Best High Top Shoes for Kids – Supportive, Lightweight, and Stylish!
Does your child need extra support for their feet—or simply love the cool, sporty look of high top sneakers? Whether you’re shopping to help manage a foot condition or a stylish pair sturdy enough for sports and play, you’re in the right place. I’ll share the best high top shoes for kids that deliver the perfect blend of support, lightweight comfort, and style. Plus, many of these options are designed to fit various foot shapes, including wide feet, so your child can step out confidently and comfortably.
Why Do Children Prefer High Top Shoes Over Regular Sneakers?
Some children simply prefer how high top shoes look over low-cut regular sneakers, but there are other reasons why children should wear high top shoes:
- Athletic activities such as basketball
- Medical conditions that require the shoes to come up higher on the ankles
Is It Safe for Children to Wear High Top Shoes?
Kids can definitely wear high top shoes for everyday activities. While some people worry that the added ankle support might make ankle muscles weaker over time, that’s actually a misconception. High tops don’t weaken muscles—they simply give your child a stable, secure base without taking away the natural work that muscles do.
Are Converse High Top Shoes Supportive?
Not all kids’ high top shoes offer the same level of support. While some styles can greatly improve foot posture and stability, others fall short. For instance, Converse high tops may be stylish and popular among kids, but they lack a firm heel counter and have flat outsoles with minimal cushioning, providing little to no support. In this article, I’ll show you high top shoes that truly deliver the support your child’s feet need.
What Features Your Kids’ High Top Shoes Must Provide?
The Importance of Fitting Your High Top Shoes Correctly
Every child has a unique foot shape and arch type that influences their shoe needs. Identifying whether your child has flat feet, high arches, or a neutral foot type is crucial in selecting the right footwear. This understanding ensures the chosen shoes offer the necessary support and comfort.
The high top shoes I recommend come in different widths, like medium and wide, so it’s important to know your child’s exact foot length and shape to get the perfect fit. If you don’t have a trusted local kids’ shoe store nearby, don’t worry—I’ve created a free virtual shoe fitting service that makes it easy to measure your child’s feet right from home and find the ideal size.
Choosing the perfect pair of high top shoes for your child can seem overwhelming. My carefully selected recommendations for 2025 aim to ease this process, balancing support, style, and functionality. Disclosure: We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) through affiliate links in this post.
Best High Top Shoes for Kids in 2025 – Supportive and Stylish
Be sure to read the description under each shoe to see if that style is the perfect match for your child’s unique foot shape.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These toddler high-top shoes by Stride Rite offer excellent support and provide extra depth with round toe-boxes to accommodate wide feet.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Hoops Mid 3.0 AC by Adidas
These stylish and supportive high-top shoes for kids are designed to provide extra stability. The cushioned midsole and excellent ankle support makes it ideal for active children.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. TWO WXY v5 by New Balance
These high-top shoes for kids made by New Balance are a top choice for kids who need maximum comfort and support during high-intensity play.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Coco Unity by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
With a high-top design and strong sole, this shoe provides round toe-boxes and extra depth to accommodate wider feet. It’s also available in actual wide widths.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. AND1 Basketball Shoes Kids
These high-top sneakers for kids are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style AND1 on Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- The full-length rubber outsole and multi-directional herringbone tread maximize skid resistance
- Lace closure offers a secure fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas (Laces)
These Adidas supportive high-top shoes provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters to help improve posture and gait.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos and Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
These high top shoes are crafted from durable, high-quality materials, making them perfect for everyday wear. To get the most out of their support and stability, make sure your child keeps them properly laced and securely tied throughout the day.
Contact Me for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Finding the perfect high top shoes for your child can be daunting. Each child’s foot is unique, with varying needs. I am here to help simplify this process. Whether your concern is foot shape or a specific condition, I can assist. Please feel free to reach out for a personalized shoe recommendation tailored to your child’s needs. Your child’s comfort and foot health are my top priorities.
Explore More High Top Shoe Resources
If you’re looking for even more options, be sure to check out my specially curated guides on high top shoes designed for kids with wide feet or specific foot challenges. These resources dive deeper into finding the perfect fit and support to keep your child comfortable and active.
Tying and Undoing Your Kids’ High Top Shoes Correctly
Encourage your child to always untie their shoes before taking them off—this simple habit helps keep the shoes’ support intact. When kids slip their feet in and out without untying, it gradually wears down the shoe’s structure, making them less effective over time.
Are High Top Shoes Heavy for Everyday Wear?
High top shoes used to be known for feeling bulky and heavy next to low-cut sneakers. But thanks to innovative, lightweight materials, today’s high tops are a whole new story—offering sleek style, all-day comfort, and the perfect support for everyday adventures.
What Types of Socks Work Best for High Top Shoes?
To keep your child comfortable, make sure their socks are tall enough to protect their skin from rubbing against the top of the high top shoes. It’s a simple trick that helps prevent irritation and keeps little feet happy all day long.
