Best Sandals for Kids with High Arches – Prevent Foot Pain!
Does your child have high arches and you can’t seem to find a single pair of sandals that fit? Children with high arches are more prone to developing foot pain (heel pain in particular), so the sandals should also be supportive. As a shoe fitter with a passion for ensuring that children are provided with the proper footwear, I understand the concerns parents face. The best sandals for kids with high arches can help support your child’s feet to prevent pain and improve stability.
Three Key Features of Sandals for Kids with High Arches
When selecting sandals for children with high arches, consider the following features to ensure optimal support and comfort:
1. Supportive Footbeds: This feature helps distribute the weight evenly across the foot, reducing pressure on the heel and ball. Cushioned sandals can reduce the impact on a child’s feet during play, offering a softer landing and minimizing potential injuries.
2. Targeted Heel Support: This feature helps cushion and support your child’s heels and ankles. Effective heel support is crucial in maintaining balance, providing added stability and preventing unnecessary movement that could lead to ankle sprains.
3. Lightweight and Flexible: The sandals need to be supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired. Your kids’ sandals should bend at the ball of the foot but no further. Lightweight materials reduce the load on your child’s feet.
Keep in mind that for your child to get the full benefits that the sandals have to offer you need to make sure that you order the sandals in the correct size (length and width).
How to Ensure a Perfect Fit? – Find Out Your Child’s Exact Shoe Size
Sandals that are too big allow for too much foot movement inside the sandals, which means that the foot is no longer supported. On the other hand, sandals that are too small might cramp your child’s toes and lead to foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you retrieve your child’s shoe size and shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) from home.
I am going to show you a list of supportive sandals that provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters that will help prevent your child from putting extra pressure on the outer part of their feet. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Sandals for Kids with High Arches for Foot Support – Prevent Pain
The sandals that I recommend have supportive footbeds that provide extra stability to reduce pain while walking. Here are some top choices of supportive sandals that cater to children with high arches:
1. Psyclone by Teva
These are good sandals for high arches as they are designed with a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps to help improve your child’s foot posture and stability.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Agnes by Memo
These are some of the best sandals for high arches as they offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed and firm heel counters that aid in maintaining the foot’s correct position.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 100% leather made
- Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals with support for high arches provide a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for active children with pigeon toes, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Mogami by Birkenstock
Known for its contoured footbed and superior arch support, Birkenstock offers a range of styles that are both fashionable and functional. These cute sandals for high arches boast a deep heel cup and a supportive arch footbed that helps maintain proper foot alignment.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Contoured PU footbed
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Newport by Keen
These comfortable sandals for high arches provide excellent arch support and a secure fit with their bungee lace system. They’re also water-friendly, making them perfect for summer adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva
The Hurricane by Teva offers a lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit. Its contoured footbed provides excellent support and the stable base of support helps distribute weight evenly.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand’s sandals combine style and functionality, offering supportive features that cater to children with high arches.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front
- Velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Betti and Pedro by Memo
Memo’s Betti and Pedro sandals are equipped with a robust support system, including a firm heel counter and arch support. These features work together to guide the foot towards a healthier walking pattern, making them an excellent choice for children with high arches who need corrective footwear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Betti and Pedro by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Make sure that you pull the Velcro straps comfortably tight so your child can get the full support and stability that the sandals have to offer.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect pair of sandals can require personalized attention. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child’s high arches so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Bonus Resource: Everyday Sneakers for High Arches
In addition to sandals, it’s important to consider everyday sneakers that offer the same level of support for high arches. Sneakers designed with orthotic-friendly features can provide the necessary support for daily activities and school.
How to Find Out If Your Child Has High Arches
To determine if your child has high arches, have your child stand up barefoot and look from the side whether there is an excessive curve along the inside of the foot as shown in the images below:
You can also observe your child’s feet from behind to see if they are putting too much weight on the outer edges of their feet.
If you are unsure whether your child has high arches or not I suggest that you follow my two-step approach method to figure it out.
What Are the Complications of Having High Arches?
Children with high arches might experience discomfort or pain due to the uneven distribution of weight across the foot. This can lead to:
- Calluses and Corns: Caused by uneven pressure on the foot. These can become painful over time and may require medical intervention if not managed properly.
- Instability: Increased risk of ankle sprains due to reduced balance. The uneven distribution of weight can make it challenging for children to maintain stability, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Hammertoes or claw toes.
- Knee pain and plantar fasciitis.
The Importance of Supportive Sandals for Kids with High Arches
Children with high arches may experience instability and are at a higher risk of injuries such as sprains or fractures. The condition can affect a child’s balance and gait, leading to potential issues with coordination and overall mobility.
Something so simple as providing your child with the correct types of shoes can make a tremendous difference in helping treat and prevent foot pain. You will prevent several foot issues and end up saving a lot of money by taking early action and investing in the correct types of shoes.
