Does your child have sensory issues and only wants to wear boots? Are you worried that your child’s boots are too heavy and stiff and might make your child’s feet and legs tire easily? If you have tried every single pair of sneakers but your child still prefers to wear boots, I will show you which boots are more lightweight and flexible than others. Let’s find out which are the best boots for kids with sensory issues!
If you have read any of my previous articles, you are probably aware that I have been fitting children’s shoes for many years. At the shoe store that I work for, I have helped several children with sensory issues find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet.
When looking for shoes for a child with sensory issues it’s all about finding the most comfortable shoe. I usually look for shoes with seam-free fabric interiors that have padded elastic collars with heel tabs to help adjust the shoe around the heels.
What Makes the Boots that I Recommend Ideal for Kids with Sensory Issues?
Most children’s boots are too heavy and stiff. The boots that I recommend are ultra-lightweight and provide exceptional comfort. The boots provide a padded tongue and collar to add a layer of comfort, and breathable uppers to allow your child’s feet to breathe.
Children with sensory issues who prefer to wear boots instead of any other type of footwear probably prefer their shoes to provide a “looser” feel.
I am going to show you a list of boots that hopefully will feel comfortable for your child. These boots provide a similar structure to a sneaker, in the sense that they are lightweight and flexible at the same time. They will also properly support your child’s feet so your child can wear these boots for long periods of time.
Best Boots for Kids with Sensory Issues
I usually recommend to “desensitize” the child’s feet before putting the boots on, which means warming up your child’s feet with a massage.
Take a look at the description below each boot to find out the features that it provides, the type of closure, and the size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable to quick-dry sweat
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- Velcro closure
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable in to quick-dry sweat
- Velcro closure
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable to quick-dry sweat
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet.
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet.
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable to quick-dry sweat
- Velcro closure
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Breathable uppers on a flexible outsole that allow for maximum mobility and promote healthy foot development
- Padded tongue and collar add a layer of comfort
- Double velcro straps to provide your child with better control over how tight/loose he wants the boots to feel
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Mesh-lined sockliner keeps little feet comfortable all day long
- Double velcro straps to provide your child with better control over how tight/loose she wants the boots to feel
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable to quick-dry sweat
- Double velcro straps to provide your child with better control over how tight/loose she wants the boots to feel
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size
I have noticed that some children with sensory issues prefer to wear their shoes on the “tighter side” while others prefer their shoes to feel on the “looser side”. To order the correct shoe size online, you must know what your child’s foot size is to begin with.
There is a great resource I created where I help parents determine their child’s exact foot length and shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep). This resource will help avoid the stress of having your child’s feet touched while at the store and reduce the likelihood of ordering the wrong shoe size:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Does Your Child’s School Require Everyday Sneakers Instead of Boots?
If you must provide your child with a pair of sneakers instead of boots, I suggest that you take a look at the resources below as they describe the best everyday sneakers for children with sensory issues:
Shoes for Kids With Sensory Issues – Let’s Find Some Magical Shoes!
Best Shoes for Older Kids with Sensory Issues – Seam Free Fabrics with Padded Collars
What Role Do Socks Play for Children with Sensory Issues?
Socks play a pretty important role. If the socks feel uncomfortable, your kids’ shoes will also feel uncomfortable.
I have found that seamless socks are a must for children with sensory issues. It is important to choose a fabric that feels soft to your kid’s feet and that doesn’t constrict toe movement. I have put together a selection of the best seamless socks for children with sensory issues:
- Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Half cushion foot for added support and impact protection
- Ribbed leg support stays up on the leg and provides added support
- Cotton rich blend provides optimal softness and durability
- Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit.
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
- The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
- Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit.
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
- The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
- Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Soft and durable cotton rich blend provides optimal comfort and long lasting wear
Let me know in the comments section below if you are having trouble finding a specific pair of shoes to help your child with his/her sensory issues. You can ask your question in the comments section below or contact me via email:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Help me make this resource even better by adding shoe recommendations that worked well for your child with sensory issues!
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