PattiBob Orthotics for Kids – Find Out If They Are the Right Orthotic for Your Child

Have you noticed any changes in the way that your child stands or walks? Do you suspect that your child has flat feet or another foot condition that is throwing his or her posture out of alignment? Some medical professionals recommend that children wear orthotics but don’t specify which ones to get. PattiBob orthotics are designed to align the feet properly, aiding in the correction of various foot conditions. From flat feet to in-toeing, the right orthotic can make a world of difference.

By the way, I have noticed that certain medical professionals prefer to take the “wait and see approach”, which leaves parents confused and anxious as they can visibly notice that there is something wrong with their child’s feet. While in some cases children might simply outgrow their conditions, many of them do not, and parents end up wishing they would have acted sooner. The more time you take to intervene, the harder the condition gets to manage.

The Importance of Being Proactive and Taking Early Action

I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for over a decade, and while I am not a medical professional, I have seen how early and correct intervention can pave the way for healthy development. By addressing foot problems when the bones are still growing, practitioners can often help set a trajectory for healthier feet in the future. This will allow your child to perform his or her everyday activities with confidence while preventing other related issues such as back pain and joint stress in the future.

My Experience Fitting Children in Supportive Shoes and Orthotics

Some physical and occupational therapists refer families to the shoe store where I work to be fitted for supportive shoes and orthotics. In some cases, these families already bring an orthotic recommendation from their medical professional, but in other cases, we are the ones who evaluate the child and decide which specific orthotic to use. PattiBob orthotics are made by a company called Cascade, and it’s only one of many orthotics they offer.

Are PattiBob Orthotics the Top Choice by Cascade?

Cascade stands out as a reputable provider of children’s orthotics, and among their products, PattiBob orthotics have gained considerable attention. But the question is, “Are PattiBob orthotics the best choice for your child?” Choosing orthotics is about finding the perfect match for your child’s unique foot condition and lifestyle.

PattiBob orthotics have a semi-rigid partial heel cup to help treat complex foot conditions, offering a higher degree of control. This style is often recommended by specialists for children with pronounced foot deformities (such as flat feet) or those who require strict stabilization. Depending on the degree of your child’s flat feet, you can add a foam arch fill for added stability

My top recommendation by Cascade is an orthotic called Chipmunk. It provides similar features to PattiBob orthotics but it’s made from a softer material. There is a different resource I created that will help you figure out the difference between the top 4 orthotics made by Cascade.

So, How Can PattiBob Orthotics Help Your Child?

The design takes into account the degree of correction required to align the foot into a healthier position. By doing so, they help redistribute pressure, provide more stability, and promote a healthier walking pattern.

Where Can You Get PattiBob Orthotics?

You can buy them directly from the Cascade website where you will also find additional helpful information to determine if this orthotic is right for your child’s feet.

It’s important to note that PattiBob orthotics offer solutions for children with moderate or severe degrees of pronation. If your child has a mild degree of pronation you should consider a different orthotic.

Do You Know the Degree of Your Child’s Pronation?

It’s crucial to know the degree of your child’s pronation to determine how much support we need the orthotics to provide. Whether your child is experiencing foot or leg pain also plays a role in the type of orthotic your child needs.

By the way, we all have a certain degree of pronation. This is totally normal, however, when pronation moves beyond the normal range, it’s called overpronation, which can lead to a host of foot issues and affects overall posture and gait.

Your medical professional should be the one to tell you what is the degree of your child’s condition, but if you don’t have access to one, you can follow the steps described below and I will help you figure this out:

Crucial to the success of any orthotic, including those from PattiBob, is the integration with the correct footwear.

The Importance of Fitting Orthotics Inside the Correct Shoes

A professional shoe fitter’s recommendation can be invaluable here. I’ve got hands-on experience with how different shoes work with various orthotic types, so I am happy to steer you towards smart choices that meet both your child’s specific foot needs and style preferences.

There are 4 key features that shoes must provide for your child to get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer:

1️⃣ Extra Depth: Your kids’ shoes must have a deep enough footbed to accommodate the extra volume of the orthotic insert without crunching your child’s toes.

2️⃣ Round Toe-Box: This feature will help prevent the front part of the orthotic from destroying the front part of the shoes.

3️⃣ Stable Base of Support: This will help stabilize your child’s feet and keep the orthotic in place.

4️⃣ Firm Heel Counter: This is the back part of the shoe that helps offer additional support.

You might be wondering if there are any brand recommendations. Shoes from brands like New Balance, Saucony, See Kai Run, and Stride Rite often have the features necessary to pair well with orthotics. These include a wider toe box, which is a must to prevent any pinching, and they come in a variety of widths, which is a bonus for finding that perfect fit. I created a different resource that has a list of shoes that work well with orthotics and that have the 4 features I mentioned above.

Can You Fit PattiBob Orthotics Inside Your Kids’ Sports Shoes?

I don’t recommend doing this. There are other sport insoles that will fit a lot better inside your child’s cleats or running/basketball shoes. Sport insoles are supportive and made of less volume so they are a lot easier to fit inside cleats.

How Many Hours a Day Should Your Child Wear PattiBob Orthotics?

This is a question that your medical professional should be able to answer because it directly depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition. For example, a child with mild pronation might not have to wear the orthotics as often as a child with moderate or strong pronation.

I like to often emphasize the importance of a gradual introduction to orthotics. You’ll find that this helps children adjust comfortably and reap maximum benefits.

Successful Stories from Families

It’s pretty amazing what a difference the correct pair of shoes and orthotics can make. I have seen kids who once struggled with balance and discomfort that went from refusing to participate in sports and activities to participating actively and more confidently.

I also get many emails from families who tried these orthotics sharing inspiring stories of improved mobility and decreased discomfort. Now, keep in mind that not every child’s experience will be the same, as what might work really well for some children might not work as well for others. So, if PattiBob orthotics are not the right fit for your child, I suggest trying a different orthotic.

Choosing the right orthotics for your child can be a game-changer, and PattiBob orthotics could be just what you’re looking for. Fitting your child in orthotics isn’t just about providing support; it’s about improving your child’s foot posture, walking gait, and allowing your child to perform his or her daily activities without pain.

Let me know if you have any questions. You can contact me via email or through the comments section below.