The Arch Support Myth: Why Healthy Children Don’t Need It
In today’s society, there’s a prevailing belief that children need arch support in their shoes to promote healthy foot development. Every single day, I meet someone on social media that is horrified by the lack of “support” that barefoot shoes offer. Why? Yes, it is certainly a popular belief that humans need “supportive” shoes, but is it really true? I absolutely do not believe it is, so let me explain why I don’t buy into arch support, and neither should you!
What is arch support?
Arch support in children’s footwear refers to the inclusion of cushioning or structural elements designed to provide additional “support” to the arch of the foot. It is often believed that arch support helps maintain proper foot alignment and prevents issues such as flat feet or overpronation. However, recent research suggests that excessive arch support in children’s shoes may hinder natural foot development and muscle strength. Therefore, understanding the role of arch support and its potential impact on foot health is essential for making informed decisions about children’s footwear.
By understanding the natural design of children’s feet and the implications of overly supportive footwear, I am aiming to empower parents to make informed choices for their children’s foot health.
The Natural Development of Children’s Feet
Children are born with feet designed to develop healthily and support themselves. Research by Wennergren and Moller (2008) highlights that infants have flexible and pliable feet with little to no arch structure. This design allows for natural movements and adaptation to different surfaces. As children grow and begin walking, their feet undergo a process of natural development, gradually forming arches over time. This process is influenced by various factors, including genetics, muscle strength, and environmental stimuli (Staheli, 1991).
The Myth of Arch Support Necessity
Contrary to popular belief, there is limited evidence to support the idea that children need arch support in their shoes for healthy foot development. A study by Pauk et al. (2013) found that providing arch support to children with flat feet did not significantly alter foot posture or function. Additionally, research by Mauch et al. (2010) suggests that wearing shoes with arch support may actually weaken the foot’s intrinsic musculature, leading to dependence on external support and increased risk of injury.
The “Shoespiracy”: Perpetuating the Need for Arch Support
The footwear industry plays a significant role in perpetuating the myth of arch support necessity through marketing tactics that promote overly supportive shoes. Many shoe manufacturers produce shoes with rigid arch supports, thick cushioning, and narrow toe boxes under the guise of providing superior comfort and support. However, these features can restrict natural foot movement, limit sensory feedback, and impede proper foot development (Rossi, 1999). This phenomenon, known as the “shoespiracy,” perpetuates a cycle of dependence on supportive footwear, ultimately detracting from children’s foot health.
Embracing Barefoot Principles for Healthy Foot Development
In light of the evidence, it’s clear that healthy children do not need arch support in their shoes. Instead, parents can promote optimal foot development by embracing barefoot principles. Allowing children to go barefoot or wear minimalist shoes with thin, flexible soles encourages natural foot movements, strengthens intrinsic foot muscles, and promotes proprioceptive awareness (Mullen et al., 2015). Additionally, providing ample opportunities for physical activity, such as running, jumping, and climbing, further supports healthy foot development by enhancing muscle strength and coordination.
The need of arch support necessity for healthy children’s feet has been debunked. Empirical evidence suggests that children are born with feet designed to develop healthily and support themselves. The “shoespiracy” perpetuated by footwear companies promotes the use of overly supportive shoes, which may actually hinder proper foot development. By embracing barefoot principles and allowing children to move freely and naturally, parents can promote optimal foot health and support their children’s physical development from the ground up.
Interested in barefoot shoes? Check out my help for beginners, here!
References:
- Wennergren, D., & Moller, M. (2008). Foot problems in Swedish children. Acta Orthopaedica, 79(5), 705–710.
- Staheli, L. T. (1991). Shoes for children: A review. Pediatrics, 88(2), 371–375.
- Pauk, J., & Frykberg, A. (2013). Effects of custom-made and prefabricated insoles on plantar pressure distribution and ground reaction forces in patients with flat feet. Gait & Posture, 37(1), 35–39.
- Mauch, M., Grau, S., & Krauss, I. (2010). Foot orthoses and physiotherapy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11, 128.
- Rossi, W. A. (1999). Why shoes make “normal” gait impossible. Podiatry Management, 39(7), 147–152.
- Mullen, S., Toby, E. B., & Lerner, Z. F. (2015). Barefoot Running: Does it Prevent Injuries? Sports Medicine, 45(9), 1137–1143.
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