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Related Experiment Videos

Shoes for children: a review.

L T Staheli1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105.

Pediatrics
|August 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Optimal foot development occurs naturally barefoot. Modern shoes should prioritize protection, not correction, as rigid footwear can harm foot mobility and strength, especially in children.

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Area of Science:

  • Podiatry
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • The natural state for optimal foot development is the barefoot environment.
  • Footwear primarily serves to protect the foot from external injuries and infections.

Observation:

  • Stiff, compressive, or ill-fitting shoes can impede natural foot function.
  • Such footwear may lead to deformities, muscle weakness, and reduced joint mobility.
  • The concept of "corrective shoes" is misleading and lacks scientific basis.

Findings:

  • Shoe modifications for shock absorption, load distribution, and therapeutic elevation are justifiable.
  • Children's shoe selection should emulate the natural foot form and function observed in barefoot individuals.
  • The marketing and medical endorsement of "corrective shoes" are detrimental, costly, and undermine professional integrity.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the importance of natural foot function and development.
  • Recommends a return to barefoot-inspired shoe design principles for children.
  • Warns against the commercialization of footwear that may negatively impact pediatric foot health.

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