Do Kids Need Arch Support Shoes?
When searching for arch support shoes for kids, many parents assume more support must be better. The truth is that when it comes to growing feet, the answer is more nuanced.
Most young children naturally appear flat-footed. In fact, the Royal Children’s Hospital ‘Flat Feet in Children’ Orthopaedic Fact Sheet confirms that flat feet are normal in nearly all infants and many young children. Arches typically develop gradually through movement, not through structured arch support footwear or shoes that have arch support built in.
Before choosing arch support shoes for your kids, it’s important to understand how children’s feet actually develop — and how you can support this process naturally.
Understanding the Natural Development of Kids Feet
Children’s feet are not just smaller adult feet. They are:
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Softer and more flexible
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Still forming structurally
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Composed of cartilage that hardens gradually through adolescence
Almost all babies have flat feet. As children crawl, walk, jump, and run, the muscles and ligaments strengthen. This activity gradually lifts and shapes the arch as children develop.
The arch is not something that needs to be ‘installed’ or forced through the use of arch support shoes. Rather, it develops through:
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Muscle activation
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Ligament strengthening
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Sensory feedback from the ground
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Natural movement variety
When children wear highly structured shoes that have arch support from an early age, those muscles may not activate as strongly — similar to how an arm weakens in a cast.
💪 Our philosophy? Movement builds arches. Structured arch support does not!
Children’s Flat Feet: What’s Normal?
Many parents worry when they notice their child has flat feet. But in most cases, children's flat feet are completely normal.
Here’s what the research shows:
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Most children under age 6 have flexible flat feet, and arches typically develop naturally over time
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Baby fat and soft tissue can make arches appear absent
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Flexible flat feet without pain are not a medical concern
Flexible flat feet mean the arch appears when the child stands on tiptoes or sits, but flattens when standing normally. This is a sign of healthy, developing tissue.
Arch support footwear does not ‘create’ an arch — strength and movement do. Shoes that have arch support or custom orthotics are typically only recommended when flat feet are:
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Painful
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Rigid (non-flexible)
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Causing instability
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Associated with a diagnosed condition
For most children, strengthening is the preferred approach.
The Problem With Conventional Arch Support Footwear in Kids Shoes
Many conventional children’s shoes are designed like miniature adult sneakers. They often include:
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Thick cushioned soles
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Built-in arch support
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Raised heels
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Narrow toe boxes
These features can:
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Reduce muscle activation
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Restrict natural toe splay
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Alter posture and gait
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Limit proprioception (body awareness)
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Encourage long-term dependence on support
Proprioception is especially important for children. It refers to the body’s ability to sense position and movement. When soles are thick and rigid, sensory feedback from the ground decreases — and so does coordination development.
Strong feet rely on stimulation and movement, not insulation.
When Are Arch Support Shoes for Kids Actually Necessary?
While most children do not need arch support shoes, there are situations where arch support footwear may be appropriate under professional guidance.
A podiatrist may recommend shoes that have arch support if your child has:
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Persistent heel or foot pain
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Rigid flat feet
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Recurrent lower limb injuries
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Diagnosed paediatric plantar fasciitis
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Neurological or structural conditions
Important: If discomfort arises or worsens, or if you are unsure whether your child might benefit from arch support shoes or insoles, consult a paediatric podiatrist for a professional evaluation.
For otherwise healthy children, structured arch support shoes are usually unnecessary.
The Natural Alternative to Arch Support Shoes
At Bprimal, we believe strong arches are built naturally — not propped up.
Rather than relying on structured arch support shoes, our kids barefoot shoes are designed to allow natural foot strength, balance, and coordination to develop over time.
Barefoot-style footwear for kids encourages:
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Active muscle engagement
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Natural development of strong arches
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Healthy toe alignment and posture
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Improved proprioception, balance, coordination
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Long-term foot resilience
These foundations extend beyond the feet. They influence knee alignment, hip stability, and overall movement efficiency. By allowing the foot to move as it was designed to, children can build resilience that supports their long-term foot health and movement.
Key features parents look for in children’s footwear:
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Flat, zero-drop soles
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Flexible construction
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Wide toe boxes
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Lightweight materials
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Durable designs for school and play
What About Children With Flat Feet Who Are Active in Sport?
Some parents worry that children's flat feet combined with sports participation means they need arch support shoes immediately.
However, research suggests that strength training and natural movement are often more beneficial than immediate structural correction.
To help improve arch strength and stability naturally, encourage:
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Barefoot play at home
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Climbing and balancing activities
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Foot strengthening exercises
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Flexible footwear during daily wear
Supportive footwear may sometimes reduce symptoms temporarily — but it does not address underlying muscle development.
Transitioning Away From Arch Support Footwear
If your child has been wearing shoes that have arch support for years, transitioning gradually is important.
Start with:
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Short periods in more minimalist, flexible shoes
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Monitoring for fatigue or discomfort
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Encouraging natural movement play
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Consult a professional if pain persists
Just like any muscle group, foot strength builds progressively.
From School to Weekend Adventures — Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Child
When selecting children’s footwear, look beyond marketing claims about arch support shoes. Instead, prioritise:
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Flat, flexible soles
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Wide toe boxes to allow natural toe splay
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Lightweight design
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Comfort during movement
👉 Explore our popular barefoot kids shoes collections available at Bprimal:
FAQs About Arch Support Shoes for Kids
Do kids need arch support shoes for flat feet?
In most cases, no. Flexible flat feet in children are normal and typically resolve naturally with age and movement.
Are shoes that have arch support better for kids?
Not necessarily. For healthy children, overly supportive shoes may reduce muscle activation and slow natural strengthening.
What are the best shoes for children's flat feet?
Flexible, flat, foot-shaped shoes that allow natural movement are often recommended unless a medical professional advises otherwise.
When should my child see a podiatrist?
Seek professional evaluation if your child experiences:
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Persistent pain
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Rigid flat feet
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Frequent tripping or instability
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Difficulty keeping up with peers
Healthy Feet Start Young
Healthy development starts from the ground up. At Bprimal, we’re passionate about helping families choose footwear that supports natural growth rather than restricts it.
Healthy arches develop naturally through movement, strength and foot freedom — not restriction. By choosing barefoot shoes for kids and supporting their natural foot function, parents support long-term, healthy children's foot development.
👉 Explore our range of natural, foot-friendly kids barefoot shoes online at Bprimal, or visit us in Sydney (Neutral Bay) or Melbourne (Northcote) to find the right natural-fit option for your child.
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Because strong feet aren’t built with support — they’re built with movement.
