Best Supportive Sneakers for Kids – Top 10 Choices for Kids with Foot Problems

September 13, 2025 Flat Feet Juan Valenzuela 4 - Comments

Is your child struggling with flat feet, weak ankles, or other foot concerns—and your doctor recommended supportive shoes but didn’t specify which ones? The right sneakers can make a world of difference. The first seven years of childhood are often called the “golden years of treatment opportunity” because supportive footwear (and orthotics when needed) can help guide proper foot development, improve walking gait, and even prevent long-term pain. As a shoe fitter with years of experience I’ll share the best supportive sneakers for kids that blend comfort, durability, and the structure growing feet need.

The Role of Supportive Shoes in Treating Foot Conditions

Many children experience foot problems such as overpronation, flat feet, or weak ankles at a young age. Supportive sneakers can help manage these issues by offering the right amount of support and cushioning.

The images below show just how powerful supportive shoes can be—they don’t just improve foot posture, they also enhance walking gait and even your child’s overall alignment.

Before and after image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot and wearing a pair of supportive New Balance shoes.
Before and after image of a two-year-old flat footed toddler with a mild degree of pronation standing barefoot and then wearing a pair of supportive New Balance shoes.
Before and after images of a child with flat feet wearing unsupportive shoes and then wearing a pair of supportive shoes.
Before and after image of an older flat footed child with a moderate degree of pronation wearing unsupportive shoes versus wearing a pair of supportive New Balance shoes.

What Makes a Shoe Supportive?

A supportive shoe typically has several key features: a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and flexibility where needed. It’s also crucial that the shoes fit your child’s unique foot shape correctly, ensuring both comfort and support.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
The Importance of a Stable Base. The stability of a shoe is largely determined by its base. A stable base ensures that the foot remains supported during various activities, reducing the risk of ankle twists or falls. A good base will also help improve posture by encouraging the foot to align properly with the rest of the body.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Firm Heel Counters. When it comes to flat feet, support isn’t just about the arch—it’s about stabilizing the entire foot, especially the heels. A firm heel counter helps lock the heel in place, preventing it from rolling inward and improving overall foot alignment. Before buying shoes for your child, press on the heel counter: if it feels firm (not soft or flimsy), that’s a good sign of lasting support.
children's-shoes-with-straight-lasts
Straight Lasts. Shoes with a straight last encourage proper alignment and improve overall foot posture, making them especially helpful for kids with flat feet or pronation. If your child has strong pronation, avoid shoes with overly curved lasts, as they can worsen the inward rolling of the feet.
New Balance kids' shoe with the correct amount of flexibility vs Nike kids' shoe that is too flexible and unsupportive.
Lightweight & Flexible: Designed for natural movement without excess weight. The right shoes should bend at the toes—never twist like a spiral—ensuring flexibility without losing support.

Customizing Fit for Unique Foot Shapes with My Virtual Guide

Every child’s foot is unique, with variations in arch height, width, and instep height. It’s crucial to find shoes that accommodate these differences. A shoe that fits well will provide better support and comfort, reducing the likelihood of blisters or pressure points.

I created a virtual fitting guide that makes finding the right shoes for your child simple and stress-free. It helps you determine your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), identify foot conditions like flat feet or high arches, and tells you the exact shoe size to order online—complete with the right growing room.

Without further ado, let’s dive into my top 10 recommendations for supportive sneakers for kids in 2025. These picks are based on their design, comfort, durability, and overall support. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links

My Top Supportive Shoe Recommendations for 2025

Here’s a list of the top 10 supportive sneakers for kids that might help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are the absolute best shoes for kids with flat feet. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces 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
  • Order the shoe 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
  • Ideal for moderate and strong cases of pronation
  • 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 kids with flat feet 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 flat feet.

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
  • Order the shoe 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
  • Ideal for moderate and strong cases of pronation
  • 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 shoes for flat feet by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit. These shoes are affordable and provide a comfortable fit.

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
  • Order the shoe SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 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 shoe for flat feet combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with flat feet. These 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 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
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 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.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe Tracks by Timberland on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Water-friendly
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 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 Saucony shoes for flat feet offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Supportive Saucony Cohesion for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Saucony kids Cohesion for girls with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 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 and 625 by New Balance. These versatile New Balance shoes for flat feet provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’sfeet. Families appreciate how these supportive shoes are offered at a very reasonable price.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
Supportive New Balance shoes for 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
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 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 supportive New Balance shoes flat feet are another great option for flat-footed children 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
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • 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 flat-footed kids. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Supportive Adidas high-top shoe for kids.
Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

10. Shoe Style Contend by Asics

These Asics narrow shoes are known for their durability and support. Designed for active kids, these shoes offer a snug fit with a narrow heel counter.

Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for kids in navy blue.
Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Contend by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Reach Out for Tailored Shoe Recommendations

Every child has unique needs when it comes to footwear. Reach out for personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s exact needs. All I’ll need is your child’s shoe size, foot shape, and condition, along with your country, so I can guide you toward the best supportive options available to order.

Do Arch Support Sneakers for Kids Exist?

Technically, most kids’ sneakers do not come with built-in arch support like adult orthotics or specialty shoes. However, well-designed children’s shoes provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters, which help keep the foot aligned and reduce overpronation. This structural support compensates for the lack of a traditional arch insert, helping your child maintain proper posture, walking gait, and overall foot stability while their feet are still developing.

Barefoot vs. Supportive Shoes

There’s long been debate over whether kids benefit more from walking barefoot or wearing supportive shoes. Going barefoot can help strengthen foot muscles in children with healthy feet, but it’s not practical—or safe—for kids with poor foot posture, pain, or stability issues. For everyday activities, supportive sneakers are the smarter choice, providing comfort, protection, and the stability growing feet need.

Should Your Child Also Wear Orthotics?

Many parents wonder if their child needs orthotics. While orthotics can be helpful for certain foot conditions, it’s best to start with supportive shoes and see how your child responds. If you notice ongoing pain or discomfort, consulting a healthcare professional is a smart next step. I also recommend checking out my guide to the two most effective orthotics for children—these were the top picks I fitted at the children’s shoe store, and I’ve seen firsthand how well they support growing feet and help address common foot issues.

The Long-Term Impact of Supportive Footwear

Investing in supportive footwear can have long-term benefits for your child’s health. Properly supported feet can prevent the development of chronic issues like plantar fasciitis or knee pain later in life. By choosing the right sneakers now, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of good foot health.