Is arch support needed in children's shoes?

Often, mothers and fathers are not always aware of the purpose of the instep support in shoes for babies. Some of them are convinced that without this component, children's shoes lose their positive qualities, and the child's foot may become deformed. This statement is controversial, because it requires an individual decision.

Physiology and development of the foot in children

A newborn’s foot is flat at birth, and in the place of the future arch a fat pad is formed, which acts as a spring spring.

It helps beginner walkers maintain balance, and also dampens the shock wave that affects the spinal column and leg joints when walking, acting as a shock absorber until the age of three. The vaulted rise becomes noticeable only in five-year-olds. The arched structure of the foot develops around the age of ten.

For babies starting to walk, the fulcrum is on the outer arch (varus), and then on the very pillow that rolls the legs inward (valgus). By about four years of age, their situation returns to normal.

Thus, childhood flat feet in five-year-olds is normal.

Definition of arch support

An instep is a slight unevenness of the insole on the inner edge. It should be positioned exactly under the arch of the foot, keeping it level with the outer edge.

For preventive purposes, soft, small-height instep supports are used so as not to harm the baby and prevent arch prolapse. They can be leather, cork, metal, plastic.

The questionable use of arch supports in children's shoes

If a child does not have a problem with the development of his feet, then, in fact, he is not needed. And in some cases it even interferes with the normal process of their development, especially if the arch support is of poor quality. A hard and high substrate leads to weakening of the muscles of the arch and provokes deviations in its formation.

Cause of flat feet in children

Orthopedic doctors name the main causes of this disease as congenital weakness of the muscles and ligaments in the legs, which is accompanied by hypermobility of the joints. Regular barefoot walks coupled with feasible physical exercise (running, jumping, walking up stairs, etc.) will help strengthen them and make them work properly.

Why do you need an instep support for children's shoes?

It can only be used individually as prescribed by a doctor.

Important! Until the age of two, it is not needed in principle.

The list of situations when an instep support is necessary is specifically defined by the medical state standards of the Russian Federation concerning sports and rubber shoes, where the use of a special insole is assumed. American pediatricians also give similar recommendations due to the high workload.

Types of arch supports

There are two known varieties of this element of footwear:

• hard and high (used for medicinal purposes);
• soft and low (for prevention).

Reference! Foreign manufacturers of shoes for children (Ekko, Naturino, Superfit, Elephanten, Pedipet, etc.) do not use arch supports. Instead, they use a footprint profiled from a foamy substance, which not only exactly repeats the anatomical structure of the baby’s foot, but also remembers it.

What shoes should I choose for my baby?

Children's shoes are divided into two types:

1. Medical or orthopedic.
2. Preventive. It corresponds to age characteristics and serves to prevent the development of foot pathologies:

• soft natural upper material;
• the sole is flexible, non-slip, the toe is raised;
• wide nose;
• heel from 5 to 10 mm;
• the back is closed, hard;
• Velcro fastener, because it is easy to adjust and fix.

Winter

Main criteria:

• round toe, hard heel;
• thick sole;
• stable heel;
• durable lacing and reliable fittings;
• insole required;
• instep support, if present, in the form of a small elevation from the inside.

Reference! Warm shoes for children most often are not equipped with instep supports, since woolen socks negate its function. And it is better to wear special shoes in winter at home, where the child spends most of his time.

Sports

Modern children often wear sneakers or sneakers, because parents are sure that these are the most comfortable shoes. But we must not forget about the most important selection criteria - a rigid back and instep support. You can do without them only if you wear such shoes, as they say, from time to time.

Special requirements apply for sports:

• shopping in a company store;
• strong fixation of the foot;
• sole cushioning.

If it concerns a baby, it is better to postpone such a product “for later”.

Important! When purchasing roller skates with a sliding mechanism, you should consult a doctor and buy orthopedic insoles to level out the negative impact on the foot.

Thus, the instep support is a low protrusion from the inner edge of the insole. Its placement should coincide with the location of the longitudinal arch on the foot. It sort of straightens the foot.

Orthopedic doctors recommend that children wear such shoes for medicinal purposes. In the absence of indications, it is best to use preventive shoes that correspond to the age-related anatomical development of the foot.

If in any doubt, you should consult a specialist.