On the website of the American Podiatric Medical Association, is this advice regarding children’s footwear with this graphic provided by the children’s shoe manufacturer, StrideRite.
It is not too dissimilar to the advice that I have seen being widely given for the use of children’s shoes. Where a problem arises is that I periodically come across comments in social media calling out the APMA on what they are advising, asking how robust the advice is and what is the evidence supporting the advice that they are given. I have yet to ever see the APMA respond. Here the most recent couple that I have seen:
On what evidence do you base your recommendations @APMA ? Why do you think kids need so much support? @blaisedubois https://t.co/3URAxYiZN7
— JF Esculier (@JFEsculier) January 14, 2017
Pic from @APMA
-Y stiff heel?
-Y only bend @ toes?
-Y rigid middle?
-Y Stride rite sponsor?https://t.co/afiQLJbamO pic.twitter.com/z5ozC1EGFE— Kevin Maggs (@RunningReform) January 14, 2017
The onus on any professional body giving advice or guideline is to ensure that that advice and guidelines are consistent with the latest preponderance of evidence and not underpinned by any commercial bias. What evidence is underpinning the above recommendations? There is none. There is no evidence that a children’s shoe should have a stiff heel. There is no evidence that a children’s shoe should only bend at the toes. There is no evidence that the midsole should be rigid. It is on that basis that the APMA is being called out in social media for this advice.
The cynic could simply respond superficially by saying, do those who are criticizing the APMA have any evidence that the claims are wrong? They don’t. However, the ‘burden of proof’ fallacy is that the burden is on those making claims to support and defend them. So you can’t just twist it around to get the critics to provide evidence of the opposite by deflecting the burden of proof to the negative.
What sort of issues does this raise?
- What are the responsibility of professional representative organizations to issue advice and guidelines that are evidence-based? (surely the answer to that is obvious!)
- If you follow some comments in social media, the commercial bias and imperative is often raised. In this case, the graphic on that APMA page that is posted above is provided by a commercial manufacturer. I do not have a problem with commercial sponsorship and support for professional organizations as the money is typically used to fund the goals of the organization, but they should not dictate or influence any policies or guidelines of the organization. In this case, StrideRite has a ‘seal of approval‘ from the APMA which they would have had to pay for. This certainly opens the APMA to criticism in giving non-evidence-based advice on a product that is giving them money. As money is involved, this increases the scrutiny as to the quality and robustness of the advice being given
- Why is the APMA not responding to the call outs in social media to defend what they are advising?
So what advice should be given for children’s shoes?
I would have thought that the most appropriate logical and intuitive advice on shoes for kids, in the absence of any evidence to intervene, would be to use shoes that have design features that do not interfere with the developing foot. That contradicts with some of the advice being given by the APMA.
This is, of course, assuming that there are no problems present that need intervention. We can have a debate on the evidence for that another day.
Postscript:
@CraigBPayne I contacted the APMA 2 years ago multiple times about this and they promised to get back to me but never did. Shameful
— Paul Langer (@paullanger1) January 16, 2017
Please sign up for my newsletter when a new content is posted:
Advertisement:
- 【PRODUCT SIZE】: The width of The retractable badge reel is 1.8 inch, length is 4.1 inch, retracts to extend 24 inch (60cm) nylon cord, weight about 0.60 oz.
- 【DURABLE & STURDY】: The Glitter badge holder is made of high quality Acrylic, ABS and metal, and the rope is mainly made of quality nylon material, which is sturdy and strong, safe and reliable, not easy to break, fade or tear, you can use for a long time with confidence.
- Shi, Eric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Podiatry Squad, Medicine, Foot Doctor Podiatrist Design for Men and Women, who like feet, foot, medicine, podiatry and are podiatrists or foot doctors.
- An ideal gift idea for Father or Mother, Grandpa or Grandma, Son or Daughter. A great surprise for any special occasion such as Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, Birthday and any other anniversary.
- Hardcover Book
- Brennan, Dr. Todd (Author)
- Optum (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- PROFESSIONAL SET - Contains 8 valuable daily care tools：1*Toenail file, 1*Toenail lifter, 1*Nail file, 1*Nail pusher,1*Nail cuticle fork,1*Acne needle, 1*Pedicure Knife Tools, 1*Cleaning brush, Solve all your toenail repair problems
- MEDICAL MATERIALS - The pedicure kit are made of 100% medical grade stainless steel, polished and combined with a unique texture design, making the pedicure tools non-slip, durable, rust-free and easy to sterilize, we spare no effort to provide a nail tools, you never need to worry about its quality
- Are you a podiatrist, chiropodist, or someone who works at a foot clinic, podiatry office who also loves Christmas? This funny Podiatry Christmas tree design reads OH PODIATREE: with rows of feet in a tree shape.
- Perfect for any foot care specialist. Display it proudly to the podiatrist's office and get smiles from your patients with this holiday design.
- Hardcover Book
- Wishnie, Peter (Author)
- Mug holds 11oz of your favorite hot or cold beverage. White exterior and interior.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Closed Cell Podiatry Axial/Sesamoid Weight Bearing - 13" x 8" x 4"
- Closed Cell Sponges are made from a lightweight, radiolucent, non-porous foam - entirely easy to clean and extremely durable! Non-coated, premium charcoal grey color. 100% radiolucent artifact free imaging.
I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
