Children's high heels raise hackles

London: Girls as young as three are being offered high heels by fashion stores despite growing concerns over the sexualisation of children.

The shoes have apparently become popular after the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes was seen wearing them aged three.

Suri Cruise has been pictured a number of times in public with heels and lipstick in what her mother claims is just a harmless dressing up game.

However, High Street chains have latched onto the trend and are trying to entice parents in this country to emulate the Cruises.

Shops including Asda, Next and GapKids have come under fire from parents on online forums.

At the same time, health experts warn the shoes can damage feet and posture.

The high heels are part of a raft of products said to be sexualising young girls, including a first make-up kit for girls of five and T-shirts for toddlers emblazoned with "Future footballer's wife".

Earlier this year, Primark was shamed into removing padded bikini tops for girls as young as seven after David Cameron described them as "disgraceful".

Justine Roberts, spokesman for parents group Mumsnet, said: "Some of the shoes I've seen on sale look more suited to a lapdancing club than the feet of a young girl.

"The items in question are prematurely sexualising young children. We are saying to retailers, ‘Have a look at your range and ask yourselves if these items are appropriate'." Katie Holmes has defended her daughter's outfits: "Like every little girl, she loves my high heels. They are actually ballroom dancing shoes for kids. I found them for her and she loves them."