Children’s 3D Orthotics · For growing feet

Children’s 3D-printed custom orthotics on the Gold Coast.

Orthotics designed for growing feet — tripping kids, in-toeing or out-toeing gait, recurring foot or knee pain, sports kids whose feet are taking a beating. 3D-scanned, custom-printed, replaced as your child grows.

Book a scan & fit Call (07) 5572 6222

Why children’s feet need their own type of orthotic.

Children’s feet are softer, more flexible, and growing — an adult orthotic in a smaller size doesn’t cut it. We use a softer, more flexible 3D-printed shell that supports without locking the foot rigid, because controlled movement is exactly what a developing foot needs.

The biomechanical assessment looks at gait, balance, footwear, and the milestones the foot should be hitting at each age. Most kids don’t need orthotics — flat feet at four years old is normal — and we’ll tell you straight if your child is one of them. When orthotics genuinely help, we know which kids benefit.

Because kids’ feet grow, we re-scan and re-print every 12-18 months. The first pair is a full assessment plus orthotic; subsequent pairs are a quick re-scan and a new shell.

When children’s orthotics help

Six paediatric concerns that often benefit from orthotics.

These are the situations where we most commonly prescribe paediatric orthotics — alongside (not instead of) the developmental work that addresses the underlying cause.

Severe flat foot causing pain

Flat feet are common and normally fine in kids. Orthotics enter the picture when there’s pain in the foot, knee or hip, frequent tripping, or refusal to walk distances.

In-toeing or out-toeing gait

When the gait pattern is causing falls or fatigue, orthotics combined with footwear changes and gait retraining can shift the load enough for the foot to develop more typically.

Sever’s disease (heel pain)

Growing-age heel pain in active kids — orthotics that lift the heel and offload the growth plate are part of the standard treatment.

Sport-specific support

Junior cricketers, soccer kids, dancers, gymnasts. Custom orthotics that fit their sports shoes and protect the foot from overload.

Recurring sprains

Kids whose ankles keep going over — orthotics that improve foot positioning so the ankle isn’t set up to invert with every step.

Disability-related foot positioning

Kids with cerebral palsy, hypermobility syndromes, neuromuscular conditions. Orthotics tailored to the specific positional issue.

How we make them

Three steps from your first scan to your first wear.

Biomechanical assessment.

60-minute appointment with a podiatrist. We assess your gait, your foot mechanics, your footwear and the symptoms driving you to consider orthotics. If orthotics aren’t the right answer, we’ll tell you that.

3D scan, custom design.

A handheld 3D scanner captures the shape of each foot in seconds — no plaster casts, no waiting. We then design the orthotic specifically for your child’s foot, age, activity and the condition we’re addressing. Manufactured in Australia from a flexible biocompatible polymer.

Fit, wear-in, review.

Orthotics arrive in about two weeks. We fit them, confirm they sit right in your shoes, and book a six-week review to check how they’re wearing and how your feet are responding. Adjustments included in the original price.

Common questions

children’s orthotics questions we get asked.

01 Do I need a GP referral?

No. For private extras you can book directly. For Medicare GPCCMP, DVA or NDIS funding the relevant referral or plan is needed — bring it to the assessment and we’ll bill the scheme directly.

02 Can I claim them on private health?

Yes, on extras policies that include orthotics — the rebate level varies between funds. We HICAPS the rebate at the time of fitting. Bring your card.

03 How long do they last?

For kids the shell typically lasts 12-18 months before the foot has grown enough to warrant a new one. The top cover wears faster than the shell — we can replace just the cover at half the cost of new orthotics.

04 Will they fit in my shoes?

They fit standard school shoes, sports shoes, and most kids’ boots. Slip-ons and ballet flats don’t hold them well — we’ll talk through footwear options at the appointment.

05 How long until they’re comfortable?

Kids adjust to orthotics faster than adults — usually within a week or two. We start at a few hours a day for the first three days, building to all-day wear by the end of week one.

06 What if they hurt or don’t feel right?

Come back. Adjustments are included in the price. The orthotic should be doing work, but it shouldn’t be causing pain — if it is, we can heat-mould, grind down, or rebuild a section until it’s right.

HICAPS on the spot with every major fund · Medicare GPCCMP, DVA, NDIS & WorkCover funding accepted where applicable.