Kids’ Shoes for Chipmunk Orthotics: Extra Deep and Supportive
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Is your child struggling with flat feet, low muscle tone, or weak ankles, and has your medical professional recommended Chipmunk orthotics? When using Chipmunk orthotics, selecting the right footwear is just as important as the orthotic itself. The shoe needs to fit comfortably and support the orthotic without compromising stability or comfort — an ill-fitting shoe can keep the orthotic from doing its job properly, which can cause more problems down the road. Here’s what actually matters, and my top picks.
What Makes a Shoe Actually Work With Chipmunk Orthotics?
1. Depth and roominess. Extra depth is essential for comfortably fitting the orthotic without crowding the foot. This added space improves comfort and prevents the sensation of the heel slipping out, which leads to a more secure, supportive fit.
2. Round toe boxes. This gives your child’s toes room to sit comfortably, and helps prevent the orthotic from wearing through the front of the shoe over time.
3. A supportive structure. A stable outsole is critical for holding the orthotic in position and helping it stay effective.
4. A firm heel counter. This is vital for maintaining stability and preventing excessive movement inside the shoe — it keeps the orthotic in place and supports proper foot alignment.
5. Removable insoles. Pulling the factory insole creates the extra space and customized fit a Chipmunk orthotic needs.
Don’t Buy Longer Shoes — Go Deeper and Wider Instead
A common mistake parents make is buying shoes that are too long to accommodate the orthotic. Instead of sizing up in length, focus on finding shoes with real extra depth and width — that gives your child the room they actually need without sacrificing stability or comfort.
Kids’ Shoes for Chipmunk Orthotics: My Top Recommendations
Many of these come in wide and extra wide widths, giving plenty of room for a comfortable fit alongside the orthotic without compromising support. Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
990v6 by New Balance
Parents consistently praise the 990v6 for its durability, comfort, and support, often noting real improvements in their child’s posture and gait. The most common complaint is the price.
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 to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic — less than most picks on this list, since the 990v6 already runs deep and doesn’t need as much added room
Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes for Chipmunk orthotics are specifically designed to improve foot posture. 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.
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
Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids who wear Chipmunk orthotics.
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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality and it offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids who wear orthotics. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-friendly construction
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes for orthotics 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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s Chipmunk orthotics. 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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
2002/1906 by New Balance
A more affordable alternative to the 990v6 that still delivers real structural support. I’ve personally confirmed this style works well for Chipmunk orthotics, with a stable base of support and firm heel counters.
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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Cross Em Up by Adidas
These high-top shoes for orthotics provide great support and are 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 full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These shoes for orthotics feature a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making them perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Amazon.
- Sizing tip: Order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size to accommodate the Chipmunk orthotic
Should You Buy Online or Visit Your Local Shoe Store?
I recommend visiting your local children’s shoe store for a professional fitting whenever possible, so your child gets the right size and support the first time. Fitting shoes with orthotics can involve some trial and error — you may need to try a few styles and sizes before finding the right one, but the extra effort is worth it for your child’s comfort and foot health.
If a local store isn’t an option, my free shoe-sizing resource helps you find the right size for your child’s orthotics from home.
Do You Still Need Supportive Shoes If the Orthotic Is Already Supportive?
Yes. Orthotics provide specific, targeted correction, but they work best paired with a shoe that offers a stable, supportive environment. A supportive shoe gives the orthotic a stable base and helps prevent excessive foot movement, which is what actually lets it function as intended.
A Lacing Technique Worth Trying
Chipmunk orthotics can take up extra space inside a shoe, which sometimes makes a child feel like their foot is slipping out — an uncomfortable sensation that can make them resist wearing the orthotic altogether. I use a specific lacing technique to help secure the orthotic and keep the fit snug.
Can Your Child Benefit from Chipmunk Orthotics?
Chipmunk orthotics are designed to stabilize the foot, improve alignment, and support better movement — a good fit for kids with moderate pronation and fully correctable foot positions. Some children who previously wore AFOs or SMOs eventually transition to Chipmunks, since they offer a more comfortable, less bulky option once that additional support becomes appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipmunk orthotics are generally lower-profile than AFOs or SMOs, so sizing is based on your child’s current foot measurement rather than a separate footplate measurement — that’s why the sizing tips above reference “current foot size” directly.
All ten work well as everyday sneakers too — none of these are specialized “medical” shoes exclusively, aside from the Memo styles, which lean more orthopedic in design.
Check lacing first. A properly laced shoe (using the technique linked above) resolves this in many cases without needing to size up further. If it persists after that, it may be worth rechecking depth and width rather than length.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
The right shoes can be genuinely transformative — not just for comfort, but for your child’s overall confidence and activity level. If you have questions or want personalized recommendations, reach out by email.
Hello!
Thank you so much for this helpful information. Can you please help confirm if the below is a great shoe for my 18-month old with moderate pronation? We’re only able to order online so we want to make sure we’re selecting the best shoe before ordering. The New Balance you have listed are about $20 higher so we’re trying to see if the below shoes could work.
https://www.newbalance.com/pd/2002/PC2002V1-41294.html?dwvar_PC2002V1-41294_style=PC2002NV&irclickid=UyJxoL10kxyPWPpQIy31VUZ5UkFUmnytMTfmQ80&irgwc=1&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Fitting%20Children%27s%20Shoes&utm_term=1377658&Ecid=af_Fitting%20Children%27s%20Shoes
Hello Carla,
Yes, the style 2002 provides a stable base of support with firm heel counters: https://new-balance-athletics-inc.sjv.io/AWnqvo Make sure that the shoe is properly tied at all times so your son can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.
You can also use this discount code to get 10% off and free shipping: FITTING10