Kinderfüße-Kinderschuhe

Background
In 2001 we were commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Health to conduct a study on the subject: "Children's Feet-Children's Shoes". The questions were formulated as follows:

Do Austrian children's shoes fit properly?
Do poorly-fitting shoes cause damage to children's feet?

What was investigated?

The fit of the outdoor shoes, house shoes and slippers of 858 children.
The health of the children' s feet.
Parents were given a questionnaire about "Children's feet - Children's shoes".

The sobering results

69% of the children were found to be wearing outdoor shoes that were too short in length, 88% had house shoes or slippers which were too small (one child was wearing shoes 5 sizes too small!).
Only 3% of the children's shoes had the correct inner length. For example: In shoes marked size 30, the inner length was just 29, 28, 27, sometimes even only size 26.
For the first time iit could be proven that poorly fitting shoes actually cause damage to children's feet.

What now?

In June of 2004, after a year of development, the "plus12", the first precise measuring gauge for children's feet and the inside length of children's shoes, was put on the market. And the best part is: When measuring children's feet, the plus12 automatically adds an extra 12 mm, automatically ensuring the necessary length for a correct fit.
In May 2005, we received an extension of our research grant (Austrian Ministry of Health and "Fonds Gesundes Österreich", the fund for a healthy Austria). This time we are really breaking new scientific ground. For the first time we will concentrate on how best to inform children, parents and educators, so that we can reduce the number of children wearing shoes that are too small.
Sooner than expected, the plus12 is getting quite a bit of international attention, mostly in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and Great Britain.
Another unexpected development: Our little measuring device is dividing shoe retailers into 2 opposing factions. On one side, the "traditionalists" are vehemently opposed to the inside length measurement of children's shoes, claiming, "There hasn't been one single complaint in the last 50 years", and that "new-fangled nonsense like the plus12" is completely unnecessary. It's interesting to note that these retailers will even stoop to harassing parents who request a way to measure the inside length of their kids' shoes.
The other side is open to innovation: Many people are surprised to learn that a number of large shoe store chains are on our side. They have analysed the problem, reacted sensibly, and they recognize that the plus12 is a good solution. (link: plus12 - Bestelladresse und Preis. )
After a year-long development period, we introduced the plus 12 base early in 2007. A number of shoe salespeople had brought it to our attention that kids wanted something "big, bright and fun" to measure their feet on. The plus12 base was born: the first measuring device that can be combined to measure both feet and shoes!
In 2007 we realized an idea that we had been thinking about for a long time: Over the past few years, we have examined thousands of kids' shoes, and we found hardly any models or brands that had the correct inside length. Not only that, we noticed quite a few details that could use improvement. So what could be a more logical next step than to develop an innovative children's shoe ourselves? We started out with anti-skid socks for pre-schoolers, and we have a lot of new ideas just waiting to be realized!
But of course our research goes on: Too many children are still wearing shoes that are too short, and there are still no effective measures to fight this on a larger scale. Our investigations continue, check back for developments!

Badly fitting shoes are bad for kids' feet.
The Austrian Research Project on "Children's Feet-Children's Shoes" proved for the first time that shoes which are too short can have negative effects on children's feet (see results: Austrian Research Project)
When children only rarely wear too-small shoes, there are no serious consequences to worry about (aside from reddened skin, blisters and painful feet). It gets worse when children's shoes are always too small, during different stages of development. Also, children's feet need "Shoe free time".

The toe joints: Wearing shoes which are too short and tight distorts the natural position of the toes. The results: painful joints and changes in the position of the toe joints (e.g. Hallux Valgus, bunions).

Muscular system: When the toes are cramped in the shoes, it changes the natural direction of the toe muscles. The results: muscle and tendon pain, inflammation and a dystrophy, or shortening, of the foot muscles.

Vascular system: Shoes which are too short force the foot into an unnatural position, which can cause circulatory problems. The results: sensations of cold and numbness, vein problems (e.g. varicose veins).

The whole organism: A weak foundation influences the whole body. The change in posture caused by foot injuries can result in knee, hip and back problems. Even the heart and circulatory system can be indirectly affected: Fact is, many athletic activities require healthy feet (for example jogging). Unhealthy feet can therefore lead to a reduction in physical activity, which is known to be the root of a number of disease-causing factors (lack of fitness, high blood pressure, etc.).

Children's feet are as soft and pliable as rubber
Therefore, they can be forced into shoes which are much too short. Apart from this, their nervous systems are not fully developed, so it can be that children do not find the shoes uncomfortable, even when they are much too small.
Healthy feet need shoes that fit well.
Tests have repeatedly shown that many children wear poorly- fitting shoes (see: results of the Austrian Studies). Sometimes the shoes are as much as 3 sizes too small, that is nearly 2 cm in length.

Poorly- fitting shoes are the main reason for foot damage!
To fit properly, shoes have to be at least 12 mm longer inside than the actual foot. New shoes can have additional "room to grow" of up to 17 mm.
Walking barefoot is best for kids' feet, because it trains and strengthens the foot's muscular system. A good, strong muscular foot is the best foundation for healthy, resilient children's feet.