Kadınkız, N., Battal, O., Acar, M., Uzun, M., Başlar, A. (2025). Age-Based Footwear Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Infancy to Adolescence and Footwear Manufacturing. Journal of Design Sciences and Applied Arts, 6(1), 105-116. doi: 10.21608/jdsaa.2024.285050.1412
Naz Kadınkız; ozgenur Battal; Mervenur Acar; Muhammet Uzun; Atilla Başlar. "Age-Based Footwear Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Infancy to Adolescence and Footwear Manufacturing". Journal of Design Sciences and Applied Arts, 6, 1, 2025, 105-116. doi: 10.21608/jdsaa.2024.285050.1412
Kadınkız, N., Battal, O., Acar, M., Uzun, M., Başlar, A. (2025). 'Age-Based Footwear Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Infancy to Adolescence and Footwear Manufacturing', Journal of Design Sciences and Applied Arts, 6(1), pp. 105-116. doi: 10.21608/jdsaa.2024.285050.1412
Kadınkız, N., Battal, O., Acar, M., Uzun, M., Başlar, A. Age-Based Footwear Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Infancy to Adolescence and Footwear Manufacturing. Journal of Design Sciences and Applied Arts, 2025; 6(1): 105-116. doi: 10.21608/jdsaa.2024.285050.1412
Age-Based Footwear Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Infancy to Adolescence and Footwear Manufacturing
1Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Marmara University, 34722 Istanbul, Turkey
2Turkish Footwear Industry Research Development and Education Foundation (TASEV), İstanbul, Türkiye
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the importance of designing footwear according to age-specific needs, from infancy to adolescence. The research takes into account various factors like physiology, psychology, and activity levels, and emphasizes the need to tailor footwear to meet the unique requirements of each age group. The study explores the crucial role of appropriate footwear in promoting foot health and overall well-being. It delves into the specific design requirements for different age groups, such as infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Key considerations include flexibility, support, durability, comfort, and style preferences, which evolve alongside developmental milestones and lifestyle changes. By analyzing existing literature and empirical findings, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of age-specific footwear design principles. The study aims to offer valuable insights for industry professionals and researchers, leading to the development of age-appropriate footwear solutions that enhance both comfort and performance while safeguarding the health of younger demographics. The final fit of the developed shoes was tested to determine the appropriate size for the respective age groups. It was found that shoe size cannot be determined with only one measurement.