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

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.

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)?

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.

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.

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.
Can you recommend a deep shoe for an adult female who has to wear orthotic shoes inserts.
Hello Nadine,
Yes, but first I need to know whether she has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. It would also be helpful to know what type of orthotic she wears to have a better idea of how much space it will take inside of the shoes.
Amazing blog and I found it worth reading. Its true that Insoles For Children Shoe very helpful in kid’s comfort and foot care. For a best possible start for your child orthotics is necessary.
Thank you Allen.
My daughter has been fitted for orthotics (insoles). They initially sent her home in New Balance size 12, but she complained they were squishing her feet so I asked to move up to a size 13. They sent home 680v6 (medium) in a size 13. She still won’t wear them. She says they squish the top of her foot (at the base of the laces near the toe) and she doesn’t like the way it fits at the heel (I can’t remember what exactly she said- it was miracle I got her to even put it on again- I tried them with their usual insoles, thinking maybe they’d stretch some if she just wore them, but she’s having none of that.) She’s never worn athletic shoes much- she’s favored Natives and Livie and Luca and currently wears a pair of JoJo Siwa high tops (the soles do not appear to easily remove). They’re a cascade dafo. “Pattibob”
Hi Monica,
I hope that you and your daughter are well.
Do you know whether your daughter has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? The Pattibob takes extra space inside the shoes, so even if your daughter has medium feet (M) you probably need to order the shoe in a wide width (W). If you are unsure of your daughter foot length and shape take at look at the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
When the shoes feel too tight parents make the common mistake of buying longer shoes when in fact they should try the shoes in a wider width first.
Your daughter mentioned that the shoes bothered her at the top of her foot (this is called the instep) so we might also need to try a different New Balance style that is deeper than the 680V6. Before I can recommend specific shoes I need to know your daughter’s specific foot shape.
In the meantime, there is a specific way to lace the shoes that will prevent heel slippage and make the shoes feel more comfortable around the heels:
How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
What type of shoes do you suggest for toddlers in AFOs? I have a child in a dual AFO/SMO combo brace and I’m having trouble finding a deep shoe or even a high top with a wide toe box. Typical shoe size is toddler size 4-5.
thanks!
Hi Shari,
There are 2 shoe styles that you can try. I have fitted these 2 shoe styles before and in addition of being available in extra wide (“XW”), they provide extra depth and a rounder toe-box. Please note that you will have to provide your toddler with shoelaces instead of Velcro closure in order for your child to get the full benefits of the AFO/SMO.
Stride Rite Bootie
New Balance Sneaker
There is also an effective way to tie the shoelaces for children who wear orthotics. You can learn about it here:
How To Tie Shoes With Orthotics- Stop Heel Slippage
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello. My 4 yr old grandson has an orthotic and the recommended shoe from this site. (It is recommended in other places as well). The problem is that for the shoe to fit snug and properly, you have to tie it for the top side lip of the shoe to be snug. The orthotic sits below that so it is always pushed into his foot further than the top side lip. The insert doesn’t fit UNDER the side to make it even, so it will always cut into him…. do you follow what I mean?. Any suggestions?
Hello Tammy,
Unfortunately, I am not following what you are trying to say. By the “top side lip”, do you mean the holes in the blue or yellow circle in the image below? Or are you referring to a different area of the shoe?
Any idea of the dr martens would fit a custom orthotic?
I have fitted certain orthotics in Dr. Martens shoes before, but it depends on each orthotic. If you send me a picture of the orthotic I will ebbe able to let you know:fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Good day,
My son just turned 3 years old and I’ve discovered that he’s flat footed. We had an insole customized for him but haven’t had any luck finding the right shoes since the insole is almost 2 cm in depth so is there any deep shoes you recommend for the insole he has taking into account that the shoes must be hard from the heels and the side to provide support. Moreover his heels shouldn’t be popping out of the sneakers when he wears them. I have come across new balance 888v2 but it didn’t seem deep enough nor hard enough.
Kindly advise
Hello Nadia,
You need to try the New Balance style 990V5, which is deeper and more supportive than the 888V2.
Supportive/Deep Shoe for Orthotics: Option 1
I hope this helps!
She has been prescribed the Chipmunk orthotic by Cascade Dafo.
https://cascadedafo.com/products/chipmunk
