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Ben Wang, January 15 – As the Spring Festival approaches, Ms. Yang from the West District is preparing to buy a pair of beautiful children’s shoes as a New Year gift. However, her husband expressed concerns that certain types of shoes might affect the development of her child's feet. While Ms. Yang is busy selecting comfortable sports shoes for her kids, she came across an alarming fact online: currently, there are no national standards for children's sports shoes. This has raised questions in her mind—what kind of shoes should parents choose? And what makes a shoe truly suitable for children?
Choosing the right shoes for kids isn’t as simple as it seems. Reporters visited 20 parents at the City Women and Children’s Health Care Center and the First Affiliated Hospital’s Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic. When asked how they select children’s shoes, 16 of them admitted they never paid attention to production standards. Most focused on quality and price, while only four parents considered the impact of shoes on their child’s foot development.
According to a survey by the Chinese Medical Association, over 60% of the 1,000 children studied had some sort of foot problem. Nearly 70% suffered from flat feet, 30% had foot valgus, and many parents lacked awareness about these issues. Experts suggest that these problems often stem from genetic factors or excessive body weight that can restrict foot development. A lack of uniform standards for children’s shoes and the rarity of properly fitting shoes are also major contributing factors.
Dr. Xiong Mingyue from the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital explained that choosing the right shoes for children is crucial. It’s not just about comfort—it directly affects walking ability and long-term foot health. Wearing improperly sized or structured shoes can lead to blisters, toe numbness, inflammation, and even deformities.
Many parents opt for air-cushioned shoes to make their children more comfortable during play. However, Dr. Xiong warns that not all children benefit from such shoes. For young preschoolers, the high cushioning can actually be harmful. The thick soles may prevent natural foot movement, leading to fatigue, knee strain, and even spinal issues.
Experts recommend that children wear shoes with a sole thickness of 1 cm or less and a heel height of no more than 1.5 cm. Shoes that are too soft or thick should be avoided. It’s best to wait until after the age of 16 or when the bones have fully matured before using cushioned shoes.
The material of the shoes also matters. Light, breathable cloth shoes are ideal for young children, while leather shoes can be too stiff and uncomfortable, especially for younger kids.
When shopping for children’s shoes, parents should check the flexibility of the upper and sole. The shoes should be easy to bend, and it’s a good idea to let the child squat while trying them on. Also, the shoes shouldn’t be too heavy or tight. The toe box should have enough space for the toes to move freely. Avoid shoes with heels, as they can cause postural problems like bowed legs or hip misalignment.
Flat shoes are better for protecting the arch and preventing muscle strain. Slippers should also be avoided, as they are unsafe and can lead to “character feet†or improper gait.
Other tips include:
- Repurpose old shoes by adding spikes for outdoor play.
- Don’t throw away old shoes; instead, open them up for creative use.
- Add a physical insurance label to your shoes for better tracking.
- Clean matte shoes with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Wear breathable, antibacterial socks to keep shoes fresh.
- Know the hidden functions of sports shoe laces.
- Reduce the noise of high-heeled shoes with simple tricks.
- Choose flat shoes during pregnancy for safety.
- Treat moldy shoes with proper cleaning methods.
- Avoid certain shoes in the summer that could harm your feet.