Supportive Velcro Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics – The Best Alternative to Shoelaces
Does your child wear orthotics and need a pair of supportive shoes? Are you specifically looking for shoes that fit orthotics and feature Velcro closures instead of shoelaces? Supportive Velcro shoes are a great solution, making it easier for kids to put on and take off their shoes independently. Most importantly, they help ensure orthotics work effectively by providing proper foot alignment, stability, and support.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and Orthotics
Working in a specialized children’s shoe store has given me the privilege of helping countless families find the perfect pair of shoes for their children. I have seen firsthand the difference a well-fitted shoe can make in children with foot conditions such as flat feet, weak ankles, low muscle tone, overpronation, etc. and I am committed to sharing this knowledge with as many parents as possible.
While shoes with shoelaces generally provide better support and a more secure fit, there are plenty of situations where Velcro shoes are the better choice. For instance, some children are simply too young to tie their shoes, while others may have motor or learning challenges that make laces difficult to manage. And sometimes, it’s just about preference — many kids love the convenience and ease of Velcro closures!
Single vs. Double Velcro Straps: Does It Matter?
In my experience, shoes with double Velcro straps are the next best thing to lace-up shoes. The double straps do a great job of “hugging” the child’s feet, helping to keep the orthotic securely in place. They also provide better adjustability and a more secure fit — both essential for making sure the shoe supports the foot properly and allows the orthotic to do its job.
Five Features to Look for in Supportive Velcro Shoes
1. Extra Depth: Shoes with extra depth allow orthotics to sit securely inside, creating a more stable and comfortable fit for your child’s feet.
2. Supportive Outsoles: A stable base is vital for maintaining balance and supporting the foot’s structure. Shoes with a broad and firm base help distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
3. Firm Heel Counters: Firm heel counters provide the necessary support to the back of the foot, preventing excessive movement and offering stability. This feature is crucial for kids who need extra support due to orthotics, as it helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the foot from rolling inward or outward.
4. Double Velcro Straps: Shoes with double velcro straps are more effective than single-strap styles, as they “hug” the feet better and keep orthotics securely in place. They also offer wider openings, making it much easier for kids (and parents) to get the shoes on and off.
5. Removable Insoles: Shoes with removable insoles create extra space to accommodate orthotics comfortably. Every shoe on my list features this convenient design, ensuring a perfect fit for your child’s orthotics.
Where to Find Shoes with These Five Key Features
If you have a trusted children’s shoe store nearby, take your child there for a professional fitting. A shoe fitter will ensure they get the right size and support. However, I know not all families have access to a reliable store.
For those without a local option, I’ve compiled a list of the best supportive velcro shoes for kids who wear orthotics. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Supportive Velcro Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics
These are my top recommendations for 2025. It’s essential to pull the Velcro straps comfortably tight to ensure the foot is held firmly in place, which enhances the shoe’s support.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
These supportive velcro shoes for kids made by New Balance provide extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These velcro orthopedic shoes provide excellent support and are specifically designed to accommodate orthotics. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing foot problems.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Reinforced heel counter helps maintain correct foot positioning, essential for effective orthotic function
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the absolute best velcro shoes for kids who wear orthotics as they offer superior depth and width for a comfortable fit. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Also available in grey and black
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
4. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These New Balance velcro shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making it an ideal choice for kids who wear orthotics.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
5. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These supportive New Balance velcro shoes for kids can accommodate different types of orthotics. Families appreciate how this shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
6. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite velcro shoes provide extra depth and extra long velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s orthotics.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
7. TSUKIHOSHI KAZ
These Tsukihoshi velcro shoes are supportive but also known for their lightweight and breathable features.
Key Features
- Order the shoe KAZ by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- All Tsukihoshi shoes run wider than normal medium-width shoes
- Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
8. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These velcro shoes for orthotics offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
9. Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run
These supportive See Kai Run adaptive shoes for kids who wear orthotics are lightweight and feature an extra-wide, deep toe box. The removable insoles help provide extra space, and an easy-open design for hassle-free wear.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for toddlers
- Extra long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with orthotics
- Mesh lining and removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger to accommodate your child’s orthotics
Why Tightening Velcro Straps Matters for Better Support
It’s important to teach your child the value of pulling the velcro straps tightly. The tighter the straps, the better support and stability the shoes will provide, helping to keep your child’s feet secure throughout the day.
Are the Shoes that I Recommended Durable?
Investing in durable kids’ shoes is not just about longevity; it’s about health. Quality shoes that stand up to the wear and tear of active kids ensure that the support and comfort they provide remain consistent. Durable shoes are often made with materials that offer better breathability, flexibility, and support, all of which are essential for children wearing orthotics.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Choosing the right shoes for your child is a personal journey, and I’m here to help. If you have specific questions or need tailored recommendations based on your child’s foot condition and orthotic needs, please feel free to contact me via email. My goal is to provide guidance and support, helping you navigate the myriad of choices to find the perfect pair of shoes that support your child’s health and mobility.
If you feel your child needs more support and stability, check out my other guide featuring a list of the best shoelaced shoes that pair perfectly with orthotics.
Encourage your child to always undo the velcro straps when putting their shoes on or taking them off. Skipping this step can stretch the shoe over time, reducing its support and fit.
