Some children have more flexible and softer joints than others. This is called hypermobility and means that the joints can move more than what is typical. It is a very common condition in children and is seen in many – often as something that runs in the family.
Hypermobility is not an illness, but for some children it can affect balance, stability and motor development. That is why it can make sense to pay a little extra attention when choosing footwear, so the child gets the best possible support in everyday life.
At the same time, it is important to emphasise that needs can vary from child to child. If you are in doubt, it is always a good idea to seek advice from a professional, such as a physiotherapist.
Shoes with a good fit and support
When choosing shoes for a child with hypermobile joints, the fit is one of the most important things. The shoe should fit well around the foot – neither too loose nor too tight – so the child can stand stable and feel secure.
Feet are different, and therefore it can be beneficial to choose shoes with adjustment options such as velcro or laces. This makes it easier to adapt the shoe, so it fits correctly and supports the foot as well as possible.
Support around the heel and ankle
A firm heel cap can be an advantage, as it provides extra support around the heel and ankle, where some children with hypermobility may need a little more stability.
You can check the heel cap yourself by gently pressing the back of the shoe. If it feels firm and does not give way, this indicates that it provides good support.
Flexible and lightweight sole
Although support is important, the shoe should still follow the child’s natural movements. A flexible and lightweight sole makes it easier for the child to move freely and activate the foot’s own muscles.
We recommend shoes without built-in arch support, so the foot has the opportunity to work naturally. This helps strengthen the muscles over time.
A suitable growing allowance
It can be tempting to choose shoes with plenty of extra room, so the child can grow into them. For children with hypermobile joints, however, it is beneficial to choose a slightly smaller growing allowance, so the shoe fits more closely and provides better stability.
We typically recommend a growing allowance of around 0.5–1 cm. This gives room for movement without compromising the fit.
Limit the use of loose-fitting shoes and rubber boots
Shoes that cannot be adjusted – such as many rubber boots – often provide less support around the foot. It can therefore be a good idea to limit their use in everyday life and instead choose shoes that can be adjusted and sit securely on the foot.
Small everyday choices make a difference
The most important thing is to find shoes that the child feels comfortable in, and that support natural and stable movement.
With the right fit, good support and flexibility, shoes can help create a secure foundation for the child’s movement and development in everyday life.
Recommendations from bisgaard
All our sneakers and boots are designed with a firm heel cap, which provides good support around the heel. This means there are many relevant styles to choose from in our webshop, depending on what suits the child’s needs and everyday life.
To make it easier to find the right size, we have a size guide for each product. Here you can see the recommended growing allowance in relation to both foot measurement and shoe measurement, making it easier to choose a size that fits the foot well.
