Understanding Flat Foot in Children

Flat foot, or ‘fallen arches’, is a condition where the arches of the feet are very low or absent. In typical foot development, the inner middle part of the sole appears slightly raised when standing. Children with flat feet often show no signs of discomfort, but the condition can affect posture, balance and agility as they grow.

Flat feet may also be accompanied by outward-turning heel bones, with the legs and knees angling inwards. This can result in uneven weight distribution — placing extra pressure on the inner foot — and, in some cases, may lead to further complications into adolescence or adulthood.

Paediatric Flat Foot

All babies are born with flat feet. Their feet are soft, chubby and flexible — and the arches are hidden by baby fat. As they grow and become more active, their muscles and bones develop, and the arches begin to form. These typically become visible by age 6 or 7 and continue to mature into the teenage years.

Flexible Flat Foot

In this common condition, the arches are visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes but disappear when standing flat-footed. It is often seen in toddlers and early walkers and usually resolves on its own as foot strength increases.

Rigid Flat Foot

This is a more serious form of flat foot. The arch is absent in all positions — standing, tiptoeing or when the foot is off the ground. Rigid flat foot often requires medical treatment and may be associated with pain in the feet, knees, hips or lower back.

Causes of Flat Feet

Approximately 20% of children never fully develop arches. Contributing factors can include:

• Genetics (family history of flat feet)
• Obesity — a leading contributor to flat footedness
• Inactivity or lack of physical exercise
• Wearing non-supportive or ill-fitting footwear

Boys are statistically more likely than girls to develop flat foot.

Care and Support

Flat feet often do not require medical intervention, especially if the child experiences no discomfort. However, supportive footwear plays an important role in helping young children’s arches develop correctly. Because children’s bones and muscles are still growing, shoes with built-in arch support, insoles and structured heels are highly recommended.

You should consult a paediatric specialist if:

• Only one foot is flat
• Your child’s balance or walking is noticeably affected
• There is stiffness, tightness, or weakness in the legs or feet
• Your child experiences recurring pain in the heel, ankle or sole

Treatment Options

In most cases, flexible flat feet improve with age and proper support. For mild symptoms, doctors may recommend:

• Supportive orthopaedic shoes with arch inserts
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Occasional use of orthotic insoles

For more moderate or rigid cases, physical therapy, casting or — in rare situations — surgical intervention may be required, particularly in teenagers with persistent pain or mobility issues.

Support Starts with the Right Footwear

Your child’s first line of defence against flat footedness is quality footwear. First Walkers offers a wide range of orthopaedic shoes designed specifically for developing feet — from 6 months to early teens. Our shoes include soft insoles, reinforced ankle and heel support, and instep pads to promote healthy foot structure and balance.

Click here to explore our special needs range and learn how to check your child’s arch development at home.