Why Arch Support in Children’s Shoes is Important?

Every baby is born with an initially flat foot. Physiological flat feet in a baby aren’t considered to be a pathology. The place on the foot, which then becomes the longitudinal arch, is initially filled with fat. Such a fat pad remains in the feet up to the age of 3 years. From the age of three, the muscles and ligaments begin to actively develop, and the height of the arches gradually increases. Then, in the process of the child's growth, by the age of 5-6 years, a longitudinal arch appears. At this age, the orthopedist can say for sure whether the baby has flat feet or not. At 7-10 years old, a child's foot is very similar to an adult, but its formation is completely finished when the child reaches the age of 12 years. Until the child turned 12, almost all children’s foot deformities can be treated by a doctor.

In order to support the arch of the child's foot, there must be instep support in children's shoes. What is instep support in children's shoes? The instep support is a special part of the shoe in the form of a roller on the shoe insole. It’s located on the inner side of the insole, under the longitudinal arch of the foot. The instep support provides the support of the spring function of the foot, reducing the load on the spine and joints, contributes to the correct formation of the foot arches by turning the foot outward.

Instep support is always present in preventive children’s shoes. It should be moderately soft, elastic to make the foot work when walking. In order to choose the right pair of shoes, consult a children’s orthopedist, don’t buy preventive shoes yourself!