Cheaper, healthier shoes important aspect

The high cost of shoes, as the cost of living continues to rise, is an often overlooked burden that falls on families struggling to afford school uniforms for their children. School shoes that are part of the prescribed uniform have become almost unaffordable for many parents prompting a call for urgent reforms to the current school uniform policy.

In Sri Lanka, it is common for children to wear the same pair of shoes for many years despite their feet continuing to grow. This practice, born out of necessity, can have detrimental effects on children’s foot health and overall well-being.

The issue is further exacerbated by the economic struggles that many families face, forcing parents to prioritize other essentials over new, properly fitting shoes for their children.

The current regulations regarding school uniforms mandating specific types of footwear, are increasingly out of step with the economic realities faced by a significant portion of the population. The rigid enforcement of these rules fails to consider the financial strain placed on families, particularly those with several school-going children.

A practical solution to this growing problem is to relax the regulations regarding school shoes. Allowing students to wear low-cost, ‘breathable’ footwear (like sandals) would alleviate the financial burden on parents while also addressing the health needs of the children.

Such open shoes are essential for maintaining foot health, as they help prevent issues such as fungal infections, blisters, and discomfort which can arise from wearing ill-fitting or non-breathable shoes over extended periods. Implementing this change would have several benefits:

Economic relief for families: By permitting more affordable footwear options, parents would be able to allocate their limited resources more effectively. This change would especially benefit low-income families disproportionately affected by the high costs of school uniforms.

Improved foot health for students: Shoes that fit properly and allow feet to breathe are crucial for children’s physical development. Relaxing the regulations would enable parents to choose footwear that supports healthy growth and reduces the risk of foot-related health issues.

Enhanced focus on education: When children are comfortable and healthy, they are better able to focus on their studies. Reducing the stress associated with uniform costs and improving physical comfort can contribute to a more conducive learning environment.

Lalin I De Silva