Core Viewpoint - The children's shoe market is currently experiencing a surge in popularity for categories like "functional shoes" and "first walking shoes," which are marketed as beneficial for foot development and reducing falls, but lack scientific backing and standardized classifications [1][2]. Group 1: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The price range for these children's shoes varies from hundreds to thousands of yuan, attracting many parents [1]. - There is a growing trend among parents to focus on scientific parenting, yet they often rely on social media for information, leading to a lack of rational judgment and susceptibility to marketing traps [1][2]. Group 2: Industry Issues and Recommendations - The absence of a national standard for categorizing first walking shoes allows for exaggerated marketing claims that are not scientifically supported, creating a "anxiety industry" that exploits parental concerns [1][2]. - Regulatory bodies are urged to initiate special rectification efforts against false marketing and to improve national standards for children's shoes, establishing a mandatory certification system for safety and practicality [2]. - E-commerce platforms are encouraged to enhance their product approval processes and clearly label the actual functions of children's products, limiting exaggerated claims without evidence [2].

Core Viewpoint - The children's shoe market is currently focused on "functional shoes" and "learning shoes," with claims that these specialized shoes can reduce falls and correct walking patterns, leading many parents to willingly spend hundreds of yuan on them [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The popularity of "learning shoes" is driven by marketing strategies that exploit parental anxiety about child development, similar to previous trends in products like "gene testing" and "infant drinking water" [1]. - Many brands promote their learning shoes with unique technologies and features, but the actual differences in design are minimal, often focusing on aspects like sole width and ease of wear [2]. Group 2: Regulatory and Scientific Concerns - There is a lack of standardized definitions for the learning phase in children, making it difficult for parents to choose appropriate products [2]. - Experts in pediatric orthopedics have noted that the claims made by manufacturers regarding the benefits of these shoes lack scientific validation, indicating that the marketing is more conceptual than based on proven functionality [2][3]. - Current national standards for children's shoes do not address the additional functions claimed by learning shoes, suggesting a need for regulatory updates to protect consumer rights [2][4]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - It is essential to conduct scientific research to validate the claims made about learning shoes, particularly regarding their impact on children's walking abilities and safety [3][4]. - There should be legal actions against false advertising related to children's shoes, ensuring that any claims made by manufacturers are backed by factual evidence [3]. - Parents are encouraged to educate themselves on child development to avoid falling victim to misleading marketing tactics and to seek information from reputable sources [3].