, laces are always best. However, a good double velcro fastening can be beneficial, especially in young children who may struggle tying laces.
Check that there is enough room for growth within the toe box
“Ensure there is enough room in the toe box. Your child’s shoes should never feel tight on their toes. Alternatively, their shoes shouldn't just slip off their feet either.
Choose a breathable fabric such as leather
“Consider the choice of material. Shoes with a breathable top cover are recommended, such as those made of leather. Synthetic materials can promote sweating, increasing the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.”
David Clark, Digital Director at Sports Direct said: “Back to school is a key period for parents, with many making school uniform purchasing decisions, in a tough financial climate. We know the trials and tribulations that come with school uniforms and through our huge online offering, we’re committed to providing products that give parents peace of mind all day, every day.”
Sports Direct is offering 10% off selected school shoes here for a limited time only (22nd - 31st August). Use code: SCHOOLSHOES10
