The arch of the foot often doesn’t fully develop until the age of 16.
At 6 months of age the foot is mostly cartilage - Bony developments gradually form and the last bone in the foot doesn’t form from cartilage until about the age of 3.
Due children’s development timeline it is important to have the right footwear for your child as abnormal pressures, loading and shape can negatively impact on the growth, shape and function of the foot.
When a child is learning to walk it is important for children to be barefoot, this encourages natural movement of the foot as well as encourages strengthening of the intrinsic muscles (smaller muscles in the feet) which stabilise the foot and help with gait. It is also important with children’s proprioception which helps with balance and sensory output.