Best Kids’ Shoes in the UK for Flat Feet
Struggling to find the right shoes for your child’s flat feet in the UK? You’re not alone. Many families across the UK have reached out to me for help—especially when their child also has a unique foot shape, like narrow, extra wide, or high instep. As a passionate U.S.-based shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I understand the challenge of finding supportive, well-fitting shoes—especially when many U.S. options aren’t available in the UK. That’s why I’ve created a curated list of the best kids’ shoes in the UK for flat feet, tailored by foot shape and fit.
Many families in the UK feel unsure about how to handle their child’s flat feet. It’s common to be told to “wait it out” until age five, since arches can still develop during those early years. While that’s true, it doesn’t mean you should ignore the issue. Taking early action can make a big difference—not only in your child’s comfort now but in preventing potential problems later in life. When it comes to flat feet, proactive support is always better than a wait-and-see approach.
Supportive Shoes: Before and After Images
Stay tuned—I’ll soon be sharing more powerful before-and-after images showing how the right shoes can make a real difference for children with flat feet.
Why Supportive Shoes Matter
Supportive shoes play a pivotal role in addressing flat feet by providing a stable base of support. This helps in maintaining proper alignment of the feet and ankles, reducing the strain on the lower limbs. Moreover, wearing shoes with the correct size is essential to ensure children benefit fully from the support and stability that the shoes offer.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Flat Feet
The shoes I recommend incorporate a combination of features that work together to support flat feet. From the stable base and firm heel counters to the straight lasts and arch support, each element plays a vital role in promoting foot health.
Feature One: Stable Base of Support. This feature is crucial for children with flat feet. Shoes with a wide base help distribute weight evenly, preventing excessive pronation, which is common in flat-footed children. This feature is essential in maintaining balance and reducing the risk of injuries.
Feature Two: Firm Heel Counters. This feature is a vital component of shoes for flat feet. Firm heel counters provide additional stability to the rear of the foot, ensuring the foot stays aligned within the shoe. This support is key in preventing the inward rolling of the ankle, which can lead to discomfort and potential long-term issues.
Feature Three: Straight Lasts. Shoes with straight lasts are particularly beneficial for flat feet. The straight last design offers a broader and more supportive base for the foot, accommodating the flat arch and promoting better foot posture.
As promised, here’s another example to show you the difference the right footwear can make.
With numerous brands and styles on the market, finding the right pair of shoes can be overwhelming. Here are my top picks for the best kids’ shoes for flat feet in the UK. These selections are based on extensive research, customer reviews, and personal experience in the field. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Kids’ Shoes in the UK for Flat Feet
Click on the image of each shoe to find out the style name and number. If that specific model is sold out you should go to your local shoe store and check if that specific shoe style is available there.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for flat feet.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon
- 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. Shoe Style by UOVO
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance
This is one of the best shoes for flat feet in the UK. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 1906 on the UK New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Uovo Sneakers
These kids’ waterproof sneakers are durable and will help keep your child’s flat feet supported.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Uovo on Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Bungee closure
- Anti-collision and strong toe-cap
- Slip-resistant outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes are made by a European company and are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on the Memo website
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with flat feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes for children with flat feet 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 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
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for flat-footed children at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance in the UK New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for flat-footed kids.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids with flat feet who have a narrow foot shape.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Choosing the right shoes for your child’s flat feet can be challenging. As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’m here to help. If you have specific concerns about your child’s foot condition or need tailored shoe recommendations, feel free to contact me via email. Together, we can find the perfect fit for your child’s needs. Personalized advice can make a significant difference in ensuring that your child’s footwear supports their unique requirements and lifestyle.
Can Supportive Shoes Make Your Child’s Feet Weaker?
Supportive shoes don’t weaken your child’s foot muscles—they provide a stable foundation without interfering with natural development.
Think of them like glasses for the feet: glasses don’t cure poor eyesight, but they help your child see and function better. Similarly, supportive shoes help children with flat feet move more comfortably and efficiently. In some cases, adding orthotics can offer the extra support and stability their feet need.
Does Your Child Need Orthotics as Well?
It depends on how flat your child’s feet are and whether they’re experiencing pain. I typically recommend starting with supportive shoes and then monitoring for improvements in posture and walking before considering orthotics.
When to Consider Orthotics
- Persistent foot pain despite wearing supportive shoes
- Frequent complaints of tired feet
- Difficulty in walking or running
Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if orthotics are necessary for your child. In some cases, a combination of orthotics and supportive shoes may provide the best results.
As a passionate shoe fitter, I am here to support families in finding the perfect pair of shoes for their children, no matter where they are located. By providing expert advice and personalized recommendations, I empower parents to make informed choices that benefit their child’s foot health.
I’m working on more helpful resources for families in the UK to make finding the perfect shoes for your child easier. If you’re searching for a specific shoe style or have questions about your child’s foot needs, drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
Hello, My daughter has to wear jazz shoes to she dance/stage school. 3 hours a week.
Are there any shoes or insert we could use? Her ankles fall in when she walks.
She is UK 1 wide footed.
Many Thanks
Hello Kate,
Jazz shoes don’t provide any support whatsoever, so fitting an insole/orthotic inside jazz shoes won’t do any good.
I suggest that you make sure that your daughter wears everyday supportive sneakers (trainers) for most of the day. Wearing jazz shoes for 3 hours a week won’t harm her feet.
Hi,
My daughter is 8 years old and is always complaining her feet hurt regardless of her wearing shoes, sandals, trainers or being barefoot. I’m needing to get her some school shoes, but I’m at a loss of where to even begin. I haven’t found a style that seems to help.
Hello Sarah,
Is your daughter flat footed? Has your medical professional told you the reason why your daughter complains of pain?
Do the school shoes need to be made of a specific color? Do you know whether your daughter’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide?
Hi ?, my daughter is 17 months old as it waiting for an orthopedic appointment at our local hospital as she in-toes/is pigeon toed. Just wondered if you can recommend where I can take her to get a little pair of supportive shoes for her.
We are based in the south east of England/UK.
She loves going for walks & being with the horses on our yard so also needs a little pair of suitable boots but wellies boots make her in toeing but more obvious. Thanks in advance.
Hello Marie,
I am not very familiar with specialized children’s shoe store sin the UK. Have you tried searching in Google for a local shoe shop?
Children with pigeon toes can strongly benefit from wearing shoes with substantial outsoles and firm heel counters, as they can help improve foot posture. You also need to make sure that you provide your daughter with the correct shoe size, which involves the correct shoe length and the correct shoe width.
I can recommend specific shoes that you can order online if you don’t have a good local shoe store, but I first need to know whether your daughter’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.