Jandals could get Aussie health tick

Thongs might prove to be better for young feet than closed-in shoes. Photo / NZ Herald

Moves are afoot in Australia to change the unhealthy image of thongs, known in New Zealand as Jandals.

Scientists there are flip flopping on the issue, now saying the cheap and cheerful footwear could even be better for children than closed-in shoes.

University of Sydney researcher Alex Chard says he's looking forward to challenging the "broad public misconceptions of the health effects of wearing thongs".

Mr Chard and his research team are seeking volunteers between 7 and 13 for a comparison of children's foot motion while they are barefoot and while they are wearing thongs or traditional school shoes.

Mr Chard says professionals often discourage the wearing of thongs but there's no hard evidence that they are harmful.

"Experts are starting to accept that the best shoe should mimic barefoot conditions," he said. "The latest research has found that there is more motion within the arch of the foot than previously thought.

"It might be the case that flexible things can actually assist in developing the 16 muscles within each foot, helping Australian children to improve their sporting prowess."

The team from the university's foot and ankle research unit will use computer animation techniques to analyse the way children's feet and legs move while they are running, walking or stepping sideways.

The research will be conducted at the university's Lidcombe campus in western Sydney.

- AAP