The Best Orthotics for Kids – The Solution to Your Kids’ Foot and Leg Pain!
Has your child been complaining about foot or leg pain and your medical professional recommended orthotics but didn’t specify which ones to get? The most common reason why children experience foot and leg pain is from having flat feet, but other foot conditions also require extra support inside the shoes. Certain orthotics are more effective than others when it comes to reducing or fully eliminating your child’s foot and leg pain.
My Experience Fitting Children in Supportive Shoes and Orthotics
I am not a medical professional, I am a shoe fitter who has over a decade of experience fitting children in supportive shoes and orthotics. I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes and orthotics can be life-changing.
What Are Orthotics and Why Do Kids Need Them?
Orthotics are custom-made or pre-fabricated shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They can be particularly beneficial for children as their feet are still developing. Kids orthotics can help with various issues such as flat feet, high arches, and overpronation, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back. The orthotics I recommend are the over-the-counter ones as they are effective and more affordable than the custom-made ones.
Let me show you what a difference a pair of the over-the-counter orthotics that I recommend can make for a child with flat feet:
How to Choose the Best Orthotics for Your Child
There are two specific orthotics that I recommend for children with foot or leg pain, and the one that you should choose for your child depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition (mild, moderate, strong). Parents should be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their children’s foot conditions. Leaving your children’s foot conditions untreated can only lead to the condition getting worse.
Let’s start by taking a look at the picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Now notice how much straighter the child’s feet are when standing in a pair of the orthotics I recommend. The orthotics are preventing the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards:
Do you notice what a positive impact orthotics can have? I have helped several children with flat feet who were overpronating walk and run much straighter, and I am confident I will be able to help your child as well.
What Makes the Orthotics that I Recommend the Best Choice for Kids?
1️⃣ Stable Base of Support: This feature is going to prevent your child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards. The orthotic also provides shock absorption to minimize the impact that your kids’ feet take when they come in contact with the ground.
2️⃣ Built-In Heel Cup: This feature is going to help strengthen and straighten your child’s ankles.
One of the main advantages of the orthotics that I recommend is that they provide excellent arch and heel support, and at the same time they are not as invasive as other orthotics. This means that they will allow the child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own while supporting them.
Does Your Child Have Mild, Moderate, or Strong Pronation?
The degree of each child’s pronation determines which type of orthotic might work best for their feet. You can find out the degree of your child’s pronation by visiting a different resource I created that will show you real-life examples.
The Best Orthotics for Kids with Mild Pronation
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, I suggest that you remove the original insoles of your child’s shoes before placing this orthotic inside the shoes.
The Best Orthotics for Kids with Moderate or Strong Pronation
1. Deep heel cup that helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg.
2. Medial and lateral flanges to help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic.
3. It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this 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?
No, you won’t have to remove the original insoles of your child’s shoes before placing this orthotic inside the shoes.
Take a look at the chart below to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size:
Keep in mind that the orthotics and the shoes work together in trying to properly align your kids’ feet and legs. If you stand your child in the orthotics and you still notice that the feet are collapsing, wait until you fit the orthotics inside the shoe and watch them walk.
What Shoes Work Best with Orthotics?
Here you can access a selection of supportive shoes for orthotics that are supportive and provide extra depth.
How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics? – The Most Effective Method!
It is always better to provide your child with a pair of shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure. Shoelaces allow the shoe to “hug” your kids’ feet in a more effective way than velcro sneakers. There is actually a shoe tying method that has proven to be the most effective one for children who wear orthotics.
Common Foot Problems in Kids
Children’s feet undergo significant changes as they grow, making them susceptible to certain foot problems. Some common issues include:
- Flat Feet: A condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground.
- Overpronation: Excessive inward rolling of the foot after landing, which can lead to misalignment in the body.
- High Arches: An exaggerated arch that can cause instability and increase the risk of injuries.
Addressing these issues early with the right orthotics can prevent more serious complications later in life.
Is there another type of orthotic that has worked well for your kids’ feet? Please share your thoughts and findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
Is there any over the counter orthotics or arch support insole you can recommend for my 6 year old son that has flat feet?
Hello Joyce,
Yes, have you tried Superfeet insoles before? They come in different colors based on the amount of support that they provide.
Your son should start by trying the green one:
Superfeet Insole
You might have to trim it to fit it in your son’s shoes, and don’t forget to remove the original insoles of the shoes.
Hello Joyce,
Yes, have you tried Superfeet insoles before? They come in different colors based on the amount of support that they provide.
Your son should start by trying the green one:
Superfeet Insole
You might have to trim it to fit it in your son’s shoes, and don’t forget to remove the original insoles of the shoes.
Thank for your articles. I be noticed my kid has been instinctively cracking her ankle , at night at age 3. I have been looking for some good shoe recommendation. Your articles have been a great help.
Hello Marj,
I am glad that you found the website informative! Were you able to find a shoe style for your child?