Are Under Armour Shoes Good for Kids? – Read this Before you Buy Them!
Are Under Armour shoes a good choice for your child? As kids get older, they often gravitate toward trendy athletic brands like Nike and Under Armour—but are these shoes actually supportive enough for growing feet? As a professional children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve worked with nearly every major brand on the market. While Under Armour shoes are stylish and popular, I’ve found they tend to run narrow (best for kids with narrow to medium feet) and often lack the structure and durability needed for long-term foot health. In this article, I’ll break down what parents really need to know before buying Under Armour shoes for their kids.
Why Are Under Armour Shoes So Popular Among Children?
Under Armour has made a name for itself with its trendy designs. Kids are drawn to the brand because of its cool factor and endorsement by popular athletes. The brand’s shoes often feature vibrant colors and sleek styles that appeal to children and teenagers alike. Additionally, the brand’s marketing strategies have significantly contributed to its popularity among younger demographics.
Can Your Child Wear Under Armour Shoes?
Many kids walk into the store determined to wear only Under Armour—and nothing else. If your child doesn’t have any foot conditions like flat feet or more complex foot shapes such as wide or extra wide feet, Under Armour shoes might be a perfectly fine option. To help you decide, I’ve put together a simple checklist to determine whether Under Armour is a good fit for your child’s feet. Let’s make shoe shopping easier and more informed!
✅ Great for:
- Kids with narrow or medium-width feet
- Children with no underlying foot conditions
❌ Not ideal for:
- Kids with wide or extra wide feet
- Children with high insteps or flat feet
- Those with overpronation, weak ankles, or low muscle tone
3 Main Reasons Why I Don’t Recommend Under Armour Shoes
While Under Armour shoes are popular, it’s important to consider whether they meet the specific needs of children’s feet. There are several factors to consider, including durability, fit, and support.
Reason One. Limited Fitting Options.
Under Armour shoes are designed primarily for children with narrow to medium-width feet, which means they typically don’t work well for kids with wide or extra wide feet. Children with high insteps also tend to struggle with the fit, often finding the shoes too tight across the top. However, there’s a notable update in 2025—Under Armour has started offering select styles in wide widths. That said, even their “wide” options still run on the narrower side, so sizing up won’t always solve the problem.
Reason Two. Not Durable for Active Kids.
Another concern is durability. Children are naturally active, and their shoes need to withstand the wear and tear of daily play. Some parents have reported that Under Armour shoes for kids do not hold up well over time, with soles wearing out or materials tearing. When investing in a pair of shoes, you want them to last, so durability is a key factor to consider.
Reason Three: Unsupportive.
While Under Armour shoes are built with performance in mind, they may fall short when it comes to long-lasting support—especially for all-day wear. Proper support and cushioning are essential to keep your child’s feet comfortable and protected. If your child is highly active or participates in high-impact sports, you may want to consider a more supportive shoe brand that’s specifically designed to handle those demands.
Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
A frequent mistake I see is parents buying longer Under Armour shoes in an attempt to compensate for the lack of width. While it might seem like a quick fix, oversized shoes can actually do more harm than good. When shoes are too long, your child’s feet slide around inside, leading to friction that causes blisters, calluses, and even corns. Worse yet, oversized shoes can throw off your child’s balance and compromise their stability. So before giving in to the brand your child wants, consider whether the shoe truly supports their growing feet. Their comfort—and long-term foot health—should always come first.
Under Armour Shoes and Your Kids’ Foot Health
It often feels like this shoe company overlooks one of the most important aspects of kids’ footwear—foot health. One major drawback of Under Armour shoes is that they’re primarily made in just one width: medium. This severely limits options for children with wide or extra wide feet, or those with high insteps. Kids’ feet come in all shapes and sizes, and by ignoring this, Under Armour leaves out a large number of children who need more inclusive and supportive footwear options.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shoe for Your Child
Finding the perfect pair of shoes for your child can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. I’ve created helpful resources that break down the best shoe brands for kids based on different foot shapes and needs. Whether your child has wide feet, extra wide feet, or other specific requirements, you’ll find curated recommendations to make your search easier and more successful. Check out the articles I’ve written to take the guesswork out of shoe shopping!
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re still unsure whether Under Armour shoes are the right fit for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to help you figure it out. I can also provide personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape, needs, and activity level—so you can feel confident you’re choosing the best possible fit.
