PG36-37 Footwear Main:Footwear_Jan10_p30 02/02/2010 12:53 Page 37
What are the Healthy Footwear Guidelines?
• Toe box allows normal foot function
• Adequate width and depth for foot function
• Sole encourages normal foot function
• Soft flexible upper and lining
• Stable heel of approximately 25mm
• In shoe climate which promotes a healthy environment within the shoe
• Shoe provides reasonable cosseting
• Shoe retains its’ fitness for purpose
• Shoe must offer good foot retention
• Availability of product advice
• Outsole grip meets industry standards
problems caused by many aspects of footwear - covering a
multitude of issues. If I address this question in terms of the most
How does a company become a member of HFG?
common footwear features/types I have come across which have
Shoe manufacturers can sign up to the scheme by declaring an
caused problems of the feet, this would come down to shoes which
intention to support the manufacture of products in certain ranges
deviate markedly from the natural shape of the foot, particularly in
that will meet the designated criteria. They can then designate
relation to toebox style.
products which that they feel meet the guidelines and details of
these products are submitted to the group for assessment and
And, your OBE, when was this awarded and the criteria?
confirmation. The products which meet the criteria will then be
This was awarded in the Queens' Birthday Honours list in 2009 and
allocated a symbol of recognition by the manufacturer, which can be
the investiture was in October that year. The award was made "for
identified by the public when seeking to purchase healthy footwear.
services to medicine and healthcare". It is my understanding that
The group itself is non-profit making, but administers a small charge
the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) award is
(currently £250/year) to participating companies, to cover its’ basic
typically made for distinguished service or achievement at
administration costs. Full Information on how to do this is available
national level.
on the groups' web site (www.healthy-footwear-guide.com) Any plans for the future?
I have a few. I am currently in the closing stages of a text book that
Which organizations support the HFG?
I am writing with an American colleague on forensic podiatry and
The Society of Shoe fitters, The Society of Chiropodists and
once this is completed, I have plans to write a book with a UK
Podiatrists, The Independent Footwear Retailers Association
colleague for clinicians on footwear. I am currently preparing two
Which footwear features/types of footwear do you consider
new research proposals, one of which relates to footwear and
currently pose the greatest threat to the nation’s feet?
health. At the top of my list though is a plan to head for Berlin
This is an interesting question as I have seen many extreme
on my motorbike at the first available opportunity I can find for
a short break!
What do the members think of the Healthy Footwear Group? were delighted to be invited to join the Healthy Footwear Group and strongly
Footwear Today asked Healthy Footwear Group members for their support the notion that footwear manufacturers should be aware of their
perspectives on the Group: social responsibility of providing well fitting, beneficial footwear. The
A spokesperson from Clarks told us: “Clarks has been involved with the collaboration of foot health professionals and manufacturers is a great idea
Healthy Footwear Group (HFG) almost from day one. “We are delighted to be and can only be of benefit to the footwear industry.
able to use their logo in many of our UK stores and, wherever it appears, we’ve “With no real industry standard in fitting and design, the consumer can find
noticed that the HFG endorsement has increased consumer interest, buying properly fitting footwear from different brands, with varying lasts and
particularly in the K range. widths frustratingly difficult. With the Healthy Footwear Guide accreditation,
“Currently in the middle of our first selling season, we’re confident that when in the form of swing tickets or in-store POS, the healthy footwear options can
the HFG logo becomes common place customers looking for assurance will be easily identified at a glance.
actively seek it out. They will focus on HFG endorsed products, safe in the “Companies that can be seen giving their customers informed choices will
knowledge that they meet the HFG criteria as well as deliver exceptional gain precious product differentiation and offer a superior Customer value
quality, comfort and style. proposition. Being members also gives increased credibility with podiatrists
Charles Denton, Managing Director of DB shoes said: “DB Shoes has been a and chiropodists, giving them a clear ‘bench mark’ when recommending
member of the group since its inception. The healthy footwear group is suitable footwear for their patients.
fulfilling a vital role in highlighting to the general public and foot health “As the average end user becomes more discerning in a market place where
professionals shoes that met the criteria laid out in the healthy footwear there is more choice than ever, I would encourage all footwear manufacturers
guide. As more manufacturers/brands develop products that met this criteria to sign up with the HFG. “
and sign up to the objectives of the healthy footwear group, the foot health of Martyn Sherman, B.Sc. Pod. D.Pod.M. M.Ch.S, senior podiatrist at Healthy Feet
the nation will be greatly improved. in Sheffield, added: “At Healthy Feet Clinic and Shoe Shops we believe that our
“The next stage of developing a “criteria” for retailers to join the group patients and customers feel much more confident buying from our footwear
completes the circle between foot health professionals, footwear range that meets the criteria of the healthy footwear guide. They can easily
manufacturers and shoe fitters in advising the general public about the best identify these shoes by the healthy footwear guide logo on the labels. Our
footwear for their particular needs.” in-house Podiatrists can help with the selection and fitting, and can make any
Lucinda Merriman, Marketing Manager of Padders, commented:“Padders adjustments to the inside of the shoe to improve foot function if necessary.”
HFG Meeting for retailers Professor Wesley Vernon Email:
wesvernon@yahoo.co.uk or Lucinda Merriman
The Healthy Footwear Group is having a meeting on 15 March regarding retailer Email:
Lucinda@padders.co.uk
membership of the scheme. The meeting is to encourage retailers to join the HFG Date: Monday 15 March 2010
and to discuss the criteria for membership, so it’s an opportunity to be involved and Time: 10.30am
have a say in how this develops. It’s open to any retailer that would like to come Venue: Clarks Shoes Ltd, Sapphire House, Sapphire West (2nd Floor), 550
along and find out a little more about the HFG. Anyone interested should email Streetsbrook Road, Solihull, B91 1QY
www.healthy-footwear-guide.com
FEBRUARY 2010
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FOOTWEAR TODAY
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