Thank
you to everyone who promoted
NATIONAL SHOE FITTING WEEK
Due to its success this will be an annual pre-Easter event, so if you would like to
join in next year or help in any way, please contact our Secretary:
Email:
Click
Here
WARNING - PARENTS
PLEASE NOTE:
Children's
footwear should not be purchased online, self-fitted or handed down. No two pairs of
shoes fit the same - a size is merely a guide and varies from brand, per style,
materials, construction method, country of origin etc. It is not an exact
science! Young feet are
easily damaged and that damage can last a lifetime.. Ill fitting shoes
do not
just affect your feet but your entire physiology.
If you are in pain or uncomfortable you shift your body weight to change your gait (way that you
walk). This puts pressures on other joints and tendons which may create aches
and pains elsewhere in the body. Young children will often overlook
discomfort or be too young to tell you if their shoes and socks hurt - and it is
in the formative years when damage can be done that will in effect, last a
lifetime - maybe not becoming obvious until later in life. Inevitably foot
problems lead to pain and suffering, but will also cost
the NHS/Government/you the tax-payer, dearly! Complain to PTAs who insist on Plimsoll's in school all day to save carpets.
Hard floors with rugs/cushions are healthier than ill fitting
footwear!
Qualified Shoe Fitters are
sadly in a minority - there is no law that states
'people selling shoes should know anything about feet or footwear' -
which is appalling!
It is only those people
who respect the knowledge required to do the job properly that bother to qualify
and retain their membership. Shoe Fitters do not make a charge for their knowledge or service
unlike other 'professional' people - so
why take the risk of fitting yourself or shopping online?
There is very little
profit selling shoes in comparison to clothing etc. We ask you to
respect that if you choose to buy shoes online or from a supermarket etc. you
should not 'use/abuse' the fitting service offered by good independent shoe
shops. What a 'gauge' says is actually irrelevant, it is merely a starting point
to a qualified fitter. All gauges are calibrated differently and it
depends upon the style of shoe being fitted, brand, materials, construction
method, even country of origin
affect the fit. A qualified fitter may spot a potential problem and refer
you to a GP or chiropodist.
Remember: Damage can be done in a child's formative years that may affect their complete
physiology - which in turn may affect their health several ways in later life!
Even migraine can be attributed to ill-fitting shoes!
Children's shoes should only be
fitted by trained professionals.
The
Society of Shoe Fitters 
