High Top Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics – Extra Depth and Extra Ankle Support!
Has your child been prescribed orthotics and your medical professional recommended high-top shoes? Finding the right pair of high-top shoes that fit orthotics properly can be challenging, especially when it comes to width and depth. High-top shoes 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 have had the privilege of helping countless families find the right shoes for their children, and I am confident I will be able to help your child as well.
Are All High-Top Shoes Suitable for Orthotics?
Finding the right pair of high-top shoes for your child’s orthotics 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 shoes match your child’s specific foot shape—whether narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, or with a high instep. The perfect fit ensures proper alignment and comfort, making all the difference in how well the orthotics work to support your child’s feet.
High-Top Shoes vs. Sneakers: Which is Better?
The assumption that high-top shoes are inherently more supportive than sneakers is not always accurate. The level of support provided by a shoe depends on several factors, including the heel counter, sole, and overall construction. While high-tops provide added ankle support, this alone does not guarantee superior overall foot support.
Why the High-Top Shoes I Recommend Work for Orthotics
Many high-top shoes I recommend come in wide widths (W) to accommodate the extra space needed for orthotics. Even if your child has medium-width feet, you’ll likely need to go up a size in width to ensure there’s enough room for the orthotic to fit comfortably without squeezing.
1. Stable Base of Support: The high-top shoes I recommend offer a sturdy base of support, ensuring your child’s orthotic stays securely in place and provides the stability they need for healthy foot development.
2. Extra Depth: One of the most important features of high-top shoes for orthotics is extra depth. This ensures that orthotic devices can be easily inserted without causing discomfort or altering the fit of the shoe
3. Strong Heel Counter: The heel counter is the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of the heel. A strong heel counter provides essential support and stability, helping to maintain proper foot alignment and prevent excessive movement.
4. Removable Insoles: By simply removing the original insoles, you create extra room to comfortably fit the orthotics, ensuring that your child’s feet are properly supported while maintaining a snug, secure fit
While high-tops often provide better ankle support, the key factor is the heel counter. A strong heel counter is vital for stability and support, regardless of whether the shoe is a high-top or a sneaker. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase.
Best High-Top Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics
Finding the right high-top shoes for kids who wear orthotics is essential. Based on my experience, here are my top recommendations for 2025.
1. Shoe Style 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
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Hoops Mid 3.0 AC by Adidas
These stylish and supportive high-top sneakers for kids are designed to provide extra stability. The cushioned midsole and excellent ankle support makes it ideal for toddlers with foot conditions.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. TWO WXY v5 by New Balance
These high-top shoes for kids made by New Balance are a top choice for kids who wear orthotics. With their roomy fit and advanced cushioning, these basketball shoes ensure maximum comfort and support during high-intensity play.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Coco Unity by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
With a high-top design and strong sole, this shoe provides the necessary support for children who wear orthotics.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. AND1 Basketball Shoes Kids
These high-top sneakers for kids are designed with a roomy, comfortable fit that offers ample space to accommodate orthotics.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style AND1 on Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- The full-length rubber outsole and multi-directional herringbone tread maximize skid resistance
- Lace closure offers a secure fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas (Laces)
These Adidas supportive high-top shoes provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters to help improve posture and gait.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos and Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
When I ask parents about their child’s foot shape, the most common responses are, “I think my child has wide feet,” or “I believe their feet are regular.” The reality is, most parents aren’t entirely sure about their child’s exact foot shape. Some may think their child has wide feet, only to find out they actually have extra-wide feet, while others assume their child has regular feet, when in fact, they might have narrow feet.
Understanding your child’s exact foot shape is key to choosing the right shoes and ensuring they get the support they need! As a passionate shoe fitter, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that can help you find the perfect pair of high-top shoes for orthotics.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you have questions or need assistance finding the right high-top shoes for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help you with specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and condition.
Can Converse High-Tops Fit My Child’s Orthotics?
I strongly don’t recommend that you fit your child’s orthotics inside a pair of Converse shoes for the simple fact that Converse shoes are fashion oriented shoes that provide no support whatsoever.
The heel counter in Converse shoes tends to be softer, which may not provide the stability required for proper foot alignment. Additionally, the depth of Converse shoes might not be sufficient to accommodate orthotics comfortably.
Over the years, I’ve encountered countless families who were struggling to find shoes that worked with their children’s orthotics. I’ve learned that no two children are the same, and each requires a tailored approach to shoe fitting. Through continuous education and collaboration with healthcare professionals, I’ve honed my skills in recognizing the nuances of different orthotic devices and how they interact with footwear. This experience has taught me that the right shoes can significantly enhance a child’s quality of life.
