Kids with flat feet have a condition where the arches of their feet do not develop fully, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. Flat feet can happen for various reasons, including genetic factors, weak muscles, ligament laxity, or certain medical conditions. Flat feet can lead to discomfort or even foot pain.
Thus, it is crucial to find supportive shoes that cater to the child’s specific unique needs (foot shape, narrow feet, narrow width, shoe size, lightweight shoe, etc.) If your child has this condition, and you are having difficulty finding the right kids’ shoes, then this article is for you. We will break down some of the top kid’s shoes and insoles for flat feet with fantastic arch support, perfect for your child’s developing foot.
One of the most common foot problems in kids is pes planus or flat feet, where the natural arch of the foot disappears whenever the child stands or walks. While flat feet is not something parents should ignore, it is pretty easy to deal with flat feet as long as you have the right knowledge and the right flat feet shoes.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends using custom orthotics to provide arch support, help correct pediatric flat feet, and potentially prevent biomechanical dilemmas as a child’s feet grow and develop.
Flat Feet
The Basics Of Your Child’s Foot Health
When babies are born, many of their bones have yet to develop. This includes several small bones that make up the arch of the feet. Instead, elastic cartilage supports the feet, and its flexibility means it will yield under pressure, such as when a toddler stands up. The lack of hard bones is why babies typically have flat feet. Instead of an arch, a fat pad is a temporary support since the arch is not yet developed. Flat feet is among the common conditions doctors see in children and should not be a reason to worry.
As kids age, the bone gradually replaces the soft cartilage, resulting in a permanent arch in the majority of babies. However, a small percentage of kids fail to develop a full arch. In many of these cases, an arch is only present if the foot is not bearing weight; standing or walking with flat feet causes the arch to collapse. Understanding flat feet is half the battle, so you can explore solutions that suit your little one.
- This condition can happen for different reasons, including genetics, weak muscles, ligament laxity, or even certain medical conditions.
- Whatever the exact cause, an underdeveloped arch can cause the entire sole to touch the ground.
- While many kids with flat feet don’t experience symptoms, some may experience fatigue, foot pain, and even difficulty walking, which can further affect the development of their cute little feet.
- Flat feet can alter the ligaments of the legs and foot, leading to problems in both ankles and knees, motor skills, and quality of life.
Some kids with this condition definitely need medical interventions to manage the pain. Most kids, however, need supportive shoes with arch support, ample cushioning, and, more importantly, a stable sole. This is where choosing the right supportive shoes is crucial to ensure comfort and minimize potential foot problems in the long run.
This is why supportive shoes are crucial to cater to the specific needs of the wearer’s foot. In this case, a child’s flat feet. In this entry, we will quickly dive and teach you everything you need to know about. Choosing the ideal footwear that promotes proper foot development and ensures a comfortable stride will make everyday wear much more comfortable on their little feet. This condition can be healthy for many people, and most pursue treatment options only when pes planus causes pain or difficulty in moving.
Choosing Shoes
When choosing children’s shoes for flat feet, it is essential to remember that any support that a shoe may give will not compress the foot to form an arch. The right toddler shoes will merely encourage the child’s feet to develop an arch on their own, help the shoe grip the foot properly, or help relieve any pain.
Hence, it is advisable to avoid footwear with rigid arch supports that claim to mold the foot into an arch, especially when it comes to ankle support shoes for toddlers. Many of these footwear do more harm than good for fallen arches; considering kids’ feet are still pliable, hard shoes will only cause deformations that can spell foot trouble years later.
Best Shoes For Flat Feet
One of the first things you should consider is whether the right shoes are flexible enough and have a durable rubber sole. In childhood, babies learn to walk by learning how to grip the floor properly, so parents should let their kids walk and run barefoot in safe areas such as indoors. The top shoes do not restrict foot movement in any way, allowing young kids to stretch and use their muscles as they train themselves how to walk and run pain-free.
