Best Orthotics for Supination – STOP Your Kids’ Foot and Leg Pain!

March 19, 2025 Orthotics/Insoles Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Has your child been diagnosed with supination, and your doctor recommends orthotics to help alleviate foot pain? Supination, the opposite of pronation, occurs when the foot rolls outward instead of inward. Children with high arches are more likely to experience supination. In these cases, orthotics can provide crucial support, helping to prevent excessive outward foot rolling and improving your child’s overall foot alignment, comfort, and stability.

My Experience as a Passionate Shoe Fitter

Since 2013, I have dedicated my career to fitting children with the right shoes and orthotics. Over the years, I’ve helped countless families understand their children’s foot conditions and provided personalized recommendations to suit their needs. My experience has taught me the critical role that proper footwear and orthotics play in a child’s development, and I am committed to sharing that knowledge with every family I meet.

Are Children with High Arches More Likely to Supinate?

Yes, children with high arches are more prone to supination. The high arch does not allow the foot to flatten and absorb shock effectively, leading to an uneven distribution of weight. This can cause the child to roll their foot outward, leading to supination.

A child's foot with high arches.
A photo of a child with a high arch, showcasing the distinct curvature of the foot that can contribute to supination.
Image of a child with high arches standing barefoot.
An image of a child with a high arch, which can lead to supination and may require additional support for proper alignment.
A picture of an older child with a high arch.

Children with supination may experience heel pain due to the added stress on the outer edge of the foot.

How Can Orthotics Help Your Child’s Supination?

Certain orthotics are specially designed to provide cushioning, support, stability, and relief for pressure points on the foot. While there are various types—soft, semi-rigid, and rigid—the ones I recommend are “off-the-shelf” options, not custom-made. The key to their effectiveness lies in ensuring they’re paired with the right shoes and match your child’s unique foot shape. With the right fit, these orthotics can make a world of difference in improving your child’s foot health and comfort.

Before and After: The Impact of Orthotics for Supination

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing the transformation that the right shoe and orthotic combination can bring. Before and after images of children standing barefoot and then wearing supportive shoes with orthotics clearly demonstrate the positive effects of proper foot support. 

An image of a child with supination, showcasing the outward roll of their feet as they stand barefoot. This posture highlights how the feet place extra pressure on the outer edges, a common trait of supination.
supportive-insoles-for-kids-with-flat-feet
The same child standing with orthotic inserts I recommend, showing how the inserts help realign the feet and provide better support. The child’s posture appears more balanced, with improved foot alignment and reduced outward roll.
An image of the same child wearing orthotics inside supportive Asics shoes, highlighting the enhanced foot alignment and stability.

Something so simple as providing your child with the correct pair of shoes and orthotics might be all your child needs to treat the condition. Having fitted many children for orthotics over the years, I have two top recommendations for kids with supination. These options have consistently provided positive results and have been favored by both children and their parents for their comfort and effectiveness. 

Key Features of Orthotics for Supination

When choosing orthotics for children with supination, there are two key features to look for.

1. Deep Heel Cups: This feature is essential in orthotics for supination. Deep heel cups help stabilize the heel, preventing excessive outward rolling. This stability is crucial for maintaining proper alignment and reducing the risk of injuries.

An image showcasing littleSTEPS orthotics, featuring deep heel cups for enhanced stability and foot alignment.

2. Biomechanical Arch Support: This feature is essential for distributing weight evenly across the foot and preventing the excessive outward rolling associated with supination. By supporting the arch, these orthotics can reduce strain on the plantar fascia, preventing the development of conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

An image of Footlogics orthotic insoles with good arch support to help improve foot posture.

After years of experience fitting shoes and orthotics for children, I’ve discovered two standout orthotics that truly excel in supporting kids with supination: LittleSTEPS and Footlogics. The best choice for your child depends on the severity of their supination—whether it’s mild, moderate, or strong.

The Best Orthotics for Kids with Mild Supination 

Footlogics orthotic inserts for kids with flat feet.
  • Order the full-length Footlogics orthotic inserts on Amazon
  • Fits toddler shoe size 5 up to big kid shoe size 3
  • They can be trimmed to the perfect size using scissors if necessary
  • You must remove the original insoles from your child’s shoes before placing the orthotic inside the shoes

The Best Orthotics for Kids with Moderate or Strong Supination 

littleSTEPS orthotics provide a deep heel cup that helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg, as well as medial and lateral flanges to help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic.

littleSTEPS orthotics for kids with flat feet and overpronation.

1. Order littleSTEPS® Orthotics from their official website. You must submit a Referral Code to complete your order: JVFCS100121

2. It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this orthotic

3. The 3/4 length design makes it easier to fit into various shoe styles

4. Take a look at this chart to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size

How effective these orthotics will be in re-aligning your child’s feet and improving your child’s walking gait depends specifically on the degree of your child’s supination.

Bonus Resource: Supportive Shoes for Kids with Supination

To complement the orthotics, selecting the right supportive shoes is crucial. Look for shoes with key features that work in tandem with orthotics to maximize foot health and comfort. The right shoe can enhance the effectiveness of orthotics by providing additional support and stability.

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

I’ve created numerous resources to assist parents in determining shoe sizes and identifying foot conditions. Every child’s feet are unique, and finding the perfect orthotics and shoes requires personalized attention. If you’re unsure which orthotics or shoes are best for your child, feel free to reach out for specific recommendations tailored to your child’s foot shape and condition.

Treating Supination Before it Leads to Bigger Issues

It’s completely normal for kids to have a slight degree of supination as they grow. Their bodies are always changing, and a little roll in the ankle doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cause for concern. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that supination may be excessive. Watch for symptoms like pain, fatigue, clumsiness, or developmental delays—these could indicate that the supination is affecting your child’s comfort and mobility. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consult with a professional.

Children who supinate may find it harder to enjoy running and playing due to the added stress on the outside of their feet with every step. This extra pressure can lead to foot fatigue, causing your child to feel tired more quickly, and sometimes even avoid activities like sports or long-distance play. If left unaddressed, this can limit their ability to fully engage in physical activities and affect their overall enjoyment of playtime.