The orthotic size is 7.50 W (I was told this is not actually wide but normal width. The insoles come in Narrow or W-Normal widths)
Thank you very much for your feedback Juan.
Hello Audrey,
I am familiar with all the orthotics made by Cascade since I used to fit them before. The Chipmunks take a lot of space inside the shoes, so we definitely need to find a pair of deep shoes with a round toe-box.
I recommend that you provide your daughter with the following shoes that are deeper and more supportive than the 680v5. I also recommend that you provide her with shoes that come with shoelaces instead of Velcro closure:
Supportive/Deep Shoe for Orthotics: Option 1
Supportive/Deep Shoe for Orthotics: Option 2
I hope this helps.
Hi again Juan,
I am looking at the 888v2 for her (Option 1 per your recommendation).
She wears size 12M in the 680v5 comfortably with the original insole but complains that it is too tight/uncomfortable with the Chipmunk insole (insole size 7.50W).
What size would be a good fit for her in the 888v2 with the Chipmunk?
We are overseas with the US military and our only option is to purchase through Amazon.com hence my query.
Thank you so much for your time taken to assist me. I truly appreciate it.
Hi Audrey,
It’s hard for me to tell you exactly what size she will need because I don’t know how long she has been wearing the same shoe size 12. I recommend that you get her a 12.5 W and a 12.5 M and keep the one that fits her better. Please make sure that you remove the original sole of the shoes before placing the Chipmunks and tie her shoes correctly.
Shoe Style for Orthotics
I hope this helps!
Hi Juan,
My almost 7 year old girl has been diagnosed with overpronation. We’ve been advised to get orthotic insoles. She currently wears New Balance Hook and Loop 680v5 (velcro) size 12M.
Would the New Balance Kids’ 888v2 with laces be good with orthotic insoles? Also do I get the same size or go bigger or wider (eg 12.5M or 12W or 12.5W)
Thank you.
Hi Audrey,
The advantage of the 888V2 is that is deeper than the 680V5 and provides better support. The shoelaces will hug your daughter’s feet better, and provide her with more support and stability.
As far as the sizing goes, it depends on what type of orthotic your daughter will have to wear. I normally try to stay with the same shoe length and go wider instead of longer. I would recommend you get your daughter the size 12W, but if you want to send me a picture of the orthotic I will be able to provide you with better advice.
I hope this helps.
Hi, My son’s dr recommended Wheaton Pediatric Just Right Arch Support. Can you recommend shoes that would fit well with the insert in toddler size 8?
Where can I find stores that fit shoes for my son?
Hello Sarah,
I recommend that you provide your son with a pair of shoelaces instead of Velcro closure, since shoelaces will provide more support and stability to your child’s feet.
Here is my recommendation:
Supportive and Deep Shoe for Orthotics: Option 1
If you decide that you want to provide your child with a pair of Velcro sneakers instead, please find below my recommendations:
Supportive and Deep Shoe for Orthotics
I hope this helps!
Hello my son is 8 years old and wears a size 2.5 in sneakers. We are looking for sneakers that would fit his orthotics, which sneakers would you recommend that are deep enough to fit them? Thanks for your help.
Hello Elizabeth,
If your son knows how to tie his shoes, this is one of the deepest and most supportive shoe styles for orthotics:
Supportive and Deep Shoes for Boys
If he prefers a pair of velcro sneakers, here you can find the deepest and most supportive style:
Supportive Shoe Style for Boys (Velcro)
I hope this helps!
Which brands of shoes do you recommend for boys in size 3? Our Stride Rite store closed over a year ago and I have been struggling to find shoes that fit my boys’ orthotics. Employees in most stores are not helpful at all!
Lindsey,
A lot of parents feel the same way as you do, and are struggling in finding a good children’s shoe store in their area. I recently wrote an article that describes the best children’s shoe stores by state, and you can find that article here:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores – Where To Go For Proper Fittings
You should post a comment in that article and other parents will help you find a good children’s shoe store in your area. When it comes to fitting a child that needs to wear orthotics in his/her shoes, I tend to always recommend New Balance. This shoe brand makes the deepest (allows the orthotic to fit deeply inside the shoes) and most supportive shoes for kids. Saucony is another shoe brand I recommend for children who need orthotics.
I hope this helps!
My son has smo brace orthotics. I have tried stride rite, saucony and plae. Eother they are too bog or teo small or they dont come in his size. His foot measures 3 and a quarter bit they told me to get 3.5 wide. Lots of shoes do not offer half sizes. He is 20 months ols bit has a small foot size and most dont carry his size
Hello Shana,
Do you want to provide your child with a pair of shoes that come with velcro or shoelaces? The reason I ask is because shoelaces will provide more stability and support to his feet, but most parents don’t want to deal with tying their kids’ shoes all time. Let me know your preference so I can send you a couple of options.
Thank you,
Juan