How to Know if Your Child Has Overpronation or Underpronation? – Let’s Find Out!

May 23, 2025 Overpronation Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Has your child been complaining about foot or leg pain, or have you noticed unusual walking or running patterns—only to have your concerns dismissed? As an experienced children’s shoe fitter, I’ve seen how the right shoes can make a life-changing difference. Addressing foot issues like overpronation and underpronation early—especially during the first seven years, the “golden window” for treatment—can help prevent long-term problems. I specialize in identifying these conditions and can guide you in finding the best footwear for your child’s specific needs.

What Is the Difference Between Overpronation and Underpronation?

When children overpronate or underpronate, their feet roll too far inward or outward, causing uneven pressure and strain. This imbalance can lead to poor posture, foot, leg, and lower back pain, while also forcing muscles and joints—especially in the knees and hips—to work harder, increasing the risk of injury.

The key difference between overpronation and underpronation lies in the way the feet strike the ground.

Signs of Overpronation

Overpronation occurs when a child’s foot rolls inward excessively as they walk or run. This inward rolling can affect the alignment of the entire leg, leading to strain on muscles and joints that can result in discomfort and potential injuries. Overpronation is commonly associated with flat feet, where the arch of the foot is lower than usual, causing the foot to lack the necessary support.

An image of a child with flat feet and overpronation.
child-with-flat-feet-and-overpronation
A child walking to school, with feet noticeably rolling inward—showing clear signs of overpronation that can impact posture and stride.

You can also examine your child’s shoes for wear patterns. These can provide clues about their pronation type. Shoes that show uneven wear patterns can be a clear indicator of how your child’s foot strikes the ground.

Another easy way to spot overpronation in your child is by checking the soles of their shoes. If you notice excessive wear on the inner edge—especially near the ball of the foot and big toe—it’s a strong sign your child may be overpronating.

How to Treat and Prevent Overpronation with Supportive Shoes

Children who overpronate need supportive, structured shoes with good support and firm heel counters. Motion control shoes are ideal, as they help correct alignment and improve posture. The right footwear can make a big difference—just take a look at these before and after images.

Before and after image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot and wearing a pair of supportive New Balance shoes.
Side-by-side image of a toddler with flat feet and noticeable overpronation—first standing barefoot with feet rolling inward, then wearing supportive New Balance shoes showing significantly straighter alignment and improved posture.
Before and after images of a child with flat feet wearing unsupportive shoes and then wearing a pair of supportive shoes.
A powerful side-by-side comparison showing a child with flat feet: first wearing unsupportive shoes that offer little help, then standing in supportive shoes that provide proper alignment and stability.

Giving your child the right pair of shoes is the easiest and most effective way to treat and prevent overpronation. Start with supportive shoes designed to correct their gait, and you’ll likely see improvement—I’ve seen posture and walking get better in 70% of cases just by making this change! Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Kids with Overpronation for Better Posture and Balance

Here are some of my top shoe recommendations for 2025:

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best shoes for kids with overpronation. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Removable insoles
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These orthopedic shoes for overpronation are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing pronation.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • Accommodates medium and wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • High-top design with stiff heel counters
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These high-top supportive shoes for overpronation offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 100% leather construction
  • High-top design provides extra ankle support
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for overpronation combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with flat feet and overpronation.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony

These Saucony shoes for overpronation are ideal for kids with flat feet, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Also available with laces on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters and stable base of support
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These versatile New Balance shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Semi-firm heel counters
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. 002/1906 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for overpronation and pronated feet are another great option for flat-footed children at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

These Adidas basketball shoes for overpronation offer great support for flat-footed kids. The versatility of these shoes make them suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • 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 whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

9. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These are the best running shoes for overpronation and narrow feet, ideal for kids who require extra stability and support.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates narrow or medium feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Signs of Underpronation

Underpronation, or supination, is less common but can cause big problems. Kids with high, rigid arches often land on the outer edge of their feet, putting extra pressure on the pinky toe side. This uneven weight distribution makes them more prone to ankle sprains and injuries—sometimes sidelining active kids for weeks.

A child with high arches and underpronation, where the heel lands outward, putting weight on the foot’s outer edge.
What does an uneven wear pattern in kids' shoes mean?
A quick way to spot underpronation is by checking your child’s shoe wear. If the outer edges of the soles show the most wear, it’s a strong sign your child’s feet are rolling outward—classic underpronation in action!

How to Treat and Prevent Underpronation with Supportive Shoes

Supportive shoes with cushioning and flexibility can help absorb shock and accommodate high arches. Cushioning is crucial for supinators as it helps distribute impact forces more evenly across the foot, providing added comfort and protection during activities.

Child with high arches is putting extra pressure on the outer part of his feet.
Before image of an older child with high arches and visible signs of underpronation, standing barefoot with weight shifted to the outer edges of the feet.
Child with high arches wears supportive shoes to help improve his foot posture.
After image of the same child wearing supportive Asics shoes, showing improved foot alignment and better weight distribution.

Best Shoes for Children Who Underpronate – Prevent Injuries and Pain

Children who underpronate need a lot of cushioning to avoid impact injuries. Shoes with cushioned and flexible soles are the most recommended ones to help treat and prevent underpronation.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best New Balance shoes for underpronation as the robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Removable insoles
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony

These Saucony shoes for overpronation are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.

Saucony orange running shoes for kids.
Saucony teal running shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
  • 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

3. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics

These narrow Asics shoes for supination offer a snug fit with a focus on cushioning, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for girls.
Asics kids Cumulus supportive running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Engineered mesh upper: Improves breathability
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe Style Gel-Excite by Asics

These running shoes for underpronation offer excellent cushioning and support.

Supportive Asics Gel-Excite running shoe for girls.
Supportive Asics Gel-Excite running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Gel-Excite by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow feet
  • GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. 002/1906 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for supination are another great option for children with high arches at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

These Adidas basketball shoes for underpronation offer great support for kids with high arches. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • 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 whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These Asics running shoes for supination are a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates narrow or medium feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

Finding the perfect shoe size is more than just comfort—it’s about giving your child the support and stability their growing feet need. Shoes that are too tight limit movement, while loose shoes offer little support and can worsen foot alignment problems. That’s why I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you accurately measure your child’s foot shape and pronation level—right from home!

Should I Provide My Child with a Pair of Orthotics?

If shoes alone aren’t improving foot posture or reducing pain, consider orthotics. Over-the-counter orthotics can provide additional support for both conditions and are often a cost-effective first step in managing foot issues.

  • Orthotics for Overpronation: These typically feature increased arch support to prevent the foot from rolling inward. Custom orthotics can be tailored to your child’s specific needs, offering more precise correction and comfort.
  • Orthotics for Supination: Designed to enhance cushioning and support high arches. These orthotics help balance the foot’s structure, distributing weight more evenly and reducing the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries.
Child with flat feet standing on a pair of supportive orthotics to hep improve his foot posture.
An image of a child standing confidently on one of the recommended orthotics, showing clear signs of improved foot alignment.

Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Finding the right shoes for your child can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with foot conditions. That’s why personalized shoe recommendations are essential. By considering your child’s foot shape and degree of condition, I can guide you to the best options available, ensuring that they receive the support they need for healthy development. You can either contact me via email or through the comments section below.

The Importance of Being Proactive

Parents should take a proactive approach when it comes to their children’s foot health—don’t rely on the “wait and see” method. Ignoring foot issues can allow them to worsen over time, potentially leading to pain or long-term complications. If you’re visiting a physical or occupational therapist for an evaluation, bring a worn pair of your child’s shoes. The wear pattern can offer valuable insight into how their feet are functioning.