Are Nike Shoes Good for Your Kids’ Feet? – The 2 Reasons why They Will Hurt Your Kids’ Feet!

August 6, 2025 The Worst Shoe Brands for Kids Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Thinking about getting your child a pair of Nikes, but unsure if they offer the right fit and support? Nike is one of the most popular brands for both kids and adults, but when it comes to children’s foot health, popularity doesn’t always mean suitability. In my experience fitting shoes and evaluating children’s foot development, I’ve found that most Nike styles fall short in key areas like support and fit. If your child is dealing with a “complicated” foot shape, such as wide feet or high insteps, as well as foot conditions, such as flat feet or heel pain, then you might want to consider a different shoe brand.

Nike Popularity Among Young Children

Nike’s popularity isn’t just about performance—it’s fueled by powerful marketing, celebrity endorsements, and sleek, fashion-forward designs. From star athletes to chart-topping musicians, the brand knows how to generate buzz. But when it comes to kids’ foot health, style isn’t everything. Despite the hype, I don’t recommend Nike sneakers for children, as most of their designs lack key features needed to properly support growing feet.

Reason #1: Nike Shoes Don’t Accommodate High Insteps or Extra Wide Feet

One of the most common complaints about Nike shoes for kids is their inability to accommodate high insteps or wide and extra wide feet. Nike tends to manufacture shoes with a narrower fit, which can be problematic for children with broader foot shapes.

An image highlighting the instep of the foot—to help parents better understand where this key part of the foot is located.
Take a look at this example of a child with a high instep wearing a pair of Nike shoes. At first glance, it may seem like the Velcro strap is the problem—but the real issue lies in the child’s foot shape.

Reason #2: Flimsy, Unsupportive Shoes That Don’t Hold Up

Another concern with some Nike kids’ shoes is their lack of support. Many models focus on lightweight materials and flexibility, which, while great for adults, may not provide the necessary structure for developing feet. I’m not suggesting your child’s shoes should be rigid or stiff—in fact, the best shoes strike a balance between support and flexibility, giving growing feet the structure they need without restricting natural movement.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
A shoe fitter pressing on the heel counter—the back part of the shoe that’s meant to support the ankle and heel. Notice how easily it collapses under pressure? This shows just how flimsy the structure is. A good shoe should have a firm heel counter to provide the stability growing feet need.
In the second image, I’m pressing on the midsole of the shoe, and you can clearly see how easily it bends. This part of the shoe plays a crucial role in absorbing shock every time your child’s foot hits the ground. A sole that’s too flexible can’t provide the support or protection growing feet need.

What Type of Feet Do Nike Shoes Accommodate?

Nike shoes are generally best suited for children with average to narrow feet. If your child has a wider foot or a high instep, you may find that Nike shoes do not provide the necessary comfort and support. In such cases, it is advisable to look for brands that offer wide-width options or shoes specifically designed for children with these foot characteristics.

Does Your Child Have Wide or Extra Wide Feet?

One of the biggest challenges parents face is that kids with high insteps or wide feet still want to wear Nike shoes—thanks to the brand’s popularity and trend appeal. But the problem is, many Nike styles run narrow, and when children squeeze into shoes that don’t fit properly, it can lead to painful issues like blisters, calluses, corns, and even ongoing foot or leg discomfort. Style shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or foot health.

Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Wide Feet or High Insteps

If your child has wide or extra wide feet—or a high instep—finding the right shoes can be a challenge. That’s why I created a dedicated resource with hand-picked shoe styles that actually work for these foot shapes. Check it out to discover brands and models that offer the comfort, support, and fit your child needs.

Why Doesn’t Nike Manufacture Kids’ Shoes in Wide Widths?

You might wonder why Nike doesn’t make kids’ shoes in different widths. The simple answer: cost. Producing only the most common “medium” width keeps expenses—and prices—down. It’s surprising that a giant like Nike hasn’t expanded width options for kids, but they may not prioritize children’s foot diversity, relying instead on their brand’s popularity to drive sales regardless of fit.

Reach Out with Any Questions or for Specific Shoe Recommendations

As a passionate shoe fitter, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. There are plenty of brands and models that cater to various foot types, ensuring comfort and support for your child.