The proper development of children's feet is extremely important. After all, they are responsible for supporting the entire spine, maintaining balance and moving. It's no wonder that any deviation from the norm in their structure raises concern among parents. Wondering if your child needs shoe inserts? Or perhaps your orthopedist has recommended that you buy them, but you don't know which ones to choose? Here's a hint!

The bones and spine of children at birth are made up mostly of cartilage tissue. It is susceptible to damage, but also regenerates and grows quickly, allowing the child's body to develop harmoniously. The feet of the youngest are also made of cartilaginous tissue, and the formation of their bones continues until they are 8-10 years old. During this time, they are very susceptible to changes and deformations resulting from wearing bad footwear. That's why many parents start using orthotics in toddlers prophylactically. However, this is not always a good solution.

What are shoe insoles for?

One often spends up to a dozen hours a day in shoes, so it is extremely important that they are comfortable and well-fitted to the foot. The comfort of the shoes is influenced not only by the material they are made of or their construction, but also by the insole inside. It is it that protects against pain when walking on different surfaces, cushions the shock, and reduces perspiration of the skin of the feet.

However, insoles deteriorate quite quickly, especially in frequently used shoes. Some of them do not provide the right conditions for walking, so that the feet quickly get tired and start to hurt. It also happens that some of them do not guarantee adequate support, especially in cases of postural defects.

In response to the needs of adults and children, special orthopedic insoles have been developed, which can be used as an alternative to the products found inside shoes. Their task is to promote the development of the feet and help correct irregularities in their structure. Wearing properly contoured insoles is also an excellent way to complement therapy and rehabilitation prescribed by an orthopedist or physiotherapist and contribute to:

• improving leg alignment,
• improving posture,
• Eliminate bad walking habits,
• The correct arches of the foot.

In addition, insoles are a great solution to skin problems, such as flare-ups or chafing in the summer. For these reasons, they could not be missing from Tupu Tupu's assortment. However, it is worth remembering that our products can help deal with the problem, but they are not a substitute for proper exercise and rehabilitation. Only comprehensive action can make the child regain full mobility and health.

What are the best insoles?

There are different types of orthopedic shoe insoles available, but not all will work for your child. Each child struggles with a different problem and has different needs. Therefore, if you want to shop with us, but you think your toddler needs orthotics or something is bothering you in his development, contact an orthopedist and/or physiotherapist. Only a specialist with the right training can properly diagnose your child, implement the right treatment and select orthotics that will support his foot development.

Remember that the best products are those that are tailored to the problem your child is struggling with, and to their needs.

When does a child need orthotics?

The best way to support a child's foot development is to encourage them to walk barefoot on a variety of surfaces. However, this is not always enough. Orthotics may be needed if:

• The toddler places his feet incorrectly,
• rubs off one part of the shoe,
• walks on tiptoe,
• He rolls his foot incorrectly or does not do it at all and puts his feet flat on the ground,
• constantly destroys footwear,
• He stumbles over his feet all the time,
• Has one leg shorter.

Have you noticed any of the above problems? See a specialist who can help determine if your child has a problem with longitudinal flatfoot, flatfoot, valgus or hallux valgus feet or knees.

Which orthotics to choose?

If your toddler must wear orthotics, make sure they are of the highest quality possible, that is:

• made of high-quality materials, in order to provide the child with maximum comfort while wearing them. The best choice are models made of leather, which is breathable, soft to the touch and does not absorb water, so it will be perfect in the summer, as well as throughout the year if the child sweats excessively. It is also a good idea to choose a product with activated carbon, which helps prevent flare-ups and the development of fungi responsible for odor,
• in the right size, i.e. matched to the length of the foot so that they provide good support for the feet at all times, absorb shocks, properly stabilize the heel when walking and protect the child's legs from injury. A good choice will be, for example, an insole with a trough profile, which supports the proper development of the child's legs, or with a profile in the area of the longitudinal arch of the feet, supporting their proper articulation.

It is also worth paying attention to the filling of the insoles. The best choice will be microfiber, which is soft, flexible and adapts well to the foot, thus providing comfort to the child while wearing it. A good choice is also latex foam, which does not absorb sweat, thus avoiding the problem of smelly feet.

Reach for an insert that will allow your child to develop harmoniously without unnecessary obstacles today!