Converse Shoes for Kids – Are You Hurting Their Feet?

January 5, 2023 Fashion Shoes Juan Valenzuela 14 - Comments

Have you been wondering whether Converse shoes are supportive enough for your child’s feet? Are you afraid that these shoes might end up hurting your child’s feet? Chuck Taylor All Star —also referred to as Converse— is one of the most legendary and iconic sneakers of all time. With more than a BILLION pairs sold, it makes it one of the best-selling and most popular shoes not just for kids, but adults as well. However, parents often wonder if these trendy shoes provide the support and fit that growing feet require.

It is clear that the company has been extremely successful, but we shouldn’t confuse the difference between everyday footwear with casual footwear.

Are Converse Shoes Supportive?

While Converse shoes are not typically designed with good support in mind, they can still be a comfortable option for children with healthy feet. With that said, even if your child’s feet are healthy, Converse shoes shouldn’t replace your child’s everyday sneakers. For those needing additional support, consider using orthotic inserts or choosing a style with extra padding.

Tips for Enhancing Support

  1. Orthotic Insoles: These can be inserted into the shoe to provide extra arch support.
  2. Choose High Tops: They offer more ankle support, which can benefit growing feet.

Are Converse All Stars Bad for Your Child’s Feet?

Experts are starting to warn people on how the current fashion shoes will have a negative impact on children, causing discomfort in the short and medium term, and which can also lead to years of foot, knee and back pain in the future. Young children are particularly vulnerable, since the bones of the foot continue to grow through adolescence, and the bones are in a soft, pliable form that can be forced into an unnatural shape.

My main issue with Chuck Taylor shoes is that they are flat shoes (check the outsole) and supportive footwear, and your children should not wear them as their everyday shoes. They do not offer any shock absorption or stability that your child needs to perform daily activities. Why are the original Chuck Taylor shoes not supportive?

  • They lack a heel counter
  • They lack cushion

Can Converse Flatten Your Child’s Feet?

I want to clarify that this type of shoe won’t flatten your kids’ feet. However, your child might start experiencing some leg and foot pain, since the shoes don’t offer enough support. Most children’s shoes are designed with a supportive outsole to minimize the impact that the feet take when they come in touch with the ground.

Is It Okay to Provide Toddlers with Converse Shoes?

Some parents love Converse so much that they want their babies to match and wear the same shoe brand as theirs, which might not be the best thing for your baby’s feet. I wrote a post where I describe the best shoes for babies who are learning how to walk, and why at this age you must avoid brands such as Nike, Adidas, Converse.

Converse shoes are fashion shoes. We sell a lot of them at the shoe store where I work for and I always emphasize to parents that they should not be used as primary footwear. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Top 5 Converse Shoes for Kids

I want to clarify that children should not wear Converse shoes as their everyday sneakers.

  • Order the shoe style Chuck Taylor by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • Lightweight
  • Lace-up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Chuck Taylor by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • Lightweight
  • Velcro closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Chuck Taylor by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • Lightweight
  • Velcro closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Chuck Taylor by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • Lightweight
  • Lace-up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style CT A/S HI Basketball by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • High-top
  • Lace-up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Chuck Taylor by Converse on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Canvas
  • High-top
  • Smart FOAM sockliner for comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)

Understanding Converse Shoe Sizes

Converse shoes tend to fit really long, which is the reason why when you are looking for a pair for yourself or your child, you will have to get the same size or a half size smaller than your child’s foot size measures at the foot measuring scale. This will still allow for growing room.

Some parents are hesitant to purchase smaller shoes for their kids because they are afraid that they will outgrow them fast, but if the shoes run “long” then you need to accommodate the size that you get for your child. If you have worn Converse before, you probably know exactly what I am talking about.

How to Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order Online

Not only each brand varies in size, but each style in a particular brand will require a different size. I created a virtual shoe fitting service where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s shoe size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.

Some children complain how Converse shoes hurt their pinky toe. If this is the case with your child, you might want to consider switching to a wider fitting shoe.

I think it’s amazing how even though there have been several innovations and changes in the shoe industry, Chuck Taylor athletic shoes continue to be so popular. It seems like they will never lose their popularity since they are being purchased by people of every age all around the world. However, I have never doubted their popularity, only the comfort and support of the shoe.

Why is it Important for Your Kids to Wear Good Shoes?

It is important to provide your kids with good, supportive shoes so they can have the support that they need to perform their everyday activities. If your child is not wearing good, supportive shoes then this can lead to several foot and leg problems.  For example, you should never allow your child to perform physical education or run in Converse shoes. I have created many resources over the years and I believe you might find this one about supportive everyday sneakers for kids the most helpful.

Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion

Without a doubt, 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 me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am 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.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on selecting the right footwear for your child, feel free to reach out. Your child’s foot health is important, and I’m here to help!