Do Toddlers Need Arch Support Shoes?
According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, arch support shoes for toddlers are generally unnecessary. This is because the majority of children under sixteen months have not yet developed arches – their feet are flatter than older children and adults. Arches are typically developed during childhood and are in place by age eight. If arches do not develop appropriately by this, age, an orthopedic doctor or podiatrist may evaluate the child’s foot for the type of flat, or pronated, foot condition and recommend necessary treatment or improvement methods. She or he may evaluate the foot to see whether the issue is flexible flat foot, a condition that is not painful for the child and often requires no treatment; flat foot with a short Achilles tendon, which could cause pain and be disabling if left uncorrected; or rigid flat foot, a condition which affects the bones of the feet. Arch supports or shoes with built-in arch supports may be recommended for children with flexible
