The plus12, the first measuring gauge to determine the fit of children's shoes without depending on labelled shoes sizes, is now available for purchase.
WHAT THE PLUS12 CAN DOMeasures the length of the foot and automatically adds 12 mm extra space (hence the name "plus12")
Measures the inside length of shoes
Shows if the labelled shoe size really corresponds to the actual size of the shoe
THE STORY BEHIND THE PLUS12:
The main impulse behind the development of the plus12 were the results of the Austrian research project "Children's Feet- Children's Shoes": Over two-thirds of all children tested were found to be wearing shoes that were too short. Until now, there was no way to measure the inside length of shoes independent of the labelled shoe size. The fact that only 3% of all children's shoes tested had an inside length that corresponded to the shoe size marked on the outside shows just how important this is.
Analysis of the data provided by the questionnaires distributed during the research project "Children's Feet- Children's Shoes" shows that parents really want to be able to determine the correct fit of their children's shoes themselves.
To ensure a perfect fit for kids' shoes, not only the length of the foot but also the inside length of the shoe should be measured.
Parents, shoe stores, child care centres, doctors' offices
OUR FIRST PARTNER IN INNOVATIONThe shoe store chain Reno is supplying their over 600 stores with the plus12 and will also be offering the plus12 for sale.
PLUS12: SETTING GOALS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS BY ACHIEVING NEW QUALITY STANDARDS
Our goal: to reduce the number of children wearing poorly-fitting, too-short shoes.
Quality standard: No children's shoes should be sold or handed down without first measuring the inside length (in millimetres). To do this, one can either make a cardboard stencil or use the plus12.
Problem solving: For the first time, parents are being informed that children's shoes need to have 12 mm of extra space to fit properly. And for the first time, they are being given a tool to help them ensure that their kids are getting shoes that fit perfectly.
ALL ABOUT THE PLUS12
Development: Based on the data and results gained during the research project "Children's Feet- Children's Shoes" (Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Security, Generations and Consumer Protection), the investigation team started thinking of practical solutions for the problems posed. The plus12 is a first step towards reducing the number of children in too-short shoes. Other possible solutions are also under consideration.
Service: Many parents have contacted us since the book "Kinderfüße-Kinderschuhe" was published, with questions like how they can check the fit of their children's shoes themselves, or whether or not shoes should be handed down to younger kids. The purchase of the plus12 includes a special service offer, giving parents and caregivers the opportunity to contact our team of experts with questions about children's feet and shoes, free of charge (Subject areas: shoes, health, orthopaedics).
Distribution and sales: through info@kinderfuesse.com and at selected partners (Reno, Vögele Shoes)
Press pictures: download (300 dpi) at http://www.kinderfuesse.com under Downloads - Press pictures. Images available include pictures of the plus12, and how to measure the foot and the inside length of the shoe.
Price: Euro 9,90 (CHF 16), not including shipping and handling.
Further information: Under "downloads" at www.kinderfuesse.com, you will find selected results of the research project and a summary in form of a press report.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a sample plus12 for your editorial staff.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wieland Kinz
Mobil 0043 (0)664 264 34 50