Methodology for Adaptable Footwear Design; Development of Shoes for Economically Vulnerable Children in Colombia

Abstract

In Colombia, according to the Unicef report, three out of ten children are in poverty, which corresponds to 34% of the child population. These children, who are in an economically difficult context, are violated their rights to basic solutions and essential items for their various stages of growth, such as proper food, education and clothing. Absence of or limiting footwear, for example, can cause damages such as injuries to the children’s feet, which are in stages of growth and therefore susceptible to malformations or permanent damage. This paper describes the development of a design methodology for this population, leading to the creation of a shoe that adapts to the physical needs of the developing child’s foot in this particular context.