Check also shape and alignment. The top pair of shoes will have low heels and wide spaces near the toes, enabling more natural movement and preventing their little toes from crowding together, which can lead to the permanent bending of the toes over time.
- Shoes should be flexible and lightweight enough to support your child’s natural foot movement with stable support.
- Consider shoes made of mesh or leather to allow your little one’s feet to breathe.
- Ideally, toddler shoes should be made of slip-resistant rubber soles in order to prevent slipping or sliding.
- Stiff shoes may cause ankle weakness and loss of mobility in small children.
- A good pair of kids’ shoes should have proper shock absorption since little ones tend to engage in high-impact play.
Kids move around a lot, and their feet are expected to produce a lot of sweat. To remedy this, the top kids’ shoes use breathable mesh upper materials for breathable upper and well-ventilated designs to let the children’s feet breathe even when covered and keep the foot cool to prevent moisture buildup that can cause odor and infection. Consider shoes that are specially designed to promote normal development in toddlers, children, and adults.
Moreover, there’s a wide range of well-padded shoes with sturdy rubber soles to avoid pressure points that can otherwise cause permanent damage to the foot. We hope this article has helped you know more about the condition and has made choosing the top children’s shoes for flatfeet a breeze. Happy shopping!
Best Shoes For Flat Feet: FAQs
Which Shoes Are Suitable For Flat Feet?
Running shoes with a durable rubber outsole and shock absorption are better for kids with pes planus. They can be an all-day wear even. Brands like Asics Gel, Saucony Guide 13, and New Balance 870v5 are some of the most recommended brands.
What Helps Flat Feet?
Kids with pes planus should be checked by a medical health professional, specifically those who specialize in foot conditions. The doctor takes a full medical history and a physical and visual exam of the child. Also, the doctor will usually let the child walk or take a few steps so that he can evaluate his gait or manner of walking. This helps him make a proper diagnosis and treatment for the child’s pes planus.
What Are The Causes Of Flat Feet?
Pes planus is caused by many factors. One of the most common ones is genetic predisposition. Perhaps the parents or grandparents also have pes planus condition. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes, and foot or ankle injuries.
What Shoe Brands Have The Greatest Arch Support?
If you are flat-footed, you must choose the right footwear that fits properly and has excellent solid arch support to help your foot strengthen and keep it from falling flat to the ground, causing you more pain and discomfort. This can be achieved by popular style shoe brands like Asics Gel, Brooks Addiction Walker for Men, Merrell Slip-Ons, and ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-Ons.
Can Flat Feet Be Corrected With Shoes?
Pes planus conditions need not be corrected if they do not cause the person knee pain or any other pain or discomfort. However, if the condition causes the person to experience pain, discomfort, or difficulty walking correctly, the doctor might recommend conservative measures like stretching and foot exercises, good arch support, or physical therapy. Sometimes, if the condition is severe, surgery may be suggested.
At What Age Is Flat Feet Considered Normal?
A flat foot is considered normal at the age of 6 and below. No treatment is needed at these ages, as flat foot naturally disappears. However, if the condition persists in kids over six years old, it is recommended that you have them seen by their pediatrician so that it can be seen and alleviated as early as possible.
Does Crocs Make Orthopedic Footwear?
Crocs offers orthotic footwear to provide comfort and health benefits simultaneously. They even have some of the top footwear for surgeons and doctors.
What Do You Do If Your Child Has Flat Feet?
Pes planus that doesn’t affect your child’s quality of life usually doesn’t require any treatment. Children with this condition should wear supportive shoes that fit well. You can also consider getting insoles they can wear inside their shoes.
Are Nike Shoes Good For Flat Feet?
Are Clarks Shoes Good For Flat Feet?
Are Crocs Good Shoes For Flat Feet?
Is Skechers Good For Kids With Flat Feet?
What Are The Effects Of Pes Planus On Kids?
What Is The Fastest Way To Cure Flat Feet?
How Can I Strengthen My Child’s Flat Feet?
Last Updated on May 15, 2023 by Inma Barquero
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