A children’s shoe that grows with the foot - those crazy German scientists

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The sports medicine department at the University of Potsdam have developed a children's shoe that expands as kids' feet grow. The invention is set to be introduced to the public at a trade fair presentation in March.

For over two years researchers at the University of Potsdam examined over 20,000 kids feet. They found that around 70 percent of kids have shoes that are too large, something that is not healthy for feet. But with kid's feet growing so quickly, it is hardly surprising that parents perhaps buy shoes that are a little larger. According to Dr. Steffen Müller, head of the measurement team, the new shoe will look like a normal shoe. The patent for the "growing shoe" has already been filed, but the technology in the shoe is shrouded in secrecy. Müller, however, reveals: "You have to imagine that we've come up with a system that allows the foot more and more space over time."

http://www.young-germany.de/news-verwaltun...html?no_cache=1

[mkg265 2]

When I was a child in Germany (mid 80's) we had little leather booties for shoes that would stretch as your foot grew.

Anyone else have those?

[Otto 83]

My father had this figured out years ago...buy me a pair 2 sizes too big then say "You'll grow into it."

[one...two...tree 2,762]

My father had this figured out years ago...buy me a pair 2 sizes too big then say "You'll grow into it."

lol...sounds familiar.

[fozzie 41]

My father had this figured out years ago...buy me a pair 2 sizes too big then say "You'll grow into it."

lol...sounds familiar.

Well thats what the article said. Usually kids end up wearing shoes that are too big which not healthy for the feet.

[tnguy21809 0]

When I was a kid I wore out my shoes long before they would have had a chance to grow with my feet! Didn't have computers, play stations, video games and such. I walked or rode a bike everywhere I went and was always on the go doing something. Never knew the words "i'm bored" until I had kids and heard it from them

Edited April 16, 2009 by tnguy21809

[Nagishkaw 510]

Sounds like those reseachers are a real shoe in.