07/08/2024
Orthopaedic Shoes, what, why, when?
This collection of shoes are all examples of orthopaedic shoes for kids!! These shoes are more robust than regular shoes with increased rigidity of the soles and increased support and stability through the heel. Some of these shoes also have some moulding through the mid-foot to provide support for those developing arches.
Why?? Are not barefoot and flexible shoes best??
For children with typically developing feet who are meeting all their expected gross motor skills, orthopaedic shoes are not required. For typical development, barefoot is great to provide sensory opportunities and to develop the small intrinsic muscles of the foot.
Children with poor foot alignment and children with low muscle tone, often experience delays in standing balance and walking due to a lack of structural stability of the foot. This is where orthopaedic shoes may be indicated!!
If you are concerned about your child's foot position and or your child is delayed with their standing and walking, it is recommend to get a physiotherapy assessment to determine a root cause at which point footwear choice should be discussed.
These lovely shoe options pictured are from:
Ortho Shoes
