How to Know if Your Child Has Overpronation or Underpronation? – Let’s Find Out!
Does your child complain about foot or leg pain or have you noticed your child walking or running differently lately but your medical professional dismissed your concerns? I work for a specialized children’s shoe store where we help families of children with foot problems find the correct pair of shoes for their feet. We diagnose children with foot problems on a daily basis, so I will be able to help you determine whether your child has overpronation or underpronation.
The Complications of Having Overpronation or Underpronation
When children have overpronation or underpronation, their feet tend to roll inwards or outwards, which leads them to put pressure on parts of their feet that they are not supposed to. This usually leads to poor posture habits, as well as foot, leg and lower back pain. In addition, when children overpronate or underponate, the muscles and joints in their feet need to work harder to try to correct that imbalance. This often leads to issues in other parts of their body such as the knees and hip.
The Importance of Being Proactive
Parents should be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their children’s foot conditions. Leaving your children’s foot conditions untreated can only lead to the condition getting worse.
What Is the Difference Between Overpronation and Underpronation?
Let’s put it this way, the way that your child’s feet strike the ground has a significant effect on their body. Children with flat feet that overpronate or underpronate are more prone to developing foot and leg pain, as well as foot injuries than children with normal pronation.
The main difference between overpronation and underpronation is how the feet come in contact with the ground.
➡️ The feet of a child with overpronation roll inwards excessively and is going to affect mostly the ankle and knees, and with less impact, the hips and lower back.
➡️ The heel of a child with underpronation usually lands outwards, which puts more weight on the outer edge of the foot (pinky toe-side).
How to Identify if Your Child Has Overpronation
Overpronation occurs when your child’s feet roll inwards excessively as they walk or run. You will notice how your kids’ feet strike at the outside of the heel first. With this condition, the arches collapse and the heels lean inwards.
Children who suffer offer from overpronation usually have flat feet. However, I want to clarify that having flat feet doesn’t automatically mean that your child has overpronation. Some children might have flat feet but have really strong arch muscles and that won’t be dysfunctional, the problem occurs when the arch muscles don’t actually work.
When children overpronate and their arch and ankles collapse inwards, their knees will fall that pattern, and all of a sudden your kids are putting a lot of pressure on one spot. This might lead to overuse injuries in those areas until you figure out what type of shoe you need to provide for your child.
Images of Children With Overpronation
I get contacted by parents from all over the world with children who are dealing with overpronation. So let’s take a look at a couple of images that will help us identify whether your child has overpronation or not:
The image below shows how the feet of a child with overpronation impact the ground when walking. Do you notice how the child’s feet are striking at the outside of the heel first?
Another way to tell if your child is overpronating is to check the bottom of the shoes that they have been wearing for signs of abnormal wear and tear. If most of the wear is on the inside sole near the ball of the foot and near the big toe, there is a good chance that your child overpronates. Below you can find a picture for clarification purposes:
Children who overpronate are at high risk of developing the following foot conditions:
- Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis
- Bunions
- Lower Back Pain
- Shin Splints
How to Treat and Prevent Overpronation? – The Most Effective Way!
Children who overpronate need supportive and structured cushioning shoes. Motion control shoes with arch support and a firm heel counter are the most recommended ones to help treat and prevent overpronation.
If you provide your child with the correct pair of shoes you will be able to prevent overpronation and improve your child’s overall posture. Don’t just take my word for it, let me prove it to you.
Remember the images that we saw at the beginning of the article of children with overpronation? Let’s take a look at them one more and see what a difference a shoe can make!
First Example:
Second Example:
Providing your child with the correct pair of shoes is the most effective way to help treat and prevent overpronation or underpronation. Always start by trying a pair of good supportive shoes and observe if the condition gets better. I can tell you that 70% of the time the child’s walking gait and posture improved by wearing the correct pair of shoes. 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 Children with Overpronation – Improve Your Child’s Foot Posture and Prevent Pain
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bootie by Timberland on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- 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 shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style New Balance Fresh Foam 650 on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered 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 Ankle Support by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Own the Game 2.0 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Oder the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- 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 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- 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 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Identify if Your Child Has Underpronation
Underpronation is also referred to as supination and is not nearly as common as overpronation. Children with underpronation tend to have high arches that have very little flexibility when standing. The heel of a child with underpronation usually lands outwards, which puts more weight on the outer edge of the foot (pinky toe-side). Underpronation is the number one cause of ankle injuries and sprains, which can keep your kids from physical activities for weeks.
Below you can find an image of a child with supination. Do you notice how the child has a very high arch and the feet are turning outwards?
Another way to tell if your child is underpronating is to check the wear pattern of the shoes that they have been wearing for signs of abnormal wear and tear. If most of the wear is on the outside/later portion of the shoe, there is a good chance that your child underpronates.
Causes of Supination:
- Weak ankle muscles
- Loose ligaments
- Limb length discrepancy
- Previous ankle injuries
- High arches
- Pigeon toes
Moreover, children who underpronate are at high risk of developing the following foot conditions:
- Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Ankle Sprains
- Stress Fractures in the foot and lower leg
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.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort
- GEL Technology – Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort
- GEL Technology – Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Contend 8 PS by Asics on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 11 PS by Asics on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order th shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- 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 1080v13 on the New Balance website
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- 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 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Should I Provide My Child with a Pair of Orthotics?
If after trying one of the shoes that I recommend you don’t notice an improvement in your child’s walking gait, then your child might be a candidate for orthotics, it is worth mentioning that there are also orthotics for supination.
Contact Me for a Personalized Suggestion
If you are unsure about which specific shoe you should buy for your child’s foot condition do not hesitate to send me an email and I will provide you with specific shoe recommendations:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If you are going to take your child to your physical or occupational therapist to figure out what type of foot condition your child has, I recommend that you bring an old pair of shoes to check the wear pattern.
