Do you have a child at home that has been experiencing foot pain in the bottom of the foot? Has your child been complaining that it hurts every time he/she runs or engages in high-impact activities? Does the pain intensify at night? I always emphasize to parents to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their kids’ foot pain, as foot pain in children is never normal.
Foot pain in the bottom of the foot normally means that your child is flat-footed. Did you know that fallen arches, or flat feet, occur when the arches of the feet flatten out leading to foot pain? This might cause your child to walk inwards, putting excess pressure on parts of the body where he is not supposed to.
Take a look at the image of a flat-footed child. Does it look familiar?
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over the last 10 years now and I specialize in fitting shoes for children who are experiencing foot and leg pain. The right type of shoes and orthotics can make a world of difference when it comes to reducing or completely eliminating your child’s foot pain. I am familiar with the best shoe brands for children and the best shoe styles among those brands.
When children complain about pain in the bottom of the foot, that generally means that they are probably flat-footed. However, most children experiencing pain in that particular area are not wearing the correct type of shoes.
Did you know that wearing unsupportive shoes is the most common cause of foot pain in the bottom of the foot? I have noticed how most children who came to the shoe store referred by their physical therapist or pediatrician were wearing unsupportive shoes for their feet. Once they were fitted in the correct type of shoes the pain was significantly reduced, and in most cases completely eliminated.
Let me prove it to you!
What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!
Let’s take a look at a picture of a child with flat feet standing barefoot. Do you notice how the feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child wearing two different pairs of shoes. The first picture shows the same child wearing a pair of unsupportive shoes. Do you notice how the feet are still collapsing and turning inwards?
The second picture shows the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes. The substantial outsole and the heel support from the shoes are helping align the child’s feet. This will allow your child to walk and run straighter.
Never underestimate the importance of well-fitting shoes. Most children’s foot problems are directly related to the shoes that they wear and how they fit.
It’s time to reduce or completely eliminate the foot pain that your child is experiencing, and I will guide you through the process of finding the best supportive shoes for children that have foot pain in the bottom of the foot.
I will show you a selection of the best shoes with arch support for children, but first I want you to get familiar with what features these shoes provide and how to make sure that you provide your child with the correct shoe size.
Is Your Child Complaining About Foot Pain? – Steps to Take!
The first step to take when a child is complaining about foot pain is not to ignore it. Most medical professionals will tell parents to leave it alone as it might be growing pains or a condition that the child will outgrow soon. Can you relate to this? I get contacted by parents daily telling me how they took their child to the pediatrician but were told that the child will eventually outgrow the pain.
I recommend parents start by taking a look at the shoes the child is wearing. Remember that the pain might be happening because your child is not wearing shoes that are supportive enough. A good supportive shoe will minimize the impact that your kids’ feet take every time they come in contact with the ground.
Supportive Shoes for Kids – 2 Important Features
There are 2 key features that the shoes I recommend provide for children who are flat-footed:
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This feature helps prevent the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards, which leads to improving the child’s overall posture. Let me show you the difference between a shoe with a substantial outsole and a shoe with an unsupportive outsole:
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This part of the shoe provides ankle support, and the firmer it is the better. This feature helps align your kids’ ankles and also prevents them from rolling inwards or outwards.
If you provide your child with a pair of shoes that provide both of these features, chances are that the pain will be significantly reduced or fully eliminated.
I only review shoes that I have fitted before since that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoes for kids with flat feet. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for children that have flat feet and are experiencing foot or leg pain. These shoes can fit children with narrow, medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Constructed with a breathable textile lining and an OrthoLite® comfort foam insoles provide moisture transport, antimicrobial function, and long-term cushioning
- Water-friendly
- Double hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Durable leather upper
- Stability Web outsole technology provides added arch support
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning in the heel
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- No-sew tip for durability where kids need it most
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About 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 current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
I always recommend shoelaces over velcro closure, especially for a child that is experiencing foot pain. The main reason for this is that shoelaces provide better support and more stability to your child’s feet.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If you happen to have a child with narrow feet please contact me directly and I will send you specific shoe recommendations:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Are you 100% sure of your child’s foot size? You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s exact foot size to begin with.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I wrote an article that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home:
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.
These shoes I recommended have proven to reduce, or completely eliminate the pain that the child was experiencing before. Foot pain at the bottom of your kids’ foot is not normal, and you must take the necessary steps to find a solution to significantly reduce or completely eliminate the pain.
Is Your Child Still Complaining About Foot Pain?- Next Steps
If your child’s foot pain persists after wearing supportive shoes for a period of 3 to 5 months, you should strongly consider getting an orthotic.
An orthotic is a shoe insert that is specifically designed to provide cushioning, support, stability, and relief pressure areas of the foot.
Orthotics are recommended for children who have problems with flat feet because they correct the biomechanics of the child’s walking and running gait, which makes it easier for their feet to absorb shock without putting unnecessary stress on their muscles and joints.
While I can’t get into too much detail about which are the best orthotics for children in this article, I wrote another post about the best orthotics for children with flat feet:
The Best Orthotics for Kids – The Most Effective Way to Correct Your Child’s Overpronation
The Secret to Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy – Revealed!
Parents are always telling me how they wished their parents provided them with good shoes when they were young, just so they wouldn’t have to experience foot, leg, and back pain as an adult. They say that they have to deal with their feet or legs hurting, and sometimes the pain even moves to their lower back.
Before trying orthotics, undergoing surgery, or going to your physical therapist, start by providing your child with a pair of supportive shoes, and make sure that they are wearing the correct shoe size. You will be amazed at the results!
