Orthotic Inserts for Kids with Flat Feet – Align Your Kids’ Feet and Improve Their Posture!
Has your child been diagnosed with flat feet and complains about foot or leg pain? There are certain types of orthotic inserts for kids with flat feet that are effective in realigning the child’s feet and improving the child’s walking gait and overall posture. The correct types of orthotics can also significantly help reduce or fully eliminate your child’s foot pain.
When children have flat feet, their feet collapse and turn inwards. This leads to their foot posture being thrown out of alignment and children need to recruit more muscles for each movement, which leads to an increase in muscle fatigue, tightness, and strain.
My Take on Orthotics and Children with Flat Feet
Over the years I have become familiar with the best shoes and orthotics for kids with flat feet. While I am not a medical professional, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the correct type of orthotics can have on a child’s life. It is amazing how something so simple such as fitting a child in the correct type of orthotics can improve the child’s walking gait, balance, and overall posture.
Be Careful About Taking the “Wait and See Approach” – Be Proactive!
If your child has been diagnosed with flat feet, I recommend taking action immediately. Most children who have flat feet tend to overpronate, which can lead to several other foot and leg issues, as well as back pain.
Let’s take a look at a picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards. Does this image look familiar?
The correct type of orthotic inserts will help align your kids’ feet, preventing them from collapsing and helping your child walk and run straighter. Let me prove it to you!
What a Difference The Correct Types of Orthotic Inserts Can Make!
Let’s take a look at a picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot.
BEFORE IMAGE
Do you notice how the feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child standing in a pair of the orthotic inserts that I recommend.
AFTER IMAGE
Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? The orthotics are preventing the child’s feet from collapsing and straightening the child’s feet and legs, which might lead to an improvement in the child’s walking gait and overall posture.
Let’s take a look at another example of a different flat footed child standing barefoot and then standing on a pair of the orthotics that I recommend.
BEFORE IMAGE
In the image below the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards.
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child standing in a pair of the orthotic inserts that I recommend.
AFTER IMAGE
Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? The orthotics are helping improve the child’s foot posture by preventing the child’s feet from collapsing.
What Makes the Orthotics that I Recommend Effective for Kids with Flat Feet?
1️⃣ Deep Heel Cups: When a child has flat feet you don’t only support the arch, you mechanically support the pieces of the foot that causes the foot to be flat, such as the heels. The orthotics that I recommend provide deep heel cups with targeted support right below the heels. Take a look at the images below for better visualization purposes:
2️⃣ Built-In Arch: The orthotics that I recommend can also help align your child’s feet and prevent foot imbalances that might lead to your child putting extra tension along the plantar fascia. Take a look at the images below for better visualization purposes:
The orthotics that I recommend have proven to be the most effective ones in reducing and completely eliminating kids’ foot and leg pain due to flat feet.
Please note that I recommend two specific orthotics for children with flat feet, and the one that will work best depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition and pronation. The first orthotic that I recommend is for mild cases of pronation, while the second orthotic I recommend is for moderate to strong cases of pronation.
Best Orthotic Inserts for Kids with Flat Feet: Mild Cases of Flat Feet
This orthotic/insole works best for children who don’t have any foot or leg pain and their feet turn inward slightly instead of pointing straight ahead.
The main reason why I recommend this orthotic is that it provides good arch and heel support, and at the same time is not as invasive as other orthotics. This means that this orthotic allows the child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own while supporting them.
Fits Toddler Shoe Size 5 up to Big Kid Shoe Size 3
- Order the Footlogics full-length supportive insole on Amazon
- Fits a toddler shoe size 5 up to a big kid shoe size 3
- Medically approved insoles with targeted cushion and support
- Deep heel cup with strong arch support
- Made from lightweight yet supportive cushioning material with shock-absorbing heel and forefoot padding
- They can be trimmed to size with scissors if needed
Fits Big Kid Shoe Size 3 1/2 and Above
- Order the Footlogics full-length supportive insole on Amazon
- Fits a big kid shoe size 3.5 up to a big kid shoe size 7 (available in adult sizes so you need to convert to kids’ shoe sizes)
- Built-in metatarsal raise
- Deep heel cup
- Developed by Australian podiatrists
- They can be trimmed to size with scissors if needed
Do You Need to Remove the Original Insoles of the Shoes?
