Government Action
We are calling on the UK government to remove the VAT exception on children's heels and wedges of 2.5cm and up, that are both designed and marketed as regular, everyday footwear options. This includes school shoes, summer holiday sandals and sporty trainers.
We believe this will send a strong message to retailers that such shoes are not appropriate for children.
Current VAT guidelines stipulate that children's footwear should be designed for young children, but there is extensive evidence (from Podiatrists, NHS) to suggest fashion heels, wedges and ballet flats are not safe for children to wear every day - precisely because these styles were designed for adult feet and adult lifestyles.
We would also like to see action taken against retailers under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, "obligations of products" (manufacturers and importers) to ensure that warning labels are added to play heels, and party shoes.
"2. Producers must provide consumers with the relevant information to enable them to assess the risk inherent in a product throughout the normal or reasonably foreseeable period of its use and to take precautions again those risks"
Warning labels would provide clear and consistent advice on heels and wedges for occasional, limited use only, and be applied to party shoes, occasion wear and play heels.
This is supported by advice from the NHS
Great Ormond Street Hospital, NHS
"We do not advise wearing high-heeled shoes during prolonged standing and walking. Fashion and party shoes are fine for special occasions but wearing sensible shoes for regular everyday use is best."
Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists, NHS
"High heeled shoes can cause the foot to slip forward in the shoe. These shoes can also lead to weight bearing through only the forefoot which could cause pain."
Country Durham and Darlington NHS Trust
"The shoe should ideally be completely flat, but a height of up to 2.5cm in the heel is sufficient. If shoes with an increased heel height are worn, then the calf muscle can shorten, which may cause problems as your child gets older."
We urge brands, retailers and footwear manufacturers to adopt standards that reflect the needs of growing feet, and encourage healthy, active childhoods.