Boots for Kids with Sensory Issues – Comfortable, Lightweight and Flexible!
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 where I work, I have helped several children with sensory issues find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet
If you’re pressed for time you can jump directly to the selection of the best boots for kids with sensory issues.
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
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. 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.
- Shoe style 360 by Stride Rite
- 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)
- Shoe style Gilman by See Kai Run
- 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
- Shoe style 7510 Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- Shoe style 7510 Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- Shoe style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be worn for long periods of time
- Insulated so it can be worn in the snow
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be worn for long periods of time
- Insulated so it can be worn in the snow
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
- Shoe style Dane by See Kai Run
- 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
- Shoe style Gilman by See Kai Run
- 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
- Shoe style 7519 IGLOO by Tsukihoshi
- 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)
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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.
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.
Looking for Other Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion
Children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact us via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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 on 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:
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 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
- Socks made by SmartKnit
- 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
- Socks made by SmartKnit
- 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
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 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.
Help me make this resource even better by adding shoe recommendations that work well for your child with sensory issues!
