February 2025, PFI

Sustainability does not focus exclusively on environmental or social aspects, but also includes health-related factors. In the context of the manufacturing of products the term ‘sustainability’ often brings to mind the social and environmental dimensions of production processes. However, as the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) shows, health is also an important pillar of the 2030 Agenda.

The United Nations' SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. While this goal often focuses on disease prevention and access to healthcare, it also extends to daily well-being. In the foot-wear industry, this can include factors such as mobility and foot health. Healthy feet are an essential prerequi-site for an active lifestyle, general well-being and long-term independence.

Feet are the foundation for movement and posture and influence not only mobility, but also spinal alignment, joint health and overall physical comfort. Poor foot health can contribute to knee, hip and back pain and limit the ability to perform physical activities. Healthy foot development during childhood is crucial for the develop-ment of a healthy foot.

The Development of Children’s Feet and the Impact of Footwear
Children's feet grow quickly and undergo considerable changes in shape and structure. In early childhood, the foot consists mainly of cartilage, which gradually ossifies into solid bone as the child grows older. This means that external factors, such as footwear, can have a major influence on foot development. As cartilage is much more flexible than bone, it is very malleable and can easily adapt to an ill-fitting shape, which can lead to de-formities later in life.

In addition, a child's nervous system is still developing, so they may not be aware of discomfort caused by shoes that are too small. This can lead to them wearing ill-fitting shoes for long periods of time, which can re-strict natural foot growth and movement. Research shows that around 98% of children are born with healthy feet, but incorrect footwear and insufficient movement can lead to foot problems over time.

Movement plays a crucial role in stimulating growth, as most growth occurs in the areas that are under the most stress. Therefore, unrestricted natural foot movement and properly fitting shoes are essential for pro-moting strong and healthy feet.

The WMS Kinderschuh (children’s shoe) Standard: Ensuring Proper Fit
Recognizing the importance of well-fitting footwear for children, the development of the WMS standard (width measurement system) for children's shoes began in Germany in 1964 and celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. This system recognizes the need for different widths in children's shoes and places strict requirements on the design to ensure the correct fit and support. The WMS is a binding standard for all licensees, ensuring that shoes labelled with the system meet uniform dimensional criteria. The system ensures that the shoe dimen-sions of all certified manufacturers are comparable. It contains detailed specifications for almost all aspects of child-appropriate shoe design and that mass-produced shoes comply with the natural proportions of the foot. The WMS system is scientifically sound and is based on statistically validated anthropometric measurements for last, sole and upper construction. This ensures that shoes are designed to support children's developmental stages and foot health, ultimately promoting long-term quality of life across all ages.

From: Deutsches Schuhinstitut GmbH „Deutscher Kinderfußreport 2020
Eine Studie zu Kinderfüßen und Kinderschuhen“, 2020

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By PFI