Carbon-plated running shoes have become increasingly popular among schoolchildren in China, but medical experts are warning that prolonged use could increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries in young wearers.
The topic “victims of wearing carbon-plated shoes for too long” recently trended on Chinese social media, drawing widespread attention from parents and students.
Originally designed for professional runners competing in marathons and speed-focused training, the shoes are now gaining popularity among younger consumers because of their lightweight construction, distinctive appearance and reputation for improving running performance.
However, interviews with students and parents found that some children had experienced foot discomfort after wearing the shoes.
Several pupils said they bought carbon-plated footwear after seeing it promoted in online videos, while others were attracted by its colourful design and lightweight feel.
Some students continued wearing the shoes despite experiencing discomfort.
Parents, meanwhile, expressed concerns about the potential impact on their children’s developing feet. One parent said comfort and proper fit were more important than following footwear trends.
Why Carbon-Plated Shoes May Not Suit Children
Chen Shunling, deputy chief physician in the Sports Medicine Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said carbon-plated running shoes were designed primarily for adult athletes whose bones and muscles were fully developed.
She warned against using them as everyday footwear for children.
According to Chen, the shoes’ stiff carbon plates and upward-curved forefoot can alter how the foot moves during running. Prolonged or inappropriate use may contribute to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, navicular bone injuries and chronic ankle instability.
These problems can cause recurring pain around the feet and ankles.
Chen also cautioned that children’s arches are still developing, making appropriate footwear particularly important during their growing years.
She advised against wearing carbon-plated shoes for everyday activities such as walking to school or commuting. They are also unsuitable for sports involving sudden stops and changes in direction, including basketball and volleyball.
Children under 14 should avoid the shoes, she said, while people with flat feet, high arches, weak ankle strength or higher body weight should also exercise caution.
How To Choose Suitable Shoes For Children
Chen said parents should prioritise footwear that matches their child’s foot shape and provides adequate stability and support.
She offered several recommendations:
- Choose a wider forefoot: The front of the shoe should leave enough room for the toes and avoid squeezing the foot.
- Check the heel counter: The back of the shoe should be firm enough to provide stable support.
- Look for a reasonably firm sole: The sole should provide adequate structure rather than being excessively soft.
- Check flexibility and stability: When bending the shoe, the area around the ball of the foot should flex, while the rest of the shoe should remain relatively firm. The shoe should also resist excessive twisting.
- Avoid excessively curved toe sections: A relatively flatter forefoot and a less aggressively curved sole may be more suitable for everyday wear.
Chen added that stable-support footwear is often a practical option, particularly for people who need additional foot support.
Ultimately, experts advise parents to prioritise comfort, proper fit and the child’s stage of physical development rather than choosing shoes based solely on appearance or claims of improved speed.
