Based on research conducted, shoes worn by South African children and adolescents (ages 6-18) are predominantly manufactured using shoe sizing data that comes from European and American children. This often prioritises foot length as the primary measurement, without accounting for foot width.
South African youth, who generally grow up habitually barefoot, tend to have wider feet than their European counterparts. Approximately 98% of South African children wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet currently. Ill-fitting shoes negatively impacts foot development and function, various walking and running patterns, as well as activity levels in general.
Based on measurements taken in our research, we have determined shoe features that are more suitable for the wider South African feet. These features include a wider and flexible toe box and an articulation line that aligns with the base of the joints to support movement, balance and healthy foot development. Banzifeet also values the use of breathable material for the upper of the shoe.
