Best New Balance Shoes for Toddlers with Foot Problems
Are you looking for the best New Balance shoes for your toddler’s foot condition? If your child has been diagnosed with flat feet, overpronation, low muscle tone, or another foot-related issue—and your medical professional recommended New Balance shoes—you’re on the right track. New Balance is known for its supportive, well-structured sneakers that promote healthy foot development. However, with so many styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for your child. As a dedicated shoe fitter with years of hands-on experience, I’ll guide you to the most supportive and best-fitting New Balance shoes for toddlers who need extra foot support.
Are New Balance Toddler’s Shoes Supportive?
New Balance is known for high-quality, supportive footwear, and the styles I recommend offer a stable base while staying lightweight and flexible to promote natural movement. However, not all New Balance shoes provide the same level of support or fit. I’ll highlight the best styles for helping treat your toddler’s foot condition.
Medical professionals often recommend more substantial yet lightweight and flexible shoes for toddlers dealing with foot challenges. The right shoes can make a big difference for conditions like flat feet, weak ankles, low muscle tone, hypermobility, and toe walking—providing the stability and support growing feet need to develop properly.
Are New Balance Shoes Good for Toddlers with Foot Problems?
Here are some reasons why New Balance should be your go-to brand:
Key Feature One: Lightweight and Flexible with a Stable Base of Support. This feature helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of injuries. New Balance sneakers provide the perfect balance between flexibility and support, ensuring that your toddler’s feet can move freely while still being supported. Lightweight shoes help reduce fatigue, allowing children to stay active and explore their environment comfortably.
Key Feature Two: Firm Heel Counters. These are essential for toddlers with foot problems, as they provide the necessary support to keep the foot in a healthy position. New Balance shoes come equipped with sturdy heel counters that prevent excessive pronation and help maintain the proper alignment of the foot. This feature is crucial for toddlers who may be prone to flat feet or other alignment issues.
Key Feature Three: Extra Depth. Toddlers with foot problems may require shoes with extra depth to accommodate orthotics or custom insoles. New Balance sneakers offer ample space, allowing for a comfortable fit even with additional inserts. This extra room ensures that your child’s foot remains well-supported and comfortable throughout the day.
Are Shoes with Laces Better Than Shoes with Velcro?
Toddlers with foot conditions can benefit greatly from wearing shoes with shoelaces instead of Velcro. Laced shoes provide a more secure, customized fit by gently “hugging” the feet, which offers better support, improved stability, and helps keep the foot properly aligned throughout the day. I know it can be inconvenient for families to deal with shoelaces, but lace-up shoes make a big difference in improving your toddler’s foot posture, walking gait, and overall stability.
Based on my experience and expertise, here are my top New Balance shoe recommendations for toddlers with foot problems in 2025. Each option has been selected for its unique features and ability to support growing feet effectively. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them.
Supportive New Balance Shoes for Toddlers
Check the description below each shoe to see if it’s available in your toddler’s foot shape—whether that’s medium, wide, or extra wide—for the best possible fit.
Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance (Velcro)
These supportive New Balance shoes for toddlers provide a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and can accommodate different foot shapes. These are considered the best New Balance shoes for toddlers with foot problems.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance (Laces)
Key Features
- Order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Shoe style 574 by New Balance
These New Balance toddler shoes are specially designed to help improve foot posture and provide relief from common conditions like flat feet, offering the support growing feet need.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable rubber outsole pods
- Synthetic/mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2022 New Balance style delivers comparable support to the 990v6—at a more budget-friendly price, making it a great value for growing feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a lightweight yet supportive sneaker designed to promote healthy foot development in toddlers. With its cushioned Fresh Foam midsole and secure fit, it’s an excellent choice for toddlers with foot conditions needing extra comfort and stability.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam Arisihi by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- No-sew tip for added durability where kids need it most
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Medical professionals often express frustration when children wear the wrong type or size of shoes. They frequently see foot conditions worsened by ill-fitting footwear. For example, in cases of toe walking, shoes that are too big can slip off easily—prompting children to walk on their toes just to keep the shoes on.
The Importance of Getting the Correct Shoe Size
Shoes that are too small hinder the proper growth of the foot, diminishing blood circulation, causing painful blisters, ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, and many other foot problems. Shoes that are too large might prevent your toddler from maintaining grip on the ground properly, compromising your toddler’s stability.
To help parents determine the correct shoe size for their children, I have developed a virtual shoe fitting service. This online tool allows you to measure your child’s foot accurately from the comfort of your home and determine the exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep).
Additional Resources for Toddlers with Foot Problems
In addition to sneakers, sandals and boots are perfect for different weather conditions and activities, ensuring that your child’s feet are protected and comfortable year-round.
- I suggest looking for supportive sandals with adjustable straps and firm heel counters to provide support and stability during warm-weather activities. These features ensure that your child’s feet remain secure while allowing for ventilation and comfort in warmer climates.
- Choose supportive boots with a secure fit, extra depth, and a non-slip sole to keep your toddler’s feet comfortable and safe during colder months. The added protection and warmth make them ideal for winter adventures, ensuring that your child’s feet are shielded from the elements.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and finding the right shoes can sometimes require personalized guidance. If you’re unsure about which New Balance shoes would be best for your child, feel free to contact me via email. I’m happy to provide specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s foot shape and degree of condition, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
The best New Balance shoes for toddlers with foot problems strike the perfect balance between support, lightweight comfort, and flexibility. These features help ensure your toddler’s feet stay healthy and properly aligned. If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask in the comments below – I’m here to help!
