Supermarket giant criticised for selling high-heeled school shoes

Tesco has come under fire for selling school shoes with giant '˜wedged' heels for girls as young as five.
SENSIBLE SHOES - but Tesco is under fire for selling what is seen as less suitable footwear.SENSIBLE SHOES - but Tesco is under fire for selling what is seen as less suitable footwear.
SENSIBLE SHOES - but Tesco is under fire for selling what is seen as less suitable footwear.

Campaigners say the F&F patent ‘platform’ shoes are inappropriate for children’s feet and ‘normalises’ adult fashions among youngsters.

Tesco says the £15 footwear - which can be bought as small as a child’s size nine - matches “style with comfort” and is the “chic choice for your girl”.

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But they have been criticised on the Facebook group ‘Let Clothes Be Clothes’, which campaigns for sensible kids’ fashion.

Mum Sarah Jackson wrote: “School range??? Really??!! It’s bad enough they are selling heeled childrens’ shoes anyway....but as appropriate for school?! Shame on you, Tesco.”

Heidi Leaning added: “This should come with a health and safety warning.

“Not only do they damage growing feet I’m sure they’d cause problems and lead to more twisted ankles for girls running around in the playground.”

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Pictures of the shoes were posted on the page under the headline: “Children’s feet are not meant to wear heels, wedges or platforms!”.

The post continued: “Heels can cause PERMANENT damage to feet, ligaments and posture... so it’s not prudish to say “I’m not ok with this.”

“When parents see big brands selling this it’s easy to normalise, it’s easy to think “it must be ok...”

“Play shoes, occassionwear - becoming more acceptable - but school shoes? No.

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“Tesco F&F could you imagine a boy wearing these? Yet acceptable for girls... please help END this - share if you agree, and help us raise awareness on this issue.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We listen closely to all feedback and are always guided by our customers.

“We’ll review this product carefully based on what our customers tell us.”

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