Foot Health: Why You Shouldn’t Hand Down Old Kids’ Shoes
When it comes to growing feet, not all shoes are created equal. While it might seem like a smart way to save money, handing down shoes from one child to another can actually do more harm than good. In this blog, we explore why supporting healthy foot development matters and how rethinking what we do with old shoes can make a big difference – both for children and the planet.
The Anatomy of a Growing Foot
Children's feet are not just miniature versions of adult feet – they are soft, pliable, and constantly developing. At birth, a child’s foot is made up of mostly cartilage, with bones gradually forming and hardening as they grow. The arches, muscles, and ligaments of the foot don’t fully develop until around age 12.
Because their feet are so malleable, children are particularly vulnerable to poorly fitting or unsupportive footwear. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or worn in the wrong places can affect foot alignment, balance, and even posture.
Why Hand-Me-Downs Can Be Harmful
Each pair of feet wears a shoe in a unique way, creating pressure points, worn-out soles, and altered support. When passed down, these worn shoes can impose an unnatural gait or restrict proper movement for the next wearer.
Handing down shoes might seem harmless, but it can lead to issues such as:
- Improper arch development
- Foot and toe deformities
- Blisters, calluses, and discomfort
- Long-term effects on walking and posture
While clothes can often be shared and passed down with little issue, shoes are one item that should ideally be bought new for each child.
The Environmental Impact of Old Shoes
So if we shouldn’t hand them down, what should we do with old kids' shoes? Sadly, many of them end up in landfill. In the UK alone, around 72 million pairs of children’s shoes are thrown away each year. Globally, the number is in the billions.
Most shoes are made with mixed materials that can take decades to centuries to decompose. Even small children’s shoes contribute significantly to landfill waste and environmental pollution.
Why Recycling Is the Better Option
Recycling old shoes is a powerful alternative. It not only reduces landfill waste but also gives materials a second life. Recycling also helps teach children about sustainability and responsible choices from a young age.
At Young Soles, we believe in giving old soles new purpose. That’s why we created our Recycle & Reward programme.
The Young Soles Recycle & Reward Programme
Our Recycle & Reward programme lets families send back worn-out Young Soles shoes to be recycled responsibly through our European partners. In return, we offer £10 store credit for every pair – no matter where they were purchased. It’s our way of helping parents make smarter, more sustainable choices without compromising on style or comfort.
Because while kids outgrow shoes quickly, that doesn’t mean those shoes have to go to waste.
In Summary
Growing feet deserve the right support, and that starts with shoes that are made for them – not worn by someone else first. Handing down old footwear may seem resourceful, but it can hinder healthy development and contribute to a growing environmental problem. Recycling, on the other hand, helps protect little feet and the planet.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our Recycle & Reward programme here and give those outgrown soles a second life – and turn them into new Young Soles.
