The Consumer Council tested 28 models of primary school shoes on the market and discovered that two contained carcinogens exceeding safety limits.
The samples tested included an equal number of male and female styles, with 18 models having animal leather components, and prices ranged from HK$198 to HK$599.
The results showed that various harmful substances were detected in 13 models, including the carcinogen chromium VI, aromatic amines, formaldehyde, and the reproductive toxicant phthalates.
Among these models, two contained carcinogenic chromium VI, which can cause lung cancer, at levels exceeding the EU limit.
Two models were found to exceed the EU limit for phthalates, which includes DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP. One model had a DEHP concentration of 8.69 percent in the insole, exceeding the EU limit by nearly 86 times.
Durability test results also varied significantly, with two models showing cracks after 35,000 or 50,000 flexes, while others exhibited issues such as insufficient adhesion between the shoe upper and sole, as well as poor abrasion resistance of the outsole.
The consumer watchdog urged manufacturers to improve the design and materials of school shoes to better protect children's feet.
Meanwhile, it suggested that children should try shoes on in person to test standing, walking, and squatting to check if the shoes are pressing against the toes.
“It is not recommended for children to wear shoes one size up,” the watchdog said. “Toe boxes should have a maximum empty space of approximately 0.5 cm to 1 cm.”
Parents are also advised to avoid pointed-toe shoes to prevent bunions and adverse foot development.