Most of the time all your child needs to stop foot and leg pain is to wear the correct pair of shoes.
Are you dealing with foot pain in the bottom of the foot? I actually wrote an article where I describe the best shoes for women who are experiencing pain in the bottom of the foot and you can find it here:
Foot Pain in the Bottom of the Foot – Let’s Start by Checking Your Shoes!
Do you have a child that is experiencing pain in the bottom of the foot? Have you found a particular shoe style that has worked well in reducing or fully eliminating the pain? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them!
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Sorry, it’s me again commenting in your website. I just can’t get enough of your posts!
Just like you said many adult said “how lucky they would have been if their parents provided them with good supportive shoes while growing up!” So true, I am one of these people who wished to have better shoes while growing up. I had an issue about my child complaining about his feet hurting.
My child has been complaining about foot pain for a month now! I noticed how the shoes he was wearing were very soft. I ordered the New Balance pair you recommend with shoe laces, and he stopped complaining about the pain! I love it, I really appreciate your information and your passion for what you do.
I am glad the pain stopped. Keep an eye on him though, keep providing him with good, supportive shoes. Never underestimate the importance of well, fitting shoes. They make a huge difference!
This is a very informative article, I had no idea that when a child has foot pain at the bottom of their foot that it can be attributed to them being flat footed. I had no idea that a built-in arch support would fix the problem, this is good to know. So if a child is experiencing foot pain as a result of being flat footed and then they get a pair of well fitting shoes with arch support, how long will it take for the pain to go away?
You will first try a pair of good supportive shoes for your child. If the pain doesn’t go away in two weeks, you should consider buying a pair of orthotics to put in your child’s shoes.
In certain cases, all the child needs is a pair of good supportive shoes. If you want to learn about the best shoes for children with arch support, you can find the information here: The Best Shoes With Arch Support – Stop Leg And Foot Pain!
I have witnessed foot pain myself and I am amazed about what a difference a good fitting pair of supportive shoes can make.I always choose the New Balance brand for my kids since they have really wide feet. I know how a good pair of shoes will help with the foot pain! Do you have a list of the best shoes for kids’?
Savytek,
Yes, you will find a description of the best children’s shoes in terms of support and structure in this post: The Best Kids Sneakers – Learn About The Best Shoes For Children Ages 3 Through 10
Wearing the right type of shoe will keep our kids’ feet healthy and allow them to run around and play without feeling any foot or leg pain!
Hey!
You know since I was a child I have always complained about my feet hurting. Especially my right one more then the left foot. I have always ignored in and even as an adult never considered something could be wrong or it could be the shoes causing the problem. Honestly in the summer I am known to wear cheap flip flops with no arch. I can see I have a small arch in both feet but maybe It’s not a normal arch? I may have to google some images and compare my arch to normal arches. I’m a Hair stylist and need to find me some good shoes to stand in all day. What shoes would you recommend for standing? Maybe some that could work in the gym too?
Britni,
Maybe you have a low arch, and all you need is a pair of good supportive shoes. Even if you don’t have a low arch,If you are having foot or leg pin, that is not normal and you should find a solution to this problem. For someone like you that is on her feet all day, you must wear good supportive shoes. Did you get a chance to read my women/kids’ shoe size conversion post?
You will find a selection of some of the most supportive, durable shoes for kids’ that you might be able to wear. If you are a women shoe size 8 1/2 or less, you will be able to wear kids’ sneakers, which means you will pay half of the price you will pay for a women sneaker, and you will get the same support and structure out of the shoe. The post is called: Women And Kids Shoe Size Conversion Chart – Save Big Buying Kids Shoes!
I’m obviously not a child. But lately the bottom of my feet have been hurting every now and then. I work security and for my job, we walk about 5 miles during an 8 hour shift…and it’s all on hard concrete floors. I also play soccer 3 days a week and that can get rough since my cleats are old. I currently have Asics GT-1000 5. I’m thinking of getting gel insoles or maybe newer shoes..but i dont know what brand or type o should get. Which would you recommend
Nick,
The Asics that you are wearing now are great supportive shoes. If you are having foot or leg pain, I would recommend a type of inserts I wear which is great for someone who is on his feet most of the day like you. You can find them in this post: Insoles For Flat Feet- Say Goodbye To Foot Pain
Try them! You will love the results!
It’s interesting because I have read articles by other podiatrists about the benefits of minimalist foot wear for all types of foot pain. The premise being that if you provide external support in shoes, the muscles in the feet will atrophy and chronic problems will ensue. If a person goes barefoot or wears “barefoot” or minimalist shoes (no heel drop or toe rise, a wide toe box and flexible sole), their feet can develop strength throughout the feet and legs and prevent foot pain and injury. It makes sense to me, so how do you counter that logic?
Hello Carol,
Thank you for sharing. That statement makes sense to me as well, but I have seen several cases of children with foot and leg pain in which we were able to significantly reduce, and in most cases fully eliminate their pain by wearing supportive shoes. Minimalist shoes don’t help prevent or treat foot pain.
Let’s take a flat footed child as an example. Have you ever seen how the feet of a flat footed child look like? They either tend to collapse inwards or outwards. This affects the child’s overall posture, which usually leads to foot and leg pain. If that child is fitted in a pair of supportive shoes (and in some cases orthotics), you will notice how the child’s feet will look straighter, which will improve the child’s overall posture. I have written several articles about this. I have seen hundreds of children with foot conditions benefit from wearing supportive shoes, yet I have never seen a case where a child with foot issues benefited from wearing minimalist shoes.