Arch Support Shoes for Toddlers

Are arch support shoes for toddlers necessary? Read on for more about this important topic.

Toddlers don't typically need extra arch support.

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 flat foot who experience pain or discomfort in their feet or legs after running or other physical activities.

If you and your doctor have determined that specialty arch support shoes are right for your toddler or child, you have a number of different options in purchasing. Many shoe stores and online retailers offer excellent, high-quality arch support and other orthopedic foot wear, or you can purchase children's insoles for extra comfort and support. Alternately, there are many shoe stores that sell comfortable, quality toddler and children's shoes with light to moderate cushioned support for overall comfort and stability.

• http Healthy Feet Store: This store sells a variety of orthopedic and comfort footwear, as well as products like children's insoles and arch supports.

• Support Your Foot offers innovative "Flexify" children's arch supports.

• Solettificio Manetti provides custom support and orthopedic footwear for men, women, and children.

• Saucony shoes, available for children at various online retailer such as Zappo's.com, offer quality athletic footwear designed with arch support for children with flat or neutral foot beds.

Crocs are comfortable and fun for toddlers.

• Land's End Children's Shoes offers high-quality materials and molded foot beds to for arch support, as well as many features designed for comfort and safety.

• Dr. Martin's Children's Shoes offer durable leather construction, rugged outsoles, and comfortable insoles and padded features for comfortable wear that can stand up to children's active lifestyles.

• Naturino Italian-made footwear offers supportive, stable, very high-quality shoes and boots with flexible arch support for babies, toddlers, and children. Available in at select Naturino stores or online at various shoe retailers.

• SmartFit Shoes, available at Payless, are an excellent choice for parents on a budget. These affordably priced shoes offer durability, comfort, and cushioned support for children's shoes.

• Birkenstock children's footwear offers extra comfort and classic arch support for growing feet.

• Toddler Crocs can be a great alternative to hard-soled sandals and flat flip flops. These shoes provide some arch support and they are easy to slip on, making them a good choice for toddlers.

• Stride Rite offers excellent children shoes made form high quality materials with cushioned insoles that provide comfortable arch support in a wide variety of styles.

• Keen Ventura footwear utilizes a rubber and cork foot bed to create a high-level of cushioning for children's feet.

It's important to obtain comfortable and durable shoes for your toddler or young child. Many quality brands of children's footwear provide adequate cushioning and very light arch support that is right for toddlers, but check the construction and fit carefully to ensure your child is receiving substantial comfort.

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