Hiking Boots for Kids with Flat Feet – Supportive, Lightweight, Flexible, and Waterproof!
Have you already found a pair of supportive sneakers and now you are looking for a pair of supportive hiking boots for your child’s flat feet? Hiking boots won’t help correct your child’s flat feet, but certain boots are more lightweight and flexible than others to help prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired. Certain hiking boots also provide better support than others, and I will show you those supportive styles shortly.
Kids’ hiking boots don’t come labeled as “supportive” or with “extra arch support”, so the only way to tell whether they are supportive or not is by having fitted them before. I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes, and I am going to be able to help you find the perfect pair of boots for your child’s flat feet. The boots I recommend come with added support right below the arch and it extends through the heel, which helps absorb shock in the heel area as well.
Supportive Hiking Boots for Kids – Before and After Images
When children are flat-footed, their feet tend to collapse and turn inwards, which usually throws their bodies out of alignment and affects their posture. If you provide your child with the correct pair of shoes, you will prevent your child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards. Let me prove this to you.
Before Image: Child with Flat Feet Standing Barefoot
Let’s take a look at a picture of a flat-footed child. Do you notice how the feet collapse and turn inwards when standing barefoot?
After Image: Same Child Wearing Supportive Hiking Boots
Now let’s take a look at an image of the same child wearing a pair of the supportive hiking boots that I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are not collapsing and turning inwards anymore? The arch support of the boot helps prevent the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards.
Wow! What a difference the correct types of boots can make! This proves that something so simple just as providing your child with the correct pair of shoes can make a huge improvement on your child’s feet and overall posture.
What Makes the Hiking Boots I Recommend Effective for Kids with Flat Feet?
1️⃣ Substantial/Supportive Outsoles: As I mentioned before, this is one of the most important features that your kids’ hiking boots must provide if your child has flat feet. Let’s take a look at an example of a hiking boot that comes with a substantial outsole and arch support. Do you notice how the boot on the right provides a thicker and more supportive outsole compared to the boot on the left?
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This is the back part of the boots that provides good ankle and heel support. Take a look at the image below to visualize where the heel counter of the boot is located:
Always press on that part of your kids’ boots and make sure that it feels firm and sturdy. It’s also important for the boots to be well padded right below the heel area, that way they minimize the impact that your kids’ heels take when they come in contact with the ground.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: While the boots need to be supportive, they need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time. This will prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired. Your kids’ hiking boots need to bend at the ball of the foot but no further:
Best Hiking Boots for Kids with Flat Feet – Supportive, Lightweight, and Flexible
Take a look at the description below each boot to find out if it can accommodate your child’s foot shape (medium, wide, extra wide), and the size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room. 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.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Amazon
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sam II by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Atlas II by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Atlas II by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Rover by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Rover by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Heel and toe bumpers add durability
- Cushioned EVA midsole for all-day comfort
- Lining and removable insole made out of textile material
- Double velcro straps
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this boot the same size as your child’s current foot size as the boots fits long
- Order the shoe style Maddsen by Timberland on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Full-grain leather
- Lace-up vamp
- Padded puffy collar
- EVA foam footbed
- Waterproof
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- FLOATPRO FOAM footbed for enhanced cushioning
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab Speed by Merrell on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- M Select DRY bootie waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Maker by Deer Stags on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Gusseted tongue keeps the water out
- Padded insole
- Reinforced protected toe
- Double velcro straps
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style DynaSoft Trail Magic by New Balance on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added strength
- DynaSoft midsole adds plush cushioning and responsive performance underfoot
- The BOA® Fit System makes it easy to adjust the fit with a simple turn of a dial
- Removable, padded insole
- Bungee lace closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style DynaSoft Trail Magic by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added strength
- DynaSoft midsole adds plush cushioning and responsive performance underfoot
- The BOA® Fit System makes it easy to adjust the fit with a simple turn of a dial
- Removable, padded insole
- Bungee lace closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab by Merrell on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moab 2 by Merrell on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Howser II by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- KEEN.Warm® insulation rating of -4ºF/-20ºC
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Lace-up system with toggle closure offer a secure fit
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Maddsen by Timberland on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof to keep your child’s feet dry
- Traditional lace closure
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chameleon7 by Merrell on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- M Select Dry waterproof construction for keeping toes dry
- Traditional lace closure
- Good traction
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
In certain cases, when a child has strong pronation, you might have to provide that child with a supportive insole or orthotic inside the boots.
Should I Provide My Child with a Pair of Orthotics Inside These Boots?
If after trying any of the boots I recommend your child is still complaining about foot or leg pain, I suggest that you fit an orthotic inside the boots for extra support. You can find another article on orthotics, which are capable of fitting inside the boots I recommended.
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 boots or shoes for your child’s flat feet so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
Additional Feature: Waterproof
The hiking boots that I recommend are also waterproof, which means that you won’t have to worry when your child jumps or passes through a puddle. If the boot doesn’t have a label that reads waterproof, then it’s because it isn’t.
Does Your Child Also Need a Pair of Supportive Sneakers?
If you are unsure whether your child’s current sneakers provide the correct amount of support I suggest that you take a look at a different resource I created on other footwear options for flat feet.
If You Chose a Hiking Boot with Laces Apply this Shoe Lacing Technique
There is a particular shoe-tying technique method that I use that works really well, especially for children who need extra support and stability from their shoes. I also use this method when children wear orthotics inside their shoes since it helps to keep the orthotics in place and prevents the heel from slipping off the shoes.
1️⃣ Start by lacing up your kids’ hiking boots as you would normally do but leave the first top two holes (eyelets) of the shoes unlaced.
2️⃣ Loop the lace through the top hole first as shown in the image below.
3️⃣ Loop the lace through the hole that we left open and make sure you tie them properly.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online? – Let’s Find Out!
Hiking boots that are too short or too narrow can make your kids’ toes rub against one another or the front or side of the shoes. On the other hand, hiking boots that are too long or too wide allow for too much foot movement inside the boots, and that constant rubbing and friction between your kids’ feet and the boots can lead to blisters, calluses, and corns.
Our longtime readers know I always recommend parents take their children to be properly fitted for shoes at their U.S. local shoe store, where a shoe fitter can properly measure their feet and find shoes accordingly. However, an ongoing issue is that most specialized children’s shoe stores have been closing down, and parents need to either buy their kids’ shoes online or have them fitted at big retailers. If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a shoe store in your area, then use this virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Hiking Socks for Kids – Comfortable and Breathable
Hiking socks play a key role in keeping your child’s feet healthy and comfortable. While I can’t get into too much detail about the best hiking socks for kids, you can read another article where I describe them in detail.
If you have found a particular hiking boot that has worked well for your flat-footed child, please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
