A SHOE shop is warning parents about the dangers of passing down previously-worn school shoes to younger members of family ahead of the new term.

Research conducted by the National Podiatry College says that 29 per cent of children are thought to wear the wrong sized shoes, and almost 40 per cent wear hand-me-downs.

Wynsors, in Earle Street, is warning that wearing such shoes pose a risk of discomfort, poor development, injury and problems with feet bacteria.

Jodie Quilty, store manager, said: “School shoes, which are often the most worn footwear a child has, can pose real problems for children’s feet if they are handed down.

“We strongly advise that parents get an expert fitting from a trained fitter, such as those at Wynsors, to guarantee they’re getting the right sized shoe.”

Used shoes have already moulded to their previous owner’s unique foot shape, meaning that the shoe will not be able to adequately support its new occupant’s feet.

In particular, the tread and the heel of the shoe may be worn down, which can have a negative effect on the shape of a growing child’s foot.

It’s especially important that children’s feet are supported, as their active lives put their developing bones and joints through their paces every day.

Well-worn shoes can also harbour their past owner’s bacteria from constant wear, which can increase the chances of a child developing verrucas and other such fungal problems.

Another issue with hand-me-downs is that they may not be correctly sized, presenting other issues around correctly supporting a child’s feet.

Charlotte Wood, a registered podiatrist with the Health and Care Professions Council and Society of Chiropodists, added: “Supporting the feet of a growing child is paramount to their development.

“Bone structure doesn't fully form until between the age of 16 years and 18 years old. As a result, children's feet are far more malleable than adult feet, so well-fitting footwear is of the utmost importance for a child to support and nurture the foot in such early stages.

“Hand me down shoes that are well worn will not offer the support needed around the arch for busy little feet at school.

“Other considerations such as the girth of the child's foot, the heel shape and the foot's proportions need to be taken into account which differs from child to child.

“I always urge parents to part with the cost of new shoes and that it's worth the expense as incorrect fitting footwear can lead to foot problems such as bunion joints and 'claw toes' later in life.”