Ask A Podiatrist: Kids Arch Support Insoles
Children’s shoes are made with such poor insoles, that it is often necessary to buy children insoles that have arch support, heel cups and other healthy features. The following four kids arch support insoles are sold at HealthyFeetStore.com: KidZerts, Bambini, Arch Angels and Birkenstock. I interviewed Dr. Jeff Hurless, a foot and ankle surgeon, podiatrist, partial owner and medical director of HealthyFeetStore.com to explain the differences between these kids arch support insoles so that you know which one would best suit your child.
KidZerts
Purpose: Use them for collapsing arches, turned in ankles, sore feet, sore leg muscles, help weight distribution
Features that make it unique: A deep heel cup, lateral post, deeper seated arch support to cup the foot, wear-moldable, anti-bacterial topcover, fun color
Will benefit children with: Flat feet, foot fatigue, leg cramps, tilted heels, abornmal shoe wear, poor balance
Bambini
Purpose: Use them for collapsing arches, turned in ankles, sore feet, sore leg muscles, help weight distribution
Features that make it unique: Durable, soft and conforming leather top cover, super low profile, no heel cup
Will benefit children with: Flat feet, foot fatigue, leg cramps, tilted heels, abornmal shoe wear, poor balance
Arch Angels
Purpose: Use them for collapsing arches, turned in ankles, sore feet, sore leg muscles, help weight distribution
Features that make it unique: Rear foot post to stabilize the arch support, very rigid, will provide the most support
Will benefit children with: Flat feet, foot fatigue, leg cramps, tilted heels, abornmal shoe wear, poor balance
Birkenstock
Purpose: Use them for collapsing arches, turned in ankles, sore feet, sore leg muscles, help weight distribution
Features that make it unique: Firmer material for more support (not cushy), deep heel cup, lateral extended arch
Will benefit children with: Flat feet, foot fatigue, leg cramps, tilted heels, abornmal shoe wear, poor balance
Let’s break it down:
For the most all-over support, buy Arch Angels.
For a soft insole with a very deep heel cup and arch support, buy KidZerts.
For a firmer insole with a deep heel cup and arch support, buy Birkenstock.
For a durable, soft insole with not as much arch support, buy Bambini.
PLEASE NOTE: If your child has tried inserts of this kind and he/she is still experiencing pain or problems, please see a doctor or a foot/ankle specialist.
Popularity: 12% [?]
louise brown said:
i would like to win kidzerts thanks
Allison chase said:
“For a durable, soft insole with not as much arch support, buy Bambini.” I agree with this.
relieve sore feet said:
I liked arch Angles. one of my niece has poor balance. It might be helpful for him. thanks for your help
Sean pinschof said:
I think kids would prefer to use bambini as they are more comfortable to wear.
Stacie said:
My 10 year old plays baseball and socccer. Recently he was down for a day because his feet hurt so bad. And he has flat feet. His balance seems fine. How do I choose?
Administrator said:
Hi Stacie – Our Pedorthist will respond to your question via the email address you used to post with. Hope it helps!
Christina said:
Both of my daughters have flat feet and slightly turned in ankles. They have orthopedic inserts for their gym shoes but they hardly ever wear their gym shoes. They like to wear dress shoes, boots, etc as they are 9 and 10. What insole should I choose for them? School is coming up and feel like I need to get their other shoes supportive.
Virginia Houle said:
Hi, My 10 year old daughter is complaing of heel pain in the morning, and after playing soccer. Which one would be recommended for her to use.
Amy f said:
Hi, my son has been diagnosed for severe pronation in both feet, but he is not flat feet as he does have arches. They are just very flexible. He’s been wearing Arch Angel for over a year now and is 4.5 years old. Though Arch Angel has helped him walk longer and more comfortable in playgrounds, his ankles are still very pronated and his heels are not aligned properly. I am wondering if KidZerts will help with heels since it is deeper, and also if the arch support would be at least as high and firm as the Arch Angel. Or, will he be better off with the Birkenstock? (He has experience wearing hard orthodics so comfort is not an issue here).
Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have.
Amy F
Administrator said:
Amy – our Pedorthist will email you with the email address you provided. – Melissa
Administrator said:
Hi Virginia, Our pedorthist will email you with suggestions. Melissa
Administrator said:
Hello Amy – thank you for the email. I will have our Pedorthist respond to your questions via email.
Administrator said:
Virginia – Thank you for your question. Our Pedorthist will email you to answer your questions.
Carolina said:
Both my girls are flat footed and slightly turned in ankles. My oldest has been complaining more freq abouth foot pain specifically on the middle of both feet, she also complains of leg and knee pain particularly after an active day. What insert wld be best for her she is 8? Same thing for my youngest who is 5.
lisa said:
My 7yr old daughter is a bit knock kneed, but does NOT have flat. About a year ago I noticed slight changes mainly on her left foot. I’m afraid if I don’t jump on this now she may end up with a slight bunion on the left foot. She has no foot pain, and we never allow her to wear shoes that are too small, or hurting her. One thing I look for in shoes is adequate room in the toe box….wiggle room. Is it true that because she’s young some of this may corrected with orthotics/inserts? Which is best, Arch Angels or Kidzerts? HELP!
Lisa
Carol said:
Hi, both my daughters are flat footed and I can see that both ankles are turned in when they stand, walk etc, more so on my 8 yr old than my 5 yr old. My oldest has been complaining more frequently of leg pain as well as knee pain which I have noticed is worst after an active day, she also complains of foot pain and says it is rather painful in the middle of her foot around the arch area. Which insert would be best for her? Should I do inserts for my 5 yr old or should I wait? Thanks in advance for any help.