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Written by Ng Jialin, Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic
As a podiatrist, these are questions parents frequently ask.
If you’ve noticed that your child has flat feet, or that they trip often, seem clumsy, or tire easily, it’s completely natural to wonder whether this is just part of growing up, or something that needs attention.
The short answer is: flat feet can be normal, but not always.
In this article, I’ll guide you through:
- What flat feet means in primary school children
- When flat feet are part of normal development
- Signs that suggest your child may benefit from intervention
- And when custom insoles can help and when they’re not necessary
This guide is written for parents in Singapore who want clear, balanced, and evidence-based advice, without fear-mongering or pressure to treat unnecessarily.
Is Flat Feet Normal in Primary School Children?
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot looks low or absent when standing.
In toddlers and preschoolers, flat feet are very common and usually normal. The arch is often hidden by soft tissue and develops gradually as muscles strengthen.
By primary school age (around 6–12 years old), however, we expect to see:
- Better foot strength
- Improved balance and coordination
- A more stable arch during movement (even if it still looks flat when standing)
Some children continue to have flat-looking feet and function perfectly well. Others may begin to show signs that their feet are not supporting movement as efficiently.
This is where assessment becomes helpful not because flat feet are “bad,” but because how your child moves matters more than how their feet look.
Why Parents Worry About Flat Feet
Most parents don’t come in because of appearance alone.
They come in because they notice things like:
- Frequent tripping or clumsiness
- Difficulty keeping up with friends during play
- Uneven wear on school shoes
- Complaints of tired legs or feet after walking
- Dread participating in sports
At Physio & Sole Clinic, these functional concerns are often what prompt parents to seek advice and rightly so.
Flat feet don’t automatically cause problems, but in some children, they can affect:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Endurance during walking and sports
What Causes Flat Feet in Children?
There isn’t a single cause. Flat feet usually result from a combination of factors, including:
- Natural foot structure
- Ligament flexibility
- Muscle strength and coordination
- Footwear habits
- Growth spurts
In Singapore, we also see contributing factors such as:
- Long hours in school shoes
- Limited barefoot time
- High activity levels in a hot, humid climate
All of these influence how a child’s feet develop and function.
Do Flat Feet Cause Tripping or Clumsiness?
This is a very common and valid question.
In some children, flat feet can affect how forces travel through the legs during walking and running. This may lead to:
- Reduced stability
- Poor balance control
- Increased effort to stay upright
For these children, tripping or clumsiness isn’t due to being “careless”, it’s often because their feet are working harder to stabilise movement.That said, not every clumsy child has problematic flat feet, which is why individual assessment is important.
When Are Flat Feet NOT a Problem?
Flat feet are usually not a concern when a child:
- Is pain-free
- Enjoys physical activity
- Keeps up with peers
- Shows good balance and coordination
In these cases, reassurance and monitoring are often all that’s needed.As clinicians, we take a balanced and conservative approach. We don’t recommend insoles or intervention simply because a child has flat feet.
When Do Children With Flat Feet Need Assessment?
I usually suggest an early assessment for flat feet in children if parents notice:
- Frequent tripping or clumsiness
- Early fatigue during walking or outings
- Complaints of leg or foot discomfort
- Uneven or rapid shoe wear
- Avoidance of physical activity
An assessment helps determine whether your child’s flat feet are a part of normal development, or if they are affecting function and movement efficiency.
Do All Children With Flat Feet Need Insoles?
No and this is an important point. Insoles are NOT always needed If a child is functioning well, insoles may not add value.
Insoles MAY help when flat feet affect movement. Custom insoles can be helpful when flat feet contribute to:
- Poor stability
- Frequent tripping
- Early fatigue
- Difficulty keeping up with daily activities
In these cases, insoles are used to support growth and alignment, not to “force” an arch.
Why Custom Insoles Instead of Off-the-Shelf Inserts?
Children’s feet are still growing, and no two children move the same way.
Custom insoles are:
- Designed based on your child’s foot structure
- Tailored to how your child walks and runs
- Adjusted for school shoes and activity levels
Off-the-shelf inserts may provide cushioning, but they often don’t address individual movement patterns, especially in growing children.
Our goal is always to provide the right level of support, not excessive correction.
What Happens During a Flat Feet Assessment?
Parents are often relieved to hear that the process is simple and child-friendly.
A typical assessment includes:
- Observing how your child stands and walks
- Checking balance and coordination
- Assessing foot flexibility and alignment
- Discussing daily activities and footwear
From there, we may recommend:
- Monitoring only
- Footwear advice
- Simple exercises
- Or custom insoles when they’re likely to help
The focus is always on supporting your child’s development, not over-treating.
A Clinician’s Perspective
As a podiatrist, I often remind parents that flat feet are not a diagnosis on their own.
What matters most is whether your child is:
- Comfortable
- Confident in movement
- Able to participate fully in daily activities
Early assessment doesn’t mean committing to long-term treatment. It simply provides clarity and peace of mind during important growth years.
Supporting Your Child’s Feet as They Grow
Flat feet in primary school children sit on a spectrum, from completely normal to functionally challenging.
With the right guidance, most children:
- Continue to grow and develop well
- Gain confidence in movement
- Stay active and comfortable
When Should Parents Seek Professional Advice?
Consider booking an early assessment for flat feet in children if:
- You’re unsure whether your child’s flat feet are normal
- Tripping or fatigue is becoming noticeable
- You want professional guidance during growth years
Early support can make everyday movement easier, and help your child stay active with confidence.
Ready for a Professional Assessment?
If you have concerns about your child’s flat feet, our podiatry team is here to help. Book an early assessment for flat feet in children at Physio & Sole Clinic and get personalised advice tailored to your child’s needs.
