5 Best Shoes for Children with Flat Feet
Footwear is a crucial part of your child’s outfit and development, especially for children with flat feet.
While a child's feet are still growing, you want to ensure that they’re properly supported and comfortable. Children with flat feet struggle even more with finding the right footwear, often encountering pain and discomfort.
Today, Village Kids will guide you through the best shoes for children with flat feet. This will ensure that your little ones remain happy, healthy, and pain-free.
Understanding Flat Feet in Children
Flat feet are a condition in which the arches on the inside of the feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing.
This is normal in babies and toddlers, as their arches haven’t developed yet. However, some children don’t develop this arch, resulting in flat feet throughout adulthood.
There are two types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet are more common, meaning the foot has an arch when it’s not bearing weight, but it flattens as the child stands. Rigid flat feet are when the foot remains flat, regardless of whether the child is standing or sitting.
Many youngsters with flat feet show no signs of pain at all. However, some people may experience pain or cramps in their feet, legs, or knees.
Features to Look for in Shoes for Flat Feet
When choosing shoes for your child who has flat feet, look for proper arch support to help distribute pressure evenly throughout the foot.
A firm heel counter, the back part of the shoe that wraps around the heel, is ideal as it provides stability and prevents excessive pronation (the inward rolling of the foot).
A cushioned midsole also offers additional shock absorption, whilst a wider show depth and width provide extra room, preventing restriction.
Top 6 Shoes for Children with Flat Feet
1. Sandals
Sandals offer great support and comfort for children with flat feet, especially during the summer months.
Look for sandals with a contoured heel cup and adjustable straps to change the fit due to natural swelling throughout the day.
Good sandals for flat feet should have a well-defined arch support that distributes weight properly and supports the foot's natural structure.
2. Trainers
Trainers are a key option for daily wear and sports activities.
For children with flat feet, look for trainers with good arch support and a stable, cushioned midsole. Trainers with a thick, soft foam midsole (such as EVA or polyurethane) help cushion the feet and relieve tension on the lower body.
Our selection of boys' trainers and girls' trainers features durable soles, excellent heel support, and roomy toe boxes.
3. Boots
For the winter months, boots with supportive insoles and solid heel counters are essential. These provide great stability and support for flat feet.
For additional support, opt for boots with robust ankle support to stabilise the foot and prevent excessive inward rolling (overpronation).
A cushioned insole will provide shock absorption, making it ideal for walking on uneven surfaces. Look for boots with removable insoles so they can be replaced with custom orthotics if needed.
4. Mary Janes
Popular among girls, Mary Janes have come back in style, serving as the perfect summer staple.
These shoes feature a closed-toe design with a strap across the instep. Opt for designs with adjustable straps and breathable materials, such as our Pink Shoe by Mama Luma.
Non-slip soles provide better traction and support to prevent slips and falls. Padded soles can help absorb impact, relieving pressure on the feet.
5. Slip-ons or Sliders
Slip-on shoes or sliders are often designed with supportive footbeds and easy-to-wear styles.
These are convenient for kids and can be found with enhanced arch supports. A strong midsole in slip-ons can provide the stability required to compensate for the lack of arch. This function helps to prevent excessive foot motion, which is prevalent with flat feet.
Opt for slip-ons with elastic side panels for extra comfort and non-slip outsoles.
Invest in Reliable Footwear with Village Kids
At Village Kids, we provide high-quality designer footwear from leading brands at great prices.
With a wide range of children’s shoes available at our store, we have something for every child's style and needs.
Browse our footwear today for shoes that you can rely on.