Eleven Criteria for the recognition of healthy footwear
Below are the eleven criteria that a shoe must meet in order to be approved by the Healthy Footwear Guide
- Toe box allows normal foot function for the individual.
- Adequate width and depth achievable for wearer’s foot function.
- Sole does not interfere with normal foot function.
- Shoe must not noticeably slip on the foot.
- Availability of product advice and support.
- Outsole grip meets SATRA standards.
Sole should have a raised tread pattern on heel and sole with a leading edge in many directions. In other words, a crosshatch, or similar, design. Tread pattern should extend over whole sole and heel area. Sole should have a flat, flexible bottom construction. Consider a low-density midsole that conforms to the ground and maximises contact area. A square heel breast (acts as leading edge) is recommended as opposed to around edge. - Softness and flexibility of upper and lining surfaces of shoe.
- Stable heel of suitable block height of approximately 25mm.
- In-shoe climate that promotes a healthy environment within the shoe.
- Shoe provides reasonable cosseting of vulnerable areas of the foot.
- Shoe retains its fitness for purpose for a reasonable period of time.
Aims of the Guide
- Help people to recognise the key features of footwear that will most likely offer a healthy and comfortable fit
- Encourage companies to manufacture shoes with these key features
- Encourage companies to join the Healthy Footwear Guide and actively promote footwear with these key features
- Help people find shoe stores that can advise on the correct fit of this footwear
- Offer advice to people who cannot get to a shoe store on the key fitting properties to look for when trying Healthy Footwear Guide recommended footwear