Physical Therapist Shares Essential Tips for Choosing School Shoes and Backpacks
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
With the 2026 school year approaching, parents across Hong Kong are preparing their children for the new academic term. Beyond checking homework, selecting appropriate school shoes and backpacks requires careful consideration. Physical therapist Gorman Wai Chi-wing warns that improper footwear can contribute to spinal issues and worsen existing foot conditions.
Key Points
- Approximately 10% of Hong Kong children suffer from foot problems including flat feet, clubfoot, or bunions, with bunions considered severe when the big toe deviates more than 20 degrees
- Ill-fitting shoes can lead to plantar fasciitis, muscle tension, blisters, and in severe cases, scoliosis
- Five essential shoe-shopping tips: rounded toe boxes for toe movement, firm soles approximately 1 inch thick for support, breathable materials to prevent fungal infections, lace-up designs for better foot support, and shopping in the evening when feet are naturally swollen
- Backpacks should feature rigid back panels to protect against book pressure, with chest and waist straps to distribute weight evenly across shoulders and hips
- Backpack weight should not exceed 10-15% of the child's body weight, and rolling bags, while helpful, pose injury risks when carrying up stairs
Why It Matters
Proper footwear and backpack selection during the developmental years can prevent long-term orthopaedic issues. With one in ten Hong Kong children affected by foot problems, early intervention through appropriate shoe selection becomes crucial for preventing chronic pain and spinal complications that could persist into adulthood.
Proper footwear and backpack selection during the developmental years can prevent long-term orthopaedic issues. With one in ten Hong Kong children affected by foot problems, early intervention through appropriate shoe selection becomes crucial for preventing chronic pain and spinal complications that could persist into adulthood.