The concepts taught to any client must be centered on science-based evidence or, if there is a lack of data, based on clinical reasoning coupled with professional experience. It is important to understand that the new technologies proposed every year by companies have no scientific basis and are designed for a simple objective: to sell products. Retailers/salespeople must critically analyze the information conveyed by companies so as to ensure that company incentives do not compromise advice provided to clients. Commercial influences and profits related to the sale of a specific type of shoe should never influence salespeople in their recommendations to clients.

The elements that are essential in selecting a pair of shoes for children are relatively straightforward and widely accepted by most experts in this field. First, the main role of shoes is to protect the foot from cuts, puncture and infection. Second, shoes should not interfere with optimal foot development, meaning that they should be “minimalist”. Stiff and tight shoes are not recommended. Finally, the more often children are barefoot (e.g. walking around at home, playing in the backyard), the better it is. Any good shoe retailer should communicate such information to parents.

Look for shoes that are minimalist: no heel or arch support, and a sole that is flexible and ultra-thin. There is no set age when a child/teenager should start wearing maximalist running shoes (cushioned, elevated heel, relatively rigid). However, if a teenager has already grown accustomed to maximalist running shoes, there should be a gradual transition to minimalist shoes spread over a few weeks in order to allow the foot to adapt.

There is no evidence to recommend running shoes based of the type of foot arch (flat, high or “normal”). Additionally, the efficiency of pronation control systems in governing the movements of the feet and legs is debatable.