A new expanding shoe for children has been launched on the German market and is set to make its debut in the UK next year. ‘Max the Worm’ expanding shoes from sportswear firm K2. can be adjusted to different lengths, so that irregularly growing feet can be accommodated within two half sizes, e.g. 32 on the left and 32.5 or even 33 on the right.
The design, by American Hank Miller, features an extending concertina panel in the waist. Just press the button, pull the shoe length-wise until the display window in the sole shows the size required and fix it with a click.
Children can wear their shoes for as long as the shoes can survive the wear given them whilst their feet grow from size 27 to 37.5. Using trainer styling and bright colours, the shoes are also constructed sturdily, to last longer than would normally be the case.
Launched in Germany at the beginning of August, they have been well received. While some parents may not be keen on the chunky look, with pricing at €49-59 not dissimilar to ordinary shoes they do appreciate the long-term savings.
But why Germany? Well, it seems that due to economic problems, consumers are looking for bargains and the market for children’s shoes is in a particularly parlous state due to cheap imports and aggressive pricing. K2’s logic appears to be that if you can sell them there, you can sell them anywhere.
