After an article published in the journal "Chiropratique & Santé" n° 1/09

This expression still contains an unexpected truth : Indeed, more than half of the children wear shoes too small. Disorders in the feet are the unfortunate result of this. Choosing the right size of shoes can help.

The image of shoes that hurt is confirmed by an alarming study conducted in Austria on more than 800 children and 3,000 pairs of shoes. It also applies to our country: 69% of the children are wearing too short shoes and 88% of the slippers are too small. Many children are already suffering from disorders caused by wearing too narrow shoes.

Children's feet are patient - unfortunately

To wear shoes up to five times too small or even inverted does not disturb the very young; they put up with a situation that would cause unbearable pain to an adult. The explanation: children's feet are mostly made of soft cartilage. In addition, sensory nerves are not yet fully developed. Ask a child if the shoe that is trying on hurt makes no sense.

Children's feet grow fast

Between 3 and 6 years old, children's feet grow in average one millimimeter a month. When buying new shoes, the most important is not the size indicated but the length inside the shoe. This internal length should always exceed that of the foot at least 12 mm. New shoes should be at least 17 mm longer in order to be worn for five months.

The KAVAT ECOLOGIC COLLECTION is the first to have been awarded with the EU Eco-label - The Flower, in Sweden.

The Eco-label or European ecological label was created in 1992 as an initiative of the European Commission with the aim of promoting the use of products that respect the environment.

In order to obtain the ecological label for footwear, a certain ecological criteria has to be determined. This requires an evaluation on the impact generated by footwear in every stage of its life cycle, including the chemical composition, atmospheric emissions, waste generated, durability, packaging used, etc. and this guarantees that the footwear complies with these strict environmental requirements.

If a shoe has the Eco-label it means that it meets the following specifications:

• Limitations of water pollution during production.
• Reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds during production.
• Exclusion of substances harmful for the environment and health.
• Limitation of residues of metals and formaldehyde in the final product.
• Use of recycled packaging.
• Different aspects of durability carefully controlled.

This definition covers all different types of footwear, for which concrete requirements of durability have been established for footwear for: sports, children, work, professional use, town shoes for men and women, cold weather, casual, fashion and indoor.

More detailed informations about the Eco-label can be found here.