High Top Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics: Extra Depth and Extra Ankle Support
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Has your child been prescribed orthotics, and has your medical professional recommended high-top shoes? Finding the right pair of high-tops that fit orthotics properly can be challenging, especially when it comes to width and depth. High-tops are ideal for providing extra ankle and heel support, which is essential for children who rely on orthotics. Having worked in a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade, I’ve helped countless families find the right shoes for their children, and I’m confident I can help yours too.
Are All High-Top Shoes Suitable for Orthotics?
Finding the right pair of high-tops is more than just grabbing a random pair off the shelf. Not all high-tops offer the same level of support, and it’s crucial that the shoe matches your child’s specific foot shape — whether narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, or with a high instep. The right fit ensures proper alignment and comfort, which directly affects how well the orthotic can do its job.
High-Top Shoes vs. Sneakers: Which Is Better?
The assumption that high-tops are inherently more supportive than sneakers isn’t always accurate. The level of support a shoe provides depends on several factors — the heel counter, the sole, and overall construction — not just how high it sits on the ankle. While high-tops offer added ankle coverage, that alone doesn’t guarantee superior overall foot support.
Why the High-Top Shoes I Recommend Work for Orthotics
Many of the high-tops I recommend come in wide widths (W) to accommodate the extra space orthotics need. Even if your child has medium-width feet, you’ll likely still need to go up a width to leave enough room for the orthotic without squeezing.
1. A stable base of support — helps keep the orthotic securely in place and provides the stability needed for healthy foot development.
2. Extra depth — lets the orthotic be inserted without discomfort or altering the fit of the shoe.
3. A strong heel counter — the structured part of the shoe wrapping around the back of the heel. A firm heel counter provides essential support and helps maintain proper alignment. Always press on the heel counter of your child’s shoes to confirm it feels firm, not soft.
4. Removable insoles — pulling the original insole creates the extra room needed to comfortably fit the orthotic while keeping a snug, secure overall fit.
While high-tops often provide better ankle coverage, the heel counter is the real deciding factor for stability — whether the shoe is a high-top or a sneaker.
Best High-Top Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics
Each one delivers the three things that actually matter here: real extra depth, a firm heel counter, and true wide-to-extra-wide sizing, so the orthotic sits properly instead of fighting the shoe for room. Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
Elliott by Stride Rite
These toddler high-top shoes by Stride Rite offer excellent support and provide extra depth to accommodate orthotics.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Works well with: 3/4-length orthotics
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- 100% leather construction
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the orthotic
Own the Game 3.0 by Adidas
A lightweight basketball shoe with solid cushioning and ankle support for young players. The hook-and-loop closure makes it a good Velcro option for kids who need to accommodate an orthotic without laces.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Works well with 3/4-length or full-length orthotics
- Ideal for mild cases of pronation
- Mesh upper for breathability and light weight
- Hook-and-loop top strap provides a secure fit
- Super-light cushioning for a great step-in feel
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the orthotic
P350 by New Balance
A roomy, cushioned basketball shoe that holds up well during active play, with enough depth and width to work comfortably alongside an orthotic.
Key Features
- Order on the New Balance website
- Not available in wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Lace-up closure
- Works well with 3/4-length or full-length orthotics
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the orthotic
Cross Em Up by Adidas
A high-top with a strong, supportive sole — built to give kids who wear orthotics the structure they need, not just extra height around the ankle.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Works well with 3/4-length or full-length orthotics
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the orthotic
AND1 Basketball Shoes Kids
A roomy, comfortable fit with ample space to accommodate an orthotic without feeling tight or restrictive.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Works well with 3/4-length or full-length orthotics
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- The full-length rubber outsole and multi-directional herringbone tread maximize skid resistance
- Lace closure offers a secure fit
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the orthotic
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
When I ask parents about their child’s foot shape, the most common answers are “I think my child has wide feet” or “I believe their feet are regular.” The truth is, most parents aren’t entirely sure — some assume wide when it’s actually extra wide, and others assume regular when it’s actually narrow.
Knowing your child’s exact foot shape is key to choosing the right shoe and getting the support they need. My virtual shoe fitting guide can help you find the perfect pair of high-tops for orthotics.
Can Converse High-Tops Fit My Child’s Orthotics?
I’d strongly recommend against fitting your child’s orthotics inside a pair of Converse. These are fashion-oriented shoes that provide essentially no structural support.
The heel counter in Converse shoes tends to be soft, which doesn’t provide the stability needed for proper foot alignment. The depth also typically isn’t sufficient to comfortably accommodate an orthotic.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you have questions or need help finding the right high-top for your child, reach out — I’m happy to provide recommendations tailored to your child’s specific foot shape and condition.
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless families struggling to find shoes that work with their children’s orthotics. No two children are the same, and each requires a tailored approach. Through continuous education and collaboration with healthcare professionals, I’ve learned how much the right shoes can improve a child’s day-to-day quality of life.
