A very common question encountered by Podiatrists every day is “my child has flat feet. What orthotics should I get him?” Ideally, you want to have your child in an orthotic or insole that will support your child’s arch while contouring to the shape of his foot. An orthotic with an abnormally high arch will cause foot pain and cause it to fatigue.
The best orthotic you can get for your child with flat feet is a custom orthotic created by a Podiatrist. In this process a Podiatrist takes a mold of your foot and then creates a specific orthotic tailored to the shape and biomechanics of your child’s foot. These orthotics can range from as much as 400 to 600 dollars, however they are occasionally covered by insurance, so be sure to check your insurance.
If your insurance does not cover orthotics or you want to try an inexpensive alternative there are many different over the counter orthotics for children’s feet that can be successful. I listed what I believe are the best orthotics or insoles for children with flat feet:
Pedag Bambini Orthotic– This orthotic has the flexibility to contour to your child’s foot while at the same time supporting the arch. Do not worry about the flexibility. If anything this will make it more likely your child will wear it. Sometimes with hard orthotics the child has no interest in wearing them.
Spenco Polysorb Premium Insoles– If your child’s number one issue with his feet is pain then consider this orthotic. This orthotic utilizes spenco’s patented orthotic technology and provides the best shock absorption you will find. This orthotic is also one of the most comfortable orthotics on the market and will hold the arch of your child as well.
Pro Tech Powerkids Powerstep Orthotics– This orthotic is recommended the most by Podiatrists and sold out of their office. It probably has the best marriage of comfort and function. It has a poron top layer for shock absorption over a polypropilene shell to help support the arch.