FASHION-conscious parents may want to dress their kids in the latest trends – but when it comes to high heels for toddlers, experts are warning you should think twice.
Retail giant Matalan has faced backlash for it’s latest summer collection, which includes a heeled wedge sandal for girls as young as THREE.
Matalan
- Girls Broderie Wedge Sandals, Matalan, £12 – buy now
Stocked in an infant size 10, worn by children before they start primary school, the self-proclaimed “statement sandals” have a thick wedge heel of around two inches.
And according to Matalan’s own sizing guide, the size tens are an ideal fit for girls aged between three and four.
Available on their website for £12, the girl’s broderie wedge sandals are said to be ideal for a “mini fashionista” to wear on holiday.
The product description reads: “Your mini fashionista will love rocking her summer wardrobe when paired with these statement summer sandals.
Getty – Contributor
“Constructed in white Broderie Anglaise, style notes include a pretty bow front, alongside an espadrille style wedge heel an an adjustable ankle strap fastening.”
Proving popular with parents, the heels are already flying off the shelves, with infants sizes 10 and 12 already out of stock on their website.
But foot experts are blasting the shoe and saying that heels should ‘never’ be sold to children, as wearers could suffer long-term joint damage.
Podiatrist Victoria Wilson of London’s Beauchamp Footcare said: “If you put a young, under-developed foot in a high heel, you are putting all the pressure on the points at the front of the foot.
“That will affect that child potentially forever and put them on a path to joint problems. Retailers should never be selling any type of heel to children.”
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The College of Podiatry recently warned that millions of children are at risk of foot issues from wearing unsuitable shoes at a young age.
Their experts have said that celebrities are driving the trend for young girls to wear high heels, with one in ten six year old’s now owning a pair.
And the result? Problems including callouses, blisters, bruising and joint and ligament damage that could last for life.
Dr Stewart Morrison said: “It’s worrying that so many children are wearing shoes that are not suitable for everyday wear, as children’s feet are still growing and more susceptible to damage.
“We recommend parents have their children’s feet measured and their everyday shoes fitted by a professional – measuring young children’s feet every eight weeks.”
Netmums Editor in Chief Annie O’Leary said: “While the Netmums forums are full of chat about kids loving to role play and dress up, it would appear that these shoes aren’t being sold as fancy dress.
“Aside from the risk of twisted ankles, why anyone would want a child to look like anything but a child is a worry. I’d love Matalan to tell us whether these were brought to market based on demand or because someone at HQ had a silly idea.
“Let’s hope it was the latter or we have a much bigger problem on our hands.”
Matalan has not responded to requests for comment.
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