Most kids experience a flat-footed period of development. Babies are born with fat pads in their feet which can obscure developing arches. As a result, ‘flexible flat feet’ are no real cause for concern in early development, but ‘rigid flat feet’ which remain throughout development may need specialised footwear and intervention to prevent longer term problems.
Learn more about flat feet and which types of shoes can be helpful with Prenta Shoes.
How can you tell if your child has flat feet?
It’s not always easy to tell if your child is truly flat footed, but there are a few common indicators to help you determine whether or not there is an issue:
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Persistent pain - Your child may complain of pain in the feet, ankles, legs or knees. Particularly following physical activity.
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Rigid arches - When your child sits or stands on their tiptoes, arches failing to appear can indicate rigid flat feet. This could be the result of a structural or developmental issue.
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Stamina issues - During walking, if your child quickly runs out of stamina, or they can’t keep up with their peers, flat feet may be an issue.
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Issues with mobility - If you notice balance issues, or any other struggles with movement or mobility, it may be worth consulting a podiatrist regarding potential flat feet.
What causes flat feet in children
Flat feet can be caused by a range of conditions, issues and other external factors. For example, genetics, loose ligaments and underlying medical conditions can all play into flat feet.
Another lesser known, but relatively common, cause of flat foot is incorrect footwear. Many kids' shoes are designed to be ‘supportive’ and ‘structured’. Whilst this may sound ideal, it can sometimes be detrimental to growth and foot development, because children have very soft and flexible feet which are often restricted by traditional footwear.
As a result, it’s often a good idea to consider kids’ barefoot shoes.
How flat feet impact children walking and developing
Whilst many children simply outgrow flat feet, this issue can impact walking and lower limb development in some children:
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Gait issues - ‘Overpronation’ is where kids with flat feet experience ankles rolling inwards slightly. This can cause further issues further down the line, as well as damaging footwear.
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Fatigue - Walking or running with flat feet can exert more energy because of less efficient gait and movement patterns. Children may complain of leg or foot fatigue, and experience growing pains.
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Structural strain - Overpronation can have a knock on effect further up the body, as a ripple effect can travel through bones, muscles and joints causing strain on these structures.
Do kids with flat feet need special shoes?
Most children with flat feet don’t need special shoes to resolve the issue. For many kids, flat feet can be a normal part of their development, and regular kids shoes can be absolutely fine.
However, if you’re concerned about your child’s feet or development, we’d recommend seeking medical/professional advice.
What type of shoes should children with flat feet wear?
The type of shoes children with flat feet should be wearing generally depends on the extent of the issue. For serious problems, we’d always recommend that you consult a podiatrist or a medical professional before making any decisions.
However, there are many cases in which it can be beneficial to consider barefoot shoes for kids in order to help with flat feet. Whilst there is some debate around the topic, we believe that barefoot shoes are often the best choice.
Zero drop soles, wider toe boxes and flexible soles allow feet to move and interact with the ground as nature intended, strengthening the muscles and joints which are currently struggling.
Features to look for in shoes to support flat feet
It's tempting to reach for heavily cushioned, structured shoes with built-in arch support, but developing feet do best when they're free to move and build strength naturally. When shopping for flat feet, prioritise:
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Wide toe box - Lets toes spread and grip the ground naturally, rather than squeezing them into a narrow shape.
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Thin, flexible sole - Allows your child to feel the surface beneath them and respond to it, building strength as they walk.
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Zero-drop construction - Keeps heel and toe level, encouraging natural posture and gait.
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No rigid arch support - Stiff, built-in supports can weaken developing muscles rather than strengthen them.
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Secure, adjustable fastening - Keeps the shoe in place without sacrificing flexibility.
Best children's shoes for flat feet
We have a brilliant range of barefoot shoes that support children with flat feet, with multiple styles to suit lots of occasions!
Barefoot School Shoes - Our barefoot school shoe range is perfect for children spending 6 or more hours a day at school in the same shoes, who may need more support. We have so many new styles in stock!
Barefoot Trainers - Perfect for active kids who may need additional support for flat feet issues, our fully barefoot style trainers are a great option for both boys and girls.
