Can Kids Benefit from Custom Orthotics? What Parents Should Know

July 31, 2025

Grown-up bodies can often adapt to the effects of stylish footwear, but childhood feet are a different story: They develop in the blink of an eye. But while slight variation is standard in the formative years, some foot and postural issues will require extra help to avoid sustained discomfort or injury as your child grows. At Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, parents frequently call to ask us, “Do kids gain anything from a pair of custom orthotics?” The short answer: yes — depending on the child, custom orthotics can be pivotal for the development of healthy feet and mobility.

Why Foot Health in Children Matters

The foot is the base of the body. Misalignment or structural problems in the feet will impact the ankles, knees, hips and spine. If unmanaged, these problems can ultimately result in pain, postural concerns, fatigue, or inadequate physical and athletic performance.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Orthotics

Not all children require orthotics, but here are a few clues that a professional evaluation would be helpful to:

Foot, knee or leg pain complaints
Frequent tripping or clumsiness
Uneven shoe wear patterns
Flat feet or fallen arches
Walking on the toes or other odd walking habits
Not able to stand for a long time or perform physical activities

If your child is demonstrating any of the signs above, then we recommend a complete pediatric evaluation with a pediatric physiotherapist and/or orthotic specialist.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that accommodate the individualized contours of your child’s feet. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are made from accurate measurements of your child’s feet or a mold of their foot, so they give the precise support your child requires.

They help:

Align the foot and ankle
Correct biomechanical imbalances
Provide cushioning and shock absorption
Prevent worsening of foot conditions
Improve comfort and mobility

Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Children

Improved Posture and Gait: Orthotics help promote good walking and standing habits, taking stress and strain off troubled areas of the body.

Pain Relief: If your child complains of pain in the feet, legs or back, orthotics can alleviate the discomfort by treating the underlying condition.

Enhanced Athletic Performance: Children in sports can see the same benefits.

Support for Growth and Development: Orthotics can help kids who suffer from flat feet or overpronation develop healthily through essential growth years.

When to See a Professional

If a child has symptoms of pain, or any diagnosis such as the following, they should see a physiotherapist, chiropractor or a podiatrist:

Flat feet
Sever’s disease
Juvenile arthritis
Cerebral palsy (in some cases)
In-toeing or out-toeing

We specialize in children’s assessments and custom orthotic fitting at Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness.

Final Thoughts

Not all children need orthoses, but those that do can benefit significantly in terms of comfort, posture and functioning. You invest in your child’s foot health today to prevent bigger problems later.

Not sure if your child could use custom orthotics? Our Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness specialists are just a phone call away. Schedule a pediatric consultation and allow us to build the wellness of your child from the ground up.