High Instep VS High Arch – The Best Kids’ Shoes for Either of These Conditions!
Most parents get confused about what is the difference between having a high arch versus having a high instep. While most children with high arches tend to have a high instep, children with high insteps don’t necessarily need to have a high arch. In fact, I have seen flat-footed children with high insteps. It’s important to understand the difference between having high insteps versus having high arches to figure out what shoes will work best for your child’s feet.
The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it really complicated to find shoes that fit. Children with high arches or high insteps tend to have the hardest time finding shoes, and they are usually very limited in the type of footwear they can wear.
How to Figure Out If Your Child Has a High Instep or a High Arch?
High Arch Example
Let me show you the difference between a high arch and a regular arch. The image on the left shows a child’s foot with a high arch.
High Instep Example
Let me show you the difference between a high instep and a regular instep. The image on the left shows a child’s foot with a high instep:
I have seen several children with normal arches that have high insteps, and I have also even seen flat-footed children with high insteps. This is why you need to be able to tell the difference between having a high arch and having a high instep.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a High Instep?
➡️ If you notice that your children always have imprints on the top part of their feet when you remove their shoes, that’s the first sign that your child might have a high instep.
➡️ If you always have a hard time getting your children’s shoes on, that is the second sign that your child might have a high instep.
Remember that the instep is the top part of the foot. Take a look at the image below for clarification purposes:
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a High Arch?
➡️ If you notice that your child’s feet body weight falls on the outside of the feet (when standing), this might be a sign that your child has high arches.
➡️ If you always have a hard time getting your children’s shoes on, that is the second sign that your child might have a high arch.
High Instep or High Arch? – Find Out Now!
While there is no specific test for how to tell if your child has high arches or high insteps, you can often figure it out by looking at the foot shape. However, there are some specific patterns of a foot with a high arch and a high instep.
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help determine whether your child has a high instep or a high arch. By following the instructions in that article I will also be able to tell you your child’s foot length and exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).
Why it’s Important to Tell the Difference Between High Arches and High Insteps?
Children with high arches are more likely to develop foot and leg pain since their feet are not able to absorb shock, especially if they are involved in sports or high-impact activities. I usually recommend shoes that provide a substantial outsole (extra cushion), to compensate for their lack of natural shock absorption. Having high arches can make your child more susceptible to developing certain foot conditions such as heel pain, ball of the foot pain, or plantar fasciitis.
What Shoes Should Kids with High Insteps or High Arches Wear?
There is one common feature that your kids’ shoes must provide to accommodate the shape of a high arch or a high instep. Most parents make the common mistake of providing their children with longer and wider shoes to accommodate their child’s high instep or high arch, when in reality they should be looking for shoes with extra depth.
Shoes that provide extra depth are extremely effective in accommodating the shape of a child with a high instep or a high arch. They allow the feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part of the feet (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
Let me show you what I mean by shoes that provide extra depth. Let’s compare a pair of shoes that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoes for children with high arches and/or high insteps. 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.
Best Shoes for High Arches and High Insteps – Supportive and Deep
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style TR14 LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Kinvara 14 by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
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.
Have you found a particular shoe brand or shoe style that has worked well for your child with high insteps or high arches? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
Thank-you so much for this information!
I am happy to help.
I grew up with both a high instep and a high arch long before those terms were anywhere near commonplace. It made shoes a pain. My parents bought longer and wider shoes, as you said, to accommodate. It did me no favors, though the balme is not theirs.
The first time I heard the word “instep” was during my undergrad years. A simple definition and I could tell mine was high.
After much weight loss I did go from wide width to medium, but my instep and arch didn’t change. The arch was obviously high by sight though, without the extra fat.
I leave those foot prints like out of bad pictures that only show heel, ball and toes. I now suffer from stress fractures of the third and fourth metatarsals and a lot of foot pain because of these issues.
I do not know if my years of inappropriate footwear added to that or not, but am thankful that both as an adult and as the years progress I have many more options.
I spent many years in heels or sandals that covered only my toes and heels, leaving my instep and arch exposed as a way of dealing. (I hated the winter as a result.) That did no favours either.
I now have an array of shoes, trainers included, but I will be honest, my arch/instep in high enough that after a number of hours even these high priced trainers have to come off for me to find imprints on the top of my foot. Seems I will be forever looking.
Hello Laura,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I am sorry to hear that you have not been able to find a single pair of sneakers/trainers that work well for your foot shape. Are you writing from the UK? I can try to help you look for the correct types of shoes for your feet, I just need to know the country that you are contacting me from to check what shoes you might be able to try.
Hello! My daughter is 9 and has high arches. She is also a toe walker.
She has been having problems with constant pain in her feet and legs due to those issues. We are working with doctors of course, but I am also wanting to find some better supportive shoes for her as well. At the end of the day she is often limping or trying to walk on the outside of her feet because they hurt so bad.
What info do you need from me to get accurate information?
Hello Sarah,
In order for me to recommend specific shoes for your daughter I first need to know whether her feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide. If you are unsure of your daughter’s exact foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Have you been told by your medical professionals whether your daughter’s toe walking is due to a neurological or neuromuscular condition?
I also need to know from which country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
Our one year old grandson has just begun to walk. No baby shoes seem to fit him. His instep is about 13/4 ” and length 5 inches. Where can I find soft shoes that would fit him?
Hello Karen,
If you need to retrieve your grandson’s exact foot length and shape you need to follow the instructions here:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
As far as soft shoes are concerned, is your grandson learning how to walk or already walking confidently?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others. My daughter is nearly impossible to fit for supportive, comfortable and non-sneaker shoes. Do you have a recommendation for a shoe that would work for dressier or a work environment? High instep, size 2.5-3.
Thank you.
Hello June,
I am happy to provide you with specific shoe recommendations but first I need to know whether your daughter’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.