The best orthotics for children with flat feet are custom orthotics manufactured and created specifically for your child’s foot by a Podiatrist. However, these orthotics can be expensive, running as much as 400 dollars. And in a lot of cases an over the counter orthotic or insole will be just as effective in the treatment of your child’s foot. What do you look for in an orthotic for your child’s flat feet?
1. You want an orthotic with solid strong arch support but not high arch support. An orthotic with a high arch will cause your child’s foot to hurt and become sore. You want an orthotic that will contour to your child’s foot while at the same time help guide in its shaping. You do not want to force an arch upon your child. Remember, flat feet are only a problem if they are symptomatic. If your child has no symptoms, that is not a problem.
2. Durable- Children run jump and play. This can put a lot of stress on an orthotic. If your orthotic is not durable it will break.
Below I have written what I believe are the best orthotics for children with flat feet:
Kids Children EVA orthotics– I love the material EVA in the manufacturing of orthotics and especially in children’s orthotics. EVA is a material that will contour and shape to your child’s foot and provide distinct arch support specifically for your child. Now these orthotics are not the most comfortabe around but they will do the job. As long as your child is not picky these should be fine.
Pedag Joy Full Length– This is similar to the orthotic above. However, this orthotic is more comfortable then the EVA. If you are worried about your child being comfortable in his or her orthotic this maybe the way to go. This orthotic provides solid arch support and does so in a comfortable setting.
Superfeet Juniors– This is the cadillac of childrens’ orthotics because this orthotic is specifically made for children with flat feet. Superfeet used to just do adult orthotics but has recently come out with a children’s line. These orthotics do the best job of combining both comfort and function.