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Research

Research

Student Feedback Study: Understanding the Real Impact of My Walk Shoes

To better understand the student experience, a dedicated study was conducted to gather direct feedback from learners who received My Walk Made with Soul school shoes. The aim was to evaluate both overall satisfaction and specific design features, helping us identify what’s working well and where improvements could be made.

The survey explored key aspects such as comfort, durability, style, and usability.
Questions were grouped into six categories:

  • General information (school details, frequency of use)
  • Comfort
  • Shoelaces
  • Aesthetics
  • End-of-life and recycling
  • Shoe boxes

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Key findings

General Use and Comfort
  • Most participants were in Grades 5–7.
  • 81% were still wearing their My Walk Made with Soul shoes, though not always daily.
  • Comfort received a score of 3.51/5, and overall experience rated 3.55/5 — a positive outcome, with opportunities for improvement.
  • Students noted that grip on slippery surfaces was a concern, scoring 3.05/5.
  • Suggestions included adding insoles, improving breathability, and reinforcing high-wear areas.
Shoelaces
  • 77% found the laces easy to tie.
  • However, 59% said the laces frequently came undone while walking. (We have since replaced our shoelaces with a more suitable alternative).
  • Common concerns included:
    • Laces being too thin (64%)
    • Prone to breakage (43%)
    • Length issues (59%)

These findings point to usability and durability challenges in the lacing system.

Aesthetics and Wearability
  • The shoes scored 3.55/5 for design.
  • Students valued their emotional significance and felt proud to wear them.
  • 80% wore them only to school, and 89% said the shoes were easy to clean.
  • Minor concerns included the shoes being too shiny and easily scratched.
End-of-Life Use
  • When outgrown, 85% of students said they would pass their shoes on to siblings or friends.
  • This demonstrates a strong culture of resourcefulness and family responsibility, reinforcing the product's durability and community value.
Shoe Boxes
  • Rated highly at 4.2/5, the shoe boxes were appreciated for their durability and reusability.
  • Many students reused the boxes creatively from storing books to crafting projects, indicating a potential opportunity to further engage learners through box design and messaging.

Conclusion

The feedback confirms that My Walk Made with Soul shoes are not just functional — they are appreciated, valued, and worn with pride. While learners see them as a source of comfort and dignity, their insights also highlight meaningful areas for refinement. From enhancing grip and breathability to improving lace quality, these voices guide our commitment to continuous improvement — ensuring every child walks forward with greater confidence, comfort, and care.