Young children’s footwear taxonomy: An international Delphi survey of parents, health and footwear industry professionals

Abstract

Objective There is little consistency between commercial grade footwear brands for determining shoe sizing, and no universally accepted descriptors of common types or features of footwear. The primary aim of this research was to develop a footwear taxonomy about the agreed types of footwear commonly worn by children under the age of six. Secondary aims were to gain consensus of the common footwear features, when different types of footwear would be commonly worn, common terms for key footwear parts, and how movement at some of these footwear parts should be described. Materials and methods Opinions were collected through a three-round modified Delphi international online survey from parents, health professionals, researchers, and footwear industry professionals. The first survey displayed generic pictures about different footwear types and asked participants to provide a grouping term, when the footwear would be worn (for what type of activity) and any grouping features. The second and third rounds presented consensus and gathered agreement on statements. Results There were 121 participants who provided detailed feedback to open-ended questions. The final round resulted in consensus and agreement on the names of 14 different footwear types, when they are commonly worn and their common features. Participants also reached consensus and agreement on the terms heel counter to describe the back part of footwear and fixtures as the collective term for features allowing footwear adjustability and fastening. They also agreed on terms to quantify the flexibility at footwear sole (bend or twist) or the heel counter. Conclusion This first taxonomy of children’s footwear represents consensus amongst different stakeholders and is an important step in promoting consistency within footwear research. One shoe does not fit all purposes, and the recommendations from this work help to inform the next steps towards ensuring greater transparency and commonality with footwear recommendations.

Australian secondary school principals', parents', and students' attitudes to prescribed school footwear guidelines

“…This was due to the lack of consistent taxonomy in paediatric footwear at the time of survey distribution. Recent work has highlighted gaps in agreed footwear taxonomy for children (less than six years of age) [ 40 ]. The same definitions for footwear styles was not applicable to school footwear and the population of interest in this study.…”

Parents, health professionals and footwear stakeholders' beliefs on the importance of different features of young children's footwear: a qualitative study

“…As such, many footwear recommendations may be subject to trend rather than based on sound concepts. Foundational children's footwear research data fields have recently been formed through a consensus‐based taxonomy of children's footwear styles and features, establishing recommendations on defining therapeutic footwear, footwear design characteristics and prescription variables [15, 16]. The next steps for children's footwear research must involve developing a consistent suite of outcome measures to add to these foundation data fields.…”

“…This study was nested within an international three‐round modified Delphi online survey. The methodology and results of the larger study resulted in development of a young children's footwear taxonomy and are published elsewhere [15]. The present study used data collected through open ended questions asked of participants in the first round of the Delphi study.…”

“…Furthermore, parents and caregivers' describe the most concern when purchasing footwear for their children during these early years [1]. Researchers have recently also explored how young children describe comfort [14], when young children wear footwear with different features, and how these features are described [15]. Children's footwear research has also focused on which footwear features may be therapeutically important if a child has a foot, leg or gait problem [16].…”