Deep Shoes for Orthotics – The Best Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics

February 1, 2023 Shoes for Orthotics Juan Pablo Valenzuela 28 - Comments

Has your child been diagnosed with flat feet, rolled ankles, low muscle tone, hypermobility, toe walking, or another foot condition that is causing pain? Did your physical or occupational therapist recommend that your child wears an orthotic inside the shoes for extra support? I will show you a selection of the best deep shoes for orthotics based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

Not all kids’ shoes are capable of accommodating orthotics, there is actually only a small selection of shoes that work with orthotics. Orthotics and shoes work hand in hand, and if you fit a pair of supportive orthotics in the wrong pair of shoes, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer and vice versa.

I have found orthotics to be extremely effective in improving a child’s posture, as they provide biomechanical balance by redistributing body weight and helping children walk and run straighter.

The most common mistake that parents make is placing all the focus on the type of orthotics that the child needs and not worrying about the shoes.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and Orthotics

I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now that focuses on children with foot and leg issues, that is the reason why we carry some of the most supportive shoes and orthotics. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoe styles for orthotics.

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Did you know that a pair of well-fitted shoes with orthotics might be all that your child needs to be able to walk straighter and improve the overall posture?

Allow me to elaborate…

Let’s take a look at a picture of a child with flat feet standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards?

Once we fit the child in a pair of supportive shoes that are capable of accommodating the orthotic correctly, the child’s feet look a lot straighter. This is what I meant when I mentioned that the orthotics and the shoes work together.

The Importance of Finding Deep Shoes for Orthotics

One common complaint children have when they first try a pair of shoes with orthotics is how they feel like their feet are coming out of the shoes every time they walk. This makes sense, as when we fit an orthotic inside a shoe, the orthotic eventually raises the child’s feet, giving the child the impression that the feet are coming out of the shoes.

To prevent this from happening, you must find a pair of shoes that provide extra depth, as this is going to guarantee that the orthotics fit deeper inside the shoes. A pair of shoes that provide extra depth is also going to prevent the top part of your child’s feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.

What a Difference the Correct Pair of Shoes Can Make!

Let’s visualize what a difference a pair of shoes with extra depth can make when fitting an orthotic inside the shoes. Do you notice how much deeper the orthotic is fitting in the New Balance shoe style (image on the right) compared to the Nike one (image on the left)?

deep-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-orthotics

The shoes should also come with a rounder toe-box to prevent the orthotic from poking a hole against the side or front part of the shoes. Do you notice how the New Balance shoe (grey) has a much rounder toe-box than the Nike shoe (grey and green)? These shoes are the same length and width but they fit very differently.

shoes-with-round-toe-boxes

You might be wondering… Shoes don’t come labeled as “extra deep” or with “rounder toe-boxes”, so how would I ever find them?

The good news is that I have put together a selection of the best deep shoes for orthotics, but I want you to first get familiar with the features that these shoes are going to provide to your child’s feet.

I only review shoes that I have fitted before, as that is the only way for me to know the quality of the shoes and how they fit. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

The Best Deep Shoes for Orthotics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All of these shoes are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), so choose the shoe width accordingly.

  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Stride Rite shoe style Elliot is available for toddlers
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Stride Rite shoe style Emilia is available for toddlers
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Stride Rite shoe style Rover is available for toddlers
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Water-friendly
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 990v6 is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Available in velcro and laces
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in velcro and laces
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Genuine leather and breathable mesh
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Genuine leather and breathable mesh
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Timberland shoe style Bootie fits toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
  • Water-friendly
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Memo shoe style Princessa fits toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
  • Rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Synthetic and mesh upper
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic and mesh upper
  • Extra deep
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Memo shoe style Polo is available for little and big kids
  • Triple velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an orthopedic shoe
  • Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Memo shoe style Chicago is available for little and big kids
  • Triple velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an orthopedic shoe
  • Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 2022 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Durable leather/suede mesh upper
  • Stability Web outsole technology provides added arch support
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Adidas shoe style Cross Them Up is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style Coco CG1 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-Up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Non-marking outsole
  • Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880V12 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880V12 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned footbed
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned footbed
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style FuelCell Rebel v3 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 327 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

What Shoe Size You Should Order?

In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.

In certain cases, you might need to provide your child with a whole size longer since the orthotics do take up a lot of extra space inside the shoes. You should never provide your child with more than a whole size longer since you might end up compromising your child’s stability.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I always recommend parents to take their children to their local kids’ shoe store, where a shoe fitter can properly measure their kids’ feet and find shoes that fit. However, several parents have contacted me asking about where they can get their kids’ shoes online as they don’t have any shoe stores left in their area that they trust.

If you are one of those parents, start by reading a post I wrote where I describe the best way to make sure that your child is wearing the correct shoe size:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

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. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

Shoes that Fit Orthotics – Supportive, Deep, and a Round Toe-Box!

In addition to providing extra depth and a rounder toe-box, there are the other 3 most important features that the shoes I recommended provide:

1️⃣ Removable Insoles: The shoes I recommended all come with removable insoles for you to be able to take them out when you are fitting the orthotic inside the shoe. If you leave the original insoles inside the shoes you are going to raise your kids’ feet.

2️⃣ Substantial and Supportive Outsole: This feature helps reduce the impact that your kids’ feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground. This feature also helps keep the orthotic in the right place.

3️⃣ Firm Heel Counter: This feature help strengthen and straighten the child’s ankles. If the shoe that you provide for your child has a heel counter that is too flimsy, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoe has to offer. The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that offers ankle support.

Are Shoelaces Better than Velcro Closure? – Let’s Find Out!

I always recommend shoelaces over velcro closure when a child wears orthotics.

I want to clarify that I do understand how hard it is for parents to deal with their kids’ shoes becoming untied all the time, but if your child has overpronation and foot and leg pain, shoelaces make a big difference in helping the child walk and run straighter.

Shoes that come with shoelaces provide better support and stability than shoes with velcro closure. The main reason for this is that the shoelaces are more effective in “hugging” the child’s feet, and they push and secure the heels against the back of the shoe, making your kids feel more secure when walking and running.

Most parents don’t want to deal with shoelaces, so they end up providing their kids with a pair of velcro shoes. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as you understand that your child might not get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer.

how-to-tie-shoes-with-orthotics

I actually came up with a shoe lacing technique that has proven to be the most effective one for children who wear orthotics:

How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage

Don’t Forget About your Kids’ Socks – Keep your Kids’ Feet Healthy!

Socks act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes, preventing the build-up of bacteria inside the shoe and also protecting your kids’ feet from rubbing against the shoe.

I have also helped several children that couldn’t stand wearing socks with their shoes find the correct type of socks. There are certain kids’ that feel every bump and lump as soon as you put socks on them, and they will refuse to wear them.

Have you ever heard of seamless socks? They are the solution to prevent your kids from fussing every time they need to put socks on. You can learn more about them in an article I wrote called:

Seamless Socks for Kids – Stop the Struggle of Putting Socks On!

Now that you know which are the deepest shoes for kids, you are ready to make the most informed decision.

Have you found a particular pair of shoes that have worked well with your child’s orthotics? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.