Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Do Children With Flat Feet Need Special Shoes — The Pediatric Podiatry Answer

Pediatric flat feet (pes planus) is one of the most frequently asked questions in pediatric podiatry — and the answer is more nuanced than either “all flat feet need shoes” or “flat feet are always normal and need nothing.” The reality: all toddlers under 2 years appear flat-footed because the fat pad in the medial arch has not yet redistributed; by age 5–6, approximately 50% develop a visible arch spontaneously. Children with flexible flat feet (arch visible when non-weight-bearing, disappears when standing) who are asymptomatic and developing normally do not necessarily need special shoes or orthotics — observation is appropriate. Children with flexible flat feet who have pain, fatigue with activity, difficulty keeping up with peers, or who walk with significant in-toeing benefit from supportive footwear and potentially custom orthotics. Rigid flat feet at any age require evaluation — rigid flat feet can indicate tarsal coalition or other structural abnormality. As a podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, here are the best supportive shoes for children with flat feet in 2026.

Best Shoe for Toddlers With Flat Feet 2026 — New Balance 888v2

The New Balance Kids 888v2 provides a firm heel counter, medial arch support, and a non-flexible midsole appropriate for toddlers and young children with symptomatic flat feet. The Velcro closure accommodates varying foot widths and allows easy on/off for young children. The wide toe box allows natural toe splay during the critical arch-development years. Available in multiple widths. The 888v2 is appropriate for: toddlers and young children (ages 2–6) with symptomatic flexible flat feet who complain of foot or leg pain with walking; children who fatigue easily during walking compared to peers; and children with in-toeing secondary to overpronation. Note: children who are asymptomatic with normal activity tolerance do not require supportive shoes — unnecessary arch support in asymptomatic children does not accelerate arch development and may inhibit intrinsic muscle development.

Best Shoe for School-Age Children With Flat Feet 2026 — ASICS Gel-Foundation 13

Pediatric Foot Care Specialists in Michigan

Children’s feet are still developing, and the right shoes during early years can impact lifelong foot health. Our pediatric podiatrists evaluate arch development, gait patterns, and shoe fit to ensure your child’s feet grow strong and healthy.

Learn About Our Pediatric Foot Care Services → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Walther M, et al. Children’s shoe assessment and recommendations: a systematic review. J Foot Ankle Res. 2018;11:37.
2. Pfeiffer M, et al. Prevalence of flat foot in preschool-aged children. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):634-639.
3. Evans AM, Rome K. A Cochrane review of the evidence for non-surgical interventions for flexible pediatric flat feet. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011;47(1):69-89.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.