Best Shoes for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Supportive Outsole, Firm Heel Counter, and Extra Depth!

July 19, 2025 Arthritis Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your child struggling with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)? This condition, which affects children under 16, causes persistent joint inflammation that often leads to foot pain, stiffness, swelling, limited mobility, and poor alignment. Many children with JIA also deal with issues like excessive pronation and bunions. Supportive footwear can make a big difference—helping reduce pain, improving stability, and protecting foot structure. As a passionate shoe fitter with many years of experience, I’ll share the best shoes for kids with JIA: lightweight, flexible options with extra depth and rounded toe-boxes to relieve pressure and promote healthy foot development.

Be Careful About the Shoes You Buy for Your Child

Wearing the wrong shoes can worsen symptoms for children with JIA, leading not only to increased foot pain but also placing extra strain on the knees, hips, and other joints. That’s why proper footwear is so important—it helps protect your child’s entire body alignment. It’s also important for parents to know that while some children outgrow JIA with the right treatment, others may need ongoing care into adulthood. Supportive shoes play a key role in managing the condition now and in the long run.

Child with foot and leg pain doing physical therapy.

Why Being Proactive Matters (Don’t Rely on “Wait and See”)

I always encourage parents to take a proactive approach when it comes to their child’s foot health. Waiting and hoping a condition will resolve on its own can often lead to it getting worse. Instead, think of your child’s shoes as more than just footwear—they’re a tool to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your child in staying active, confident, and comfortable every day.

Are Your Child’s Feet Pronated?

Children with JIA also experience a large number of gait abnormalities. When joints swell, the soft tissues around the joints can stretch into poor positions – particularly in joints that take body weight such as the feet. These positions may not correct when the swelling resolves. For example, swelling around the rearfoot joints might take a normally arched foot into a flatfooted position.

Image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
Image of a child with flat feet. Notice how the collapsed arches affect knee and hip alignment, making movement less efficient and requiring more energy than in children without this condition.

What a Difference the Correct Pair of Shoes Can Make!

JIA can impact your child’s gait and posture, but the right shoes can make a real difference. Supportive, well-fitted footwear can help improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance the way your child walks. Don’t just take my word for it—see the results for yourself!

Here’s an image of a flat-footed child standing barefoot—notice how the feet collapse and turn inward? This poor alignment can affect the knees, legs, and hips, impacting your child’s posture and movement.
supportive-shoes-with-straight-lasts-for-children-with-flat-feet
Now see the difference with the same child wearing one of the supportive shoes I recommend. Notice how the shoes prevent the feet from collapsing inward? This promotes straighter walking and better overall posture.

Something as simple as choosing the right pair of shoes can make a big difference in managing your child’s juvenile idiopathic arthritis—reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting healthier joint alignment.

Key Shoe Features for Kids with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Extra depth in shoes provides additional space for swollen joints. This feature is essential for ensuring comfort and minimizing pressure on sensitive areas. Shoes with extra depth can also accommodate orthotics that provide additional cushioning and support for tender joints.
supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
A stable base of support helps maintain balance and stability, which is crucial for children with JIA who may experience joint instability. Look for shoes with a broad base to aid in weight distribution and reduce strain on the feet. This stability can help prevent falls and reduce the likelihood of injuries.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Firm heel counters provide essential support to the heel and ankle, helping to stabilize the foot and prevent excessive movement. This feature is important for controlling pronation and offering support to the lower extremities.

Based on years of experience, I have compiled a list of the best shoes for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 2025. These shoes incorporate the key features necessary to support children with JIA. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis to Prevent Pain

You’ll also find these shoes come in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths. To ensure maximum comfort—especially if your child experiences foot swelling—consider choosing a width slightly wider than usual.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the most supportive shoes for kids with JIA. The robust outsoles help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available in pink, black, and navy blue
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These orthopedic supportive shoes for kids with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing foot conditions.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These supportive high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat 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

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

These New Balance supportive shoes combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with JIA. The shoes are offered at a lower price point.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

5. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance

These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in white and pink for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance

These New Balance extra wide shoes for overlapping toes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes. Parents like that these shoes are offered at an affordable price point.

New Balance Rave Run v2 in bright pink for girls.
New Balance Rave Run v2 in black for toddler boys.
New Balance Rave Run shoe with round toe-boxes for kids with wide feet in pink and grey.
New-Balance-Rave-Run-shoe-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-wide-feet

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These New Balance ankle support shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s foot conditions. Families appreciate how these shoes are offered at a very reasonable price.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • 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

These New Balance supportive shoes for kids with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the 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 M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite wide shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes to help prevent putting pressure on your child’s feet.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • APMA approved
  • Leather upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Personalized Shoe Recommendations

To ensure the best fit and support, consider seeking a personalized shoe recommendation tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and degree of condition. Personalized recommendations can take into account specific needs, such as orthotic compatibility and preferred activity levels, ensuring the most appropriate footwear choice.

Getting the Correct Shoe Size – Why it’s Really Important for Kids with JIA

Choosing the correct shoe size is crucial for children with JIA. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, exacerbate symptoms, and even contribute to further foot problems.

Instead of opting for bigger shoes to fit your child’s foot inflammation, I recommend choosing shoes that are wider and deeper for a better, more comfortable fit. To make this easier, I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you measure your child’s exact foot size right from home. This resource guides parents in identifying whether their child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—and even checks for a high instep—ensuring you find the perfect fit every time.

Proper footwear is key to supporting the joints and body. However, there are going to be certain cases in which children will have to wear an orthotic inside of their shoes for extra support.

Orthotics for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Orthotics are often recommended for children with foot pain, joint swelling, or potential long-term foot issues. I’ve seen many kids benefit from shock-absorbing orthotics, which greatly reduce pain and improve function. However, custom orthotics can cost $250 to $350—and kids may outgrow them every six months, so keep that in mind.

I’ve found an affordable over-the-counter orthotic—LittleSteps—that’s proven just as effective as custom ones in easing foot pain and improving function. Its design gently guides the foot into a natural position, reducing strain and supporting healthy foot development for lasting relief.

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.

I recommend this orthotic because it offers strong arch and heel support without being overly invasive. It supports your child’s feet while still allowing their muscles to grow and strengthen naturally. Pairing it with exercise and physical therapy can further boost muscle flexibility and strength.

Does Your Child Have a Leg Length Discrepancy?

I’ve seen that some children with JIA have one leg shorter than the other. While minor differences often don’t need treatment, significant discrepancies may call for a shoe or heel lift to help balance and improve your child’s comfort and mobility.