Yes, you will have to remove the original insoles of your child’s shoes before placing this orthotic inside the shoes. If you fit the orthotic on top of the original shoe insoles, then you will be raising your kids’ feet, giving them the impression that their feet are coming out of the shoes.
Best Orthotic Inserts for Kids with Flat Feet : Moderate or Strong Cases of Flat Feet
This orthotic works best for children with clear signs of poor walking habits. In cases of moderate or strong pronation the child’s feet turn inwards considerably and the child might complain about foot or leg pain.
You Must Enter a Referral Code to Order this Orthotic
To place an order for littleSTEPS® Orthotics, you must submit a Referral Code during the ordering process. Enter the referral code JVFCS100121 in the Discount Window and you will get 10% off your order.
1️⃣ Deep heel cup that helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg.
2️⃣ Medial and lateral flanges to help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic.
You Must Enter a Referral Code to Order this Orthotic
To place an order for littleSTEPS® Orthotics, you must submit a Referral Code in the Discount Window during the ordering process: JVFCS100121
Do You Need to Remove the Original Insoles of the Shoes?
You won’t have to remove the original insoles of your kids’ shoes when fitting this orthotic inside your kids’ shoes.
For your child to get the full benefits that these orthotics have to offer, you must fit them inside the correct pair of shoes. If you fit these orthotics in a pair of shoes that are too flimsy or too soft, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
The Importance of Providing Your Child with the Correct Types of Shoes!
Your kids’ shoes also play a key role in helping straighten your kids’ feet and legs, as if you fit a pair of orthotic inserts in a pair of shoes that are not supportive, the shoes won’t hold the orthotic in place and your child won’t get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
Before Image
After Image
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes with orthotics. Do you notice how straighter the feet are? Wow! What a difference the correct types of shoes can make!
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics
For the orthotic inserts to fit properly inside your kids’ shoes, the shoes must be supportive, deep, and come with a round toe-box and a removable insole.
Below is a selection of the best shoes that I have fitted before with orthotic inserts. All of these shoe styles are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), so please choose the shoe width accordingly and consider that orthotics that extra space inside the shoes. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world.
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bootie by Timberland on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style New Balance Fresh Foam 650 on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ankle Support by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Own the Game 2.0 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Oder the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Shoes with Laces More Supportive than Shoes with Velcro Closure?
I always recommend shoelaces over velcro closure for children who need to wear orthotics inside their shoes. Shoelaces provide better support and stability, and help keep the orthotic in place better than shoes with velcro closure. Shoelaces also lock and support your kids’ heels.
There is actually a shoe tying method I use to tie shoes for children who wear orthotics.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online?
If you are unsure of your child’s foot shape and length, I suggest that you read the article with the guidance on how to measure your kid’s foot. In this article, I help parents determine their child’s exact foot length and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me via email if you are having trouble finding a particular shoe for your child with flat feet. I have fitted dress shoes, sandals, and winter boots for children with flat feet so I will be able to show you the most supportive styles:
How to Figure Out if Your is Child Flat-Footed? – Find Out in 2 Steps!
I have helped hundreds of children with flat feet find the correct pair of shoes and orthotic inserts, so it’s easy for me to tell whether a child is flat-footed or not. There are two simple methods you can use to figure out whether your child is flat-footed or not.
1️⃣ First Method – Take a Closer Look at Your Kids’ Feet from the Side
Let me show you a couple of images that will help you visualize whether your child is flat-footed or not.
Have your child stand up straight barefoot on a flat surface. Do you notice how the child’s feet are turning inwards since there is no arch preventing the feet from collapsing?
2️⃣ Second Method – Take a Look at Your Child’s Current Shoes
The other simple way to tell if your child is flat-footed or not is to check the shoes that your child has been wearing for at least the last 2 months.
Take a look at your child’s shoes from the back, do you notice any sign of the shoes collapsing or turning inwards? Let me show you the difference between a shoe that a child has been wearing and overpronating versus a new shoe.
In the image on the left, we can see how the shoe is tilting inwards, which means that the child has been overpronating and putting too much pressure on that area of the shoe.
Have you found another orthotic that has worked well for your flat-footed child? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
