Does My Child Need Custom Orthotics for Sports?

As children take part in more organised sport, many parents wonder whether custom orthotics would benefit their young athlete. It is a thoughtful question, and the answer is genuinely individual: some children may benefit from orthotics as part of a wider plan, while many others do not need them at all.

This article explains what custom orthotics are, the situations in which a chiropodist might discuss them for a child, and why any decision should follow an individual assessment rather than a general assumption. It is educational information and not a recommendation for any specific child.

Custom orthotics are medical devices, made to fit an individual’s feet, that are placed inside footwear. They are designed following an assessment of a person’s feet, gait, and needs. This is different from the general cushioning insoles sold in shops, which are not made for a specific individual.

For children, orthotics are considered thoughtfully, taking into account that young feet are still growing and changing. Because of this growth, any device used for a child may need to be reviewed and adjusted over time. You can learn more about the general process on our custom orthotics page.

A chiropodist may discuss orthotics for a young athlete in certain situations, always after an individual assessment. General examples where orthotics are sometimes part of a wider conversation include:

• Ongoing foot, heel, or lower-limb pain linked to activity that has been assessed
• Certain foot postures that are contributing to symptoms
• Situations where footwear and activity adjustments alone have not been enough
• As one component of a broader plan alongside footwear guidance and other measures

Importantly, the presence of flat feet or a low arch alone does not automatically mean a child needs orthotics. Our article on flat feet in children explains why many children with flat feet require no intervention.

For many active children, orthotics are not necessary. If a child has no pain, is moving comfortably, and is meeting their usual milestones, there is often no need for a device. In these cases, general measures such as appropriate footwear, adequate rest, and good habits are commonly all that is discussed.

A chiropodist will often consider simpler approaches first — such as footwear guidance, activity modification, and stretching — before discussing orthotics. The aim is to match any approach to the individual child’s needs rather than assuming every young athlete requires a device.

During an assessment, a chiropodist typically discusses your child’s activities and any symptoms, observes how they stand, walk, and move, and examines the feet. This helps build a picture of what may be contributing to any discomfort.

Based on this assessment, the chiropodist can explain whether orthotics are worth considering, or whether other approaches are more appropriate. If orthotics are discussed, the chiropodist will explain the process, the fact that a growing child’s device may need review over time, and how it fits into a wider plan. This individualised approach helps ensure any decision is based on your child’s actual needs.

If your child has ongoing foot or lower-limb pain related to sport, or you simply want informed guidance on whether orthotics could help, a professional assessment is the best starting point. A chiropodist is a regulated foot care professional in Ontario who can assess your child and discuss appropriate options.

At Foot Forward Clinic in Vaughan, our registered chiropodists assess young athletes and explain whether orthotics or other approaches are appropriate. You can contact our clinic or book a pediatric foot assessment online. Our parent’s guide to children’s sports foot care offers further background.