Children’s Shoe Retailers Warn of Foot Health Crisis
Parents are being urged to prioritise their children’s foot health as experts report a rise in young people suffering from painful conditions such as bunions. According to footwear specialists, the decline in specialist shoe shops is forcing families to rely on online purchases and DIY fitting, leading to long-term damage.
Rise in Bunions Among Young People
Bunions, bony lumps on the side of the foot, are increasingly seen in children and teenagers. While genetics play a role, ill-fitting shoes are a major aggravating factor. Nadia Arden-Scott, co-founder of Footwear Hub, said: “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.”
Impact of Shop Closures
Data from property analysts Green Street reveals that over 1,000 shoe shops have closed in Great Britain since 2020. With major retailers reducing their presence and independents shutting down, many parents now order shoes online without professional fitting. Research by Footwear Hub found that some families must drive up to 50 miles to access a fitting service.
Campaign to Raise Awareness
The not-for-profit organisation, formed by 40 specialist shops, has launched the “fit well, grow well” campaign to combat the decline in children’s foot health. Its website offers free advice and links to fitting services across the UK. Arden-Scott, who runs ShuZu 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.”
Health Risks of Poor Footwear
Although no scientific data directly links poor footwear to disfigurement, podiatrists warn that ill-fitting shoes can cause lifelong foot problems, including fallen arches, hammer and claw toes, bunions, and muscular issues. These can lead to problems in the ankles, knees, and back. Jill Ferrari, a podiatrist and academic, explained: “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.”
Expert Observations
Tanya Marriott, co-founder of Footwear Hub and owner of SoleLution in Portishead, Somerset, has worked as a professional shoe fitter for 22 years. She reports seeing more children with bunions and a pattern of children wearing shoes that are too small or narrow. “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,” she said. Footwear Hub’s researchers also noted that fitters frequently encounter children with existing foot conditions, such as toe deformities and structural differences, who lack specialist fitting support.
