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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMs Makey said: \u201cI work with a lot of top consultants, every single one has been on board with this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Makey said she wishes footwear companies should change their school shoe ranges to \u201creflect what children should actually be wearing\u201d. She believes there are many less appropriate choices for girls shoes than boys, with the latter being more based on the features of a trainer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf manufacturers were on board too, it would make buying school footwear a lot easier for parents.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that \u201cresearch is lacking\u201d , therefore she cannot directly prove smart school shoes “definitely damage [feet].\u201d However, interactions with both patients and parents has revealed a \u201cfrustrating\u201d pattern of shoe-related discomfort, which increases the risk of long term problems with pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe problem is we’re dealing with growing feet here, so who knows what detriment it could have if they\u2019re squashing their feet into really inappropriately tight or really flat, thin, shoes just to follow a policy to make them look smart.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elizabeth Salamaj, mother of two, said: \u201cI don\u2019t see why it\u2019s necessary for my kids to be obliged to wear these shoes. When they were in primary they didn\u2019t care so much, what is the difference now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some schools around Sheffield, such as Birley Academy, have begun to relax their policies, allowing plain black polishable trainers such as Air Force Ones in addition to traditional smart shoes. However according to Ms Makey, others such as Mercia School, continue to be \u201cvery, very strict.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n