Children’s feet are amazing — they carry them through endless adventures, jumps, tumbles, and growth spurts. But did you know that foot shape, posture, and walking patterns can change dramatically as children grow?
At The Foot Room, we’re passionate about helping children put their best foot forward — literally. Let’s explore what’s normal, what’s not, and how you can support your child’s foot health from toddler to teen.
👣 Growing Feet: What’s Normal?
From wobbly first steps to sports day sprints, your child’s feet go through many changes. It’s perfectly normal for children’s feet to look “different” at various ages — and sometimes a little concerning if you don’t know what to expect.
Here are a few common things we see in growing feet:
🦶 Overlapping Toes
It’s not unusual for babies to have toes that overlap, especially the second and fifth toes. Often, this is caused by how they were positioned in the womb and may resolve as they begin standing and walking.
✅ What to watch for: If overlapping toes are flexible and don’t cause pain, it’s usually not a problem. However, if the skin becomes sore or the toe stays rigid, a podiatrist can advise on gentle stretches or toe spacers — and, in rare cases, may recommend treatment.
🦶 Flat Feet
Most children are flat-footed when they first start walking — their arches haven’t fully developed yet. In many cases, arches naturally form by the age of 6 or 7.
✅ When to seek help: If your child has flat feet and complains of pain, fatigue during play, or frequent tripping, it’s worth having a professional assessment. Custom insoles or supportive footwear can often help improve comfort and alignment.
🦶 Changing Foot Shapes & Leg Alignment
As children grow, their bone structure and muscle tone develop rapidly — and that includes their legs and feet. It’s completely normal for a child to go through phases of:
- Bow legs (knees wide apart when standing) — common in toddlers
- Knock knees (knees touch, ankles don’t) — often seen around ages 3 to 7
- Toe walking — may be a normal phase, but persistent toe-walking needs checking
Most of these postural changes correct themselves naturally. However, if your child is in pain, walks awkwardly, or tires easily, it’s worth a podiatry check-up for peace of mind.
👟 Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Children’s feet are soft, pliable, and still developing — so poorly fitting shoes can cause long-term issues. Always measure both length and width and avoid hand-me-downs, as even slight differences can affect how the foot develops.
Top footwear tips:
- Look for firm heel counters, flexible soles, and breathable materials
- Check shoe fit every 6–8 weeks in the early years — feet grow fast!
- Encourage time barefoot indoors to strengthen foot muscles (when safe)
👣 When to See a Podiatrist
Consider booking a children’s foot health check if you notice:
- Persistent pain in feet, knees, or legs
- Limping or awkward walking
- In-toeing or out-toeing
- Hard skin, bunions, or persistent overlapping toes
- Complaints of tired feet after short periods of activity
At The Foot Room, we offer child-friendly assessments in a relaxed environment. Our podiatrists are trained to spot early signs of potential problems — and can give you simple, reassuring advice tailored to your child’s needs.
🌱 Helping Little Feet Grow Happy and Healthy
The early years lay the foundation for lifelong foot health. By understanding the changes children’s feet go through and knowing when to seek help, you’re setting your child up for confident, comfortable steps for years to come.
If you’re ever unsure whether something is “normal” or not — we’re always happy to take a look.
Book a Children’s Foot Health Check Today
👣 Friendly, experienced podiatrists
🧸 Child-centred approach
📍 Visit us at The Foot Room
📞 Call or book online — we’re here to help
