Just had this response from Next Customer Services:
I write in response to your recent email regarding your views on the Satin Heeled Sandals we are currently selling for children. Firstly, may I apologise for the delay in writing to you.
I would like to thank you for bringing to our attention your own personal dissatisfaction with these shoes, along with the views of other mothers on the Mumsnet website. Can I confirm how concerned we were to read all of the comments on the website and reassure you we do take all complaints of this nature very seriously. This matter has been brought to the attention of our Children's Wear Technology and Buying Managers
The sandals in question have been designed for occasional wear only, as party shoes and certainly not for everyday use. Our range has included a heeled party sandal for many years and whilst the style of the shoe each season will try to reflect the current trends and demands, each shoe must meet our stringent safety standards, which are of utmost importance and every item in the range passes through an approval process. In addition, each shoe prototype is fitted on girls, who attend fitting sessions with a parent or guardian and whose feedback is listened to carefully to ensure both the fit and actual style is suitable. With regard to the heel I can advise that it is graded, with the heel reducing in height as the sizes get smaller.
There is no currently no British or European standard which recommends a maximum heel height for children's shoes, but our inclusion of these styles in the party range reflects the guidelines from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists which recommends such styles are reserved for occasional wear.
We should reiterate that we do offer alternative party shoes without a heel and leave the style selection to individual parents. Over one third of sales of this style of shoe this season has been on sizes 9 to 12 at the lower end of the range, for younger children, which suggests that there is a real demand for this type of product. Nevertheless, we were extremely interested to read some of our customers' opinions on this matter on Mumsnet and will be investigating and considering this subject further in the light of your concerns. If you are able to send into us any evidence of these shoes damaging children's feet, please forward it to the address detailed below. Your comments and concerns will be taken into consideration when future ranges are designed and manufactured.
Finally, I would like to thank you once again for taking the time and trouble to contact us regarding this matter and please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be of any further assistance.