Best Shoes for Kids with Rolled Ankles – Firm Heel Counters to Straighten Your Kids’ Ankles!
Looking for the best shoes for kids with rolled ankles? Choosing the right footwear is essential for protecting your child’s ankles and promoting proper alignment. Rolled ankles—often caused by weak ligaments or previous sprains—can lead to recurring injuries if left unaddressed. Children who play on uneven ground or engage in high-impact activities are especially vulnerable. Supportive, well-fitted shoes can make a big difference by improving stability, encouraging proper posture, and helping prevent future ankle injuries. In this guide, I’ll share the most effective shoe options to keep your child’s feet—and ankles—safe and supported.
How Supportive Shoes Can Help
Supportive shoes play a vital role in preventing and treating ankle issues. They provide stability, helping to control excessive foot motion. This control can prevent the ankle from rolling inwards, reducing the risk of sprains and other injuries. Shoes with firm heel counters and sturdy midsoles can offer this necessary support, ensuring that each step is stable and aligned.
What Makes My Recommend Shoes Effective for Rolled Ankles?
When selecting shoes for children with rolled ankles, look for features like a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and straight lasts.
Here are my top picks that meet these criteria. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Kids with Rolled Ankles – Firm Heel Counters
As someone who has dedicated years to fitting children’s shoes, I understand the importance of choosing the right pair of shoes.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for rolled ankles. 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.
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 shoes for rolled ankles 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.
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 high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with rolled ankles.
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
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with rolled ankles. 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 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. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
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 Zappos or 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
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes are ideal for kids with foot problems, as they 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 Zappos or Amazon
- 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 child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s foot conditions. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
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 shoes for rolled ankles are another great option 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 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 Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids with rolled ankles. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or 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
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or 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
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Finding the perfect pair of shoes for your child may seem daunting, but I’m here to help. If you have specific questions or need personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer consultations to ensure you make the best choice for your child’s foot health and comfort.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
One of the most common mistakes parents make is buying shoes that are too big, thinking their child will grow into them. However, ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate problems like rolled ankles. It’s crucial to ensure that your child’s shoes fit properly to provide the necessary support and prevent further injury.
Parents often opt for larger shoes to extend wear time, not realizing the potential harm. Oversized shoes can lead to instability, increasing the likelihood of tripping and falling. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Can Supportive Shoes Make Your Child’s Feet Weaker?
There is a common misconception when it comes to providing children with supportive shoes. Supportive shoes don’t make the muscles “lazy” or “weaker”. They simply provide children with structural support which is not going to take away from the musculature. This means that supportive shoes allow the child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own while supporting them.
Depending on how severe your child’s rolled ankles are, you may need to add an orthotic inside the shoes to provide the extra support and alignment their feet need.
Best Orthotics for Kids with Rolled Ankles
The design of LittleSteps orthotics helps to guide the foot into a more natural position, reducing strain and improving function. This correction not only alleviates immediate discomfort but also supports proper foot development.
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.
You won’t have to remove the original insoles of your child’s shoes before placing this orthotic inside the shoes.
