South African school shoes: Urgent changes required for our children's unique feet

SIGNIFICANCE: Ill-fitting shoes can negatively impact the developing foot. Despite the notable differences in foot shape between South African and European populations, shoe design largely adheres to a universal standard. This discrepancy may arise due to several factors, including limited data on the South African foot morphology, economic constraints, fashion trends, and consumer complacency. As such, the development and manufacturing of school shoes in South Africa face the challenge of accommodating the unique foot shape of the local population. Moreover, consumers should be knowledgeable about the potential long-term adverse consequences associated with wearing ill-fitting shoes.