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PUTTING SCIENCE INTO SCHOOL
SHOES...
a word from a passionate podiatrist for those
who want to know a
bit more about the specific
medical evidence to support the
importance of
these new school shoes...
A child’s foot is not a miniature version of an adult’s foot.
In early development, a child’s foot is widest
across the
toes. Most of a child's developing foot is cartilage, which
is gradually replaced by bone. If
the cartilage is deformed
by an incorrectly shaped or rigid shoe, bone will take on
the deformed shape.
So, what’s really special about this school shoe?
- Just as the bare foot is flat and level with the ground, so froggie barefoot science shoes are flat with no elevated heel;
- The outer sole is cutting edge technology - combining ultra flexible thinness with tough durability in a new compound;
- Unlike other shoes with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) components which can release carcinogenic dioxins, the froggie barefoot
science shoe contains rubber thus earning carbon credits by contributing to the sustainability of rubber forests. The
midsole is puncture resistant, similar to technology in safety shoes;
- The only school shoe with a patented removable foot bed that incorporates heel cupping (for maximum sensory development)
and contoured gel cushioning under the heel;
- The axis of the shoe is anatomically aligned to the longitudinal axis of the foot, with less than 2 degrees in curvature. The
shape and design allow toes to grow straight; vital for correct foot function and propulsion power.
Froggie tested their shoe by medical research on 22 children with no foot imbalances and deformities, boys and girls from
different ethnic groups, aged 7 – 11 years. A further 16 children had been volunteered by their parents, but had already
presented with imbalances such as juvenile flexible flat foot, toe curvature deformities, or feet which were of unequal length
by more than 7mm. These 16 children did not take part in the trial.
Three different measurements were taken of the 22 participating children:
- An Airex balance pad to test proprioception and balance;
- A dynamic pressure test using RS-Scan* system, performed
in their old school shoes,
barefoot and then in their froggie
barefoot science shoes;
- Lastly, the children were tested on a Humac isokinetic
dynamometer** for plantarflexion,
dorsiflexion, inversion,
and eversion range of motion, and strength in terms of torque.
Tests were conducted by qualified biokineticists,
an orthotist and a podiatrist.
With parent collaboration, the children only wore the
froggie barefoot science school shoes or
walked
barefoot for the following two months, after which the
tests were repeated. In all cases, foot muscle strength
had
dramatically improved, and the results of the barefoot
and froggie barefoot science tests were most similar.
The isokinetic dynamometer results showed marked
improvement in muscle tone and strength recovery, particularly
in those
children who had previously worn rigid soled shoes. These findings support the recommendations by other similar studies that
shoes for children should be designed on the barefoot model.
Results of the research trial were presented at the Ninth International Footwear Biomechanics Symposium, and subsequently
published in 'Footwear Science', Volume 1 Number S1 June 2009, a peer reviewed journal published by Taylor & Francis
Group, UK.
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of the Soul of Africa Initiative