Is Your Toddler Complaining About Foot Pain? – The Proven Method to Reduce or Fully Eliminate your Toddler’s Foot Pain!

April 23, 2025 Common Foot Problems Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your toddler complaining about foot pain? It’s natural to feel concerned—foot pain in toddlers can signal issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Foot pain in toddlers can stem from a variety of causes, including poorly fitted shoes, lack of support, or more serious foot conditions like flat feet. The good news? The right pair of shoes can make a world of difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best toddler shoes for foot pain—featuring supportive everyday sneakers and orthopedic-friendly options designed to ease discomfort and promote healthy foot development.

Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes

Before and after images can be powerful in demonstrating the difference supportive shoes can make. Below is an example of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot versus wearing supportive shoes. The noticeable change in posture and comfort level highlights the importance of proper footwear.

toddler-with-flat-feet
Before image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot.
toddler-wearing-supportive-shoes
After image of the same toddler wearing supportive shoes.

Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Toddlers

When parents bring their children with foot conditions to the store complaining about foot pain the first step I take is to start by checking the shoes that they are wearing. Let me show you another example of why shoes can be a contributing cause of your toddler’s foot pain.

Feature One: Firm Heel Counter. A firm heel counter provides stability and helps prevent the foot from rolling inward, which is essential for toddlers with flat feet or those prone to overpronation. This feature also helps maintain proper alignment of the heel and arch, reducing the risk of pain and injury.

New Balance shoe with a firm heel counter for kids with heel pain vs a Nike shoe with a soft heel counter.
Always check the heel! Before buying toddler shoes, press on the heel counter to ensure it’s firm—it’s a key feature for proper support and stability.

Feature Two: Stable Base of Support. A stable base ensures that your toddler has a solid foundation when walking or running. This reduces the risk of falls and helps distribute weight evenly across the foot. A wide and stable base can also aid in developing balance and coordination, crucial skills for active toddlers.

Supportive New Balance shoe for kids with flat feet vs a pair of Saucony shoe that doesn't provide a stable base of support.
Side-by-side comparison showing the superior support of a New Balance shoe versus a less supportive Saucony style.

Feature Three: Supportive but Lightweight and Flexible. Shoes should be supportive yet flexible enough to allow natural foot movement. Lightweight materials can prevent fatigue and make walking more comfortable for your toddler. Flexibility in the sole allows the foot to move naturally, which is important for developing muscles and tendons.

New Balance kids' shoe with the correct amount of flexibility vs Nike kids' shoe that is too flexible and unsupportive.
Proper shoe flexibility: Your toddler’s shoes should bend at the toes—nowhere else—for healthy foot movement and support.

The Importance of Wearing the Correct Size Shoes

Wearing the wrong shoe size is a common cause of foot pain in toddlers. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot problems. To get the right fit, it’s essential to know your child’s exact foot shape—whether it’s narrow, wide, extra wide, or has a high instep. A high instep, which is the raised top part of the foot, requires deeper shoes to prevent uncomfortable rubbing. That’s why I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you find your toddler’s perfect size and fit from the comfort of your home.

Now that you know what features the shoes must provide and how to make sure that your toddler is wearing the correct shoe size, let’s take a look at a selection of the best toddler shoes to prevent and treat their foot pain. 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.

Most Supportive Shoes for Toddlers with Foot Pain 

After years of hands-on shoe fitting, I’ve rounded up the best toddler shoe picks for 2025. These styles are not only supportive and comfortable—they also come in multiple widths (medium, wide, and extra wide) to adapt to your toddler’s unique foot shape.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These New Balance supportive shoes for toddlers with foot pain provide robust outsoles that help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These Memo orthopedic shoes for foot pain 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 flat feet.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

Key Features

  • You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for toddlers with foot pain.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • 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 getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for toddlers with foot pain combine style with functionality. The shoes offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for toddlers with foot pain.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland

The sturdy design of these high top sneakers ensure that toddlers can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Water-friendly
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These versatile New Balance shoes for toddlers with foot pain provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your toddler’s feet.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

Key Features:

  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.

7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for toddlers with foot pain at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

If you have any questions or need personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your toddler’s unique foot shape, feel free to contact me via email or through the comments section below. 

Orthotics for Toddlers with Foot Pain for Additional Support

Sometimes, even the right pair of shoes isn’t enough to fully relieve your toddler’s foot pain. In these cases, adding a pair of orthotics can make a big difference by providing the extra support their growing feet need.

Orthotics can be a game-changer for toddlers experiencing foot pain—especially those with flat feet or overpronation. Footlogics orthotics are specifically designed for kids, offering comfortable arch support that fits easily into most children’s shoes. They’re ideal for toddlers who need more stability than regular shoes can provide. What sets Footlogics apart is that they deliver excellent support without being overly restrictive, allowing your toddler’s foot muscles to develop naturally while relieving pain.

3/4 Length Footlogics Orthotic Inserts for Toddlers

Footlogics orthotic inserts for toddlers with flat feet.
  • Order the 3/4 length Footlogics orthotic inserts for toddlers on Amazon
  • Fits toddler shoe size 5 through little kid shoe size 13
  • 3/4 length makes it ideal to fit in most shoes
  • If needed, you can easily trim them to the perfect size with a pair of scissors for a custom fit
  • It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this orthotic

Full-Length Footlogics Orthotic Inserts for Toddlers

Footlogics orthotic inserts for kids with flat feet.
  • Order the Footlogics full-length orthotic inserts on Amazon
  • Fits toddler shoe size 5 up to big kid shoe size 3
  • If needed, you can easily trim them to the perfect size with a pair of scissors for a custom fit
  • You must remove the original insoles from your child’s shoes before placing the orthotic inside

For orthotics to work effectively, they need to be paired with extra-deep shoes. The good news? All the shoes I recommended above offer the depth and support your toddler needs. Deeper shoes help keep the orthotics securely in place without lifting your child’s feet uncomfortably, which can otherwise make it feel like their feet are slipping out.

See the difference deeper shoes make? In the right image, the orthotic sits securely inside the shoe—unlike the left, where it sticks out due to lack of depth.

Don’t dismiss your toddler’s foot or leg pain as just “growing pains.” Be proactive—ignoring it can lead to worsening issues. Early action makes all the difference in preventing long-term problems.

While many cases of foot pain can be resolved with proper footwear and care, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. This is especially important if the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or if your toddler is limping. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection or a fracture.