Experts are warning that the closure of over 1,000 shoe stores in Great Britain since 2020 is contributing to a decline in children's foot health. With fewer shops available, many parents are turning to online purchases or attempting DIY fittings at home, which specialists say can cause long-term damage.
Nadia Arden-Scott, co-founder of the Footwear Hub, told The Guardian: “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.” The Footwear Hub has launched a “fit well, grow well” campaign to address the issue.
Podiatrists report that poorly fitted shoes can lead to conditions such as fallen arches, hammer toes, claw toes, bunions, and muscular problems. Jill Ferrari, a podiatrist and academic, said: “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.”
Professional shoe fitters have observed an increase in children with bunions and other deformities. Tanya Marriott, a co-founder of Footwear Hub with over two decades of experience, said: “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.”
The campaign urges parents to treat foot health with the same importance as dental or eye care. Arden-Scott added: “They would not skip a dentist appointment because they thought they could check their own child’s teeth at home.”
