Toddler’s Orthotics – The Best Orthotics for Your Child!

Has your toddler been diagnosed with a foot condition such as severe flat feet and your medical professional recommends wearing orthotics but didn’t specify which ones to get? Toddler’s orthotics are specialized inserts designed to support the natural development of children’s feet. These devices aim to correct foot alignment, improve balance, and prevent future foot issues. They are often recommended when medical professionals exhibit signs of foot problems.

Signs Your Toddler May Need Orthotics

Recognizing when your child might benefit from orthotics can be challenging. However, there are several signs to watch for:

• Frequent Tripping or Falling: If your child often trips or falls, it could be due to poor foot alignment.
• Uneven Shoe Wear: Noticeable wear on one side of the shoes may indicate an imbalance.
• Unusual Walking Patterns: If your child walks on their toes or with their feet turned inwards or outwards, it might be time to consult a specialist.

My Experience Fitting Toddlers 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.

Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older. I never needed a degree or a certification to fit children’s shoes, but I had a moral obligation to provide children with the best-fitting shoes.

Why Are Orthotics Important for Toddlers?

1️⃣ Promotes Healthy Foot Development

During the toddler years, a child’s feet undergo significant development. Proper foot alignment is crucial for overall growth and can influence posture and walking patterns. Orthotic footwear can help guide this development and prevent long-term issues.

2️⃣ Improves Balance and Coordination

Orthotics provide the necessary support to enhance a child’s balance and coordination. This is particularly important during the early stages of learning to walk. By stabilizing the feet, orthotics can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

3️⃣ Addresses Specific Foot Conditions

Certain foot conditions, such as flat feet, high arches, or in-toeing, can be effectively managed with the use of orthotics. By correcting these issues early, you can prevent more severe problems from developing as your child grows.

Before and After Images of Toddlers Wearing Orthotics

The correct type of orthotics fitted in the correct type of shoes can help straighten your toddler’s feet and legs, allowing your toddler to walk and run straighter.

In the before image we can see a picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot.

In the after image we can see the same flat-footed child standing in a pair of orthotics. Do you notice how straighter the feet and legs are?

Key Features of Pediatric Orthotics

Not all orthotics are efficient in treating your toddler’s foot conditions. I have found one orthotic that provides excellent 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.

1️⃣ Stable Base of Support: The orthotic has a foam or a visible bump where the arch of your toddler’s foot is supposed to sit. This helps prevent your toddler’s feet from collapsing every time they come in contact with the ground.

2️⃣ Ankle and Heel Support: The orthotic comes with a sturdy and supportive heel cup in the back. Certain toddlers have “weak ankles”, which means that the bone of the ankle (which is supposed to be straight), turns inwards or outwards. This is fully correctable if the orthotic is fitted in the correct pair of shoes.

3️⃣ Breathable: The orthotic must also be breathable to prevent bacteria from forming inside the shoe.

Let me clarify that the use of orthotics for toddlers is a very controversial subject that is rarely agreed upon by medical practitioners. My opinion is that orthotics should only be used for toddlers when symptoms related to foot and leg function are evident, and they are experiencing foot or leg pain. 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.

Best Toddler’s Orthotics for Better Posture and Stability

Before purchasing orthotics, it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician or podiatrist. They can assess your child’s specific needs and recommend the best type of orthotic device.

• 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 padding

• Forefoot padding to increase comfort

• They can be trimmed to size with scissors if needed

• Order the 3/4 length Footlogics supportive insole on Amazon

• Fits a toddler shoe size 5 up to a big kid shoe size 3

• 3/4 length makes it ideal to fit in most shoes

• 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

This orthotic has been developed by orthopedic experts and it has been proven to be extremely useful when it comes to the development of children’s feet. The arch support that it provides will keep your toddler’s feet in the correct, naturally balanced position, allowing your toddler to walk and run straighter.

How effective this orthotic will be in realigning your toddler’s feet and improving your toddler’s walking gait will directly depend on individual foot anatomy.

What Are Other Families Saying About These Orthotics?

Integrating Orthotics into Daily Life

Introducing orthotics into your toddler’s routine should be done gradually. Here are some tips to help with the transition:

• Start Slowly: Allow your toddler to wear the orthotics for short periods at first, gradually increasing the duration as they become accustomed to them.
• Monitor for Discomfort: Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or irritation, and consult your specialist if issues persist.
• Encourage Regular Use: Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of orthotics. Encourage your child to wear them during daily activities, especially when walking or playing.

Keep in mind that for your toddler to get the full benefits that the orthotic has to offer, you must provide your toddler with a pair of good, supportive shoes.

What Shoes Work Best with Orthotics?

Some parents believe that simply because they found a supportive orthotic they don’t need to worry about investing in good, supportive shoes. The orthotics and shoes work together to keep your toddler’s feet and legs healthy. If you get a good supportive orthotic but it’s fitted in a pair of shoes that are not supportive or the wrong shoe size, your toddler won’t get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer.

I have fitted several different types of orthotics for children, and I can tell you with confidence that 90% of the time you will require a wider and deeper shoe to be able to fit the orthotic inside the shoe. Every orthotic fits a little bit differently, but most of them take up a lot of space inside the shoes.

Supportive Shoes for Toddlers Who Wear Orthotics

Lace-Up Closure

---

• Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles

• Suede/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 website

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles

• 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 SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole

• 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 Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• 100% leather made

• Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

---

• Order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• 100% leather made

• Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape

• 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 website

• Fits toddlers 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 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website

• Fits toddlers with medium or 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

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles

• 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

Velcro Closure

---

• Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Breathable textile lining

• Stable base of support with firm heel counters

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

---

• Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos

• 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 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

• Removable insoles

• Extra deep

• I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

---

• Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet

• Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs

• Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear

• Extra deep

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

---

• Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 

• Stiff and high ankle support for toe walkers

• 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

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 

• Stiff and high ankle support for toe walkers

• I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

---

• Order the shoe style 990v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs

• Extra deep

• I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Always remove the original insoles of the shoes before placing the orthotic inside your toddler’s shoes. The main reason for this is that you don’t want the orthotic to raise your toddler’s feet, giving them the impression that their feet are coming out of the shoes.

Will Your Toddler Have to Wear Orthotics into Adulthood?

It’s important to understand that if caught at a young age, toddlers might not need to wear orthotics for the rest of their life. While we have some teenagers coming to the shoe store who have been wearing orthotics for their whole lives, some children will only have to wear them for a couple of years.

By understanding the benefits and selecting the right orthotics, you can help ensure that your child grows with a strong foundation. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your child’s specific needs. With the proper support, you can set your child on a path to healthy growth and confident movement.