Kids’ Shoes for Supination – Stop Your Kids Foot and Leg Pain!
Is your child dealing with supination and frequent foot or leg pain? Supination—often linked to high arches—causes the foot to roll outward, leading to discomfort and uneven shoe wear. The first seven years are a critical window for treatment, where supportive shoes and orthotics can make lasting improvements in foot structure and alignment. Even if your child is older, the right footwear can still enhance posture, correct gait, and reduce pain.
What Is Supination?
Let’s break down what supination really means. Unlike pronation, which involves the foot rolling inward, supination is when your child’s feet roll outward while walking. This outward motion can affect balance, posture, and overall comfort.
When children walk with a neutral gait, their body weight is evenly distributed across their feet. But when they roll inward (pronation) or outward (supination), it creates pressure points that can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or even lower back.
To help correct supination, it’s important to choose shoes with good arch support to better distribute pressure. I’ve helped many children with this condition—and I can help yours too!
Before and After Images: Barefoot VS Wearing Supportive Shoes
If you’ve noticed your child walking or running differently, or they’ve been complaining about tired feet and legs, it’s a good idea to have their feet evaluated by a pediatrician or physical therapist. But if you’ve already been told they’ll simply “outgrow” the pain, you’re in the right place—I’m here to help you take the next step toward real relief.
The Issues with Supination
Without proper footwear, supination can lead to a range of painful and lasting issues. That’s why it’s so important to choose supportive, well-fitted shoes for your child. Left unaddressed, supination can cause:
- Calluses and foot rigidity
- Hammer toes and claw toes
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Hip and back pain
Working closely with physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) has been instrumental in my approach to shoe fitting. These professionals offer insights into the specific needs of children with supination, allowing for more tailored footwear solutions. This collaboration ensures that every child’s unique requirements are met.
Best Kids’ Shoes for Supination to Improve Posture and Prevent Pain
Below is a curated list of the best kids’ shoes for supination, available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These kids’ shoes for supination provide a robust outsole that 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
- Order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink, black, and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes for supination 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 high arches and supination.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’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 younger kids with high arches and supination.
Key Features
- Order the shoe SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for kids with high arches and supination combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with supination.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style 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
- Order the shoe Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendl
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These affordable Saucony shoes work really well for kids with supination, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s high arches. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for children with supination at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
This Adidas basketball-inspired shoe offers great support for kids with supination and 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
- Order the shoe Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Shoes with laces offer better support and stability than those with velcro. Laces provide a snug, customized fit that hugs your child’s feet, keeps the heels secure, and helps them walk and run with greater confidence and control.
Personalized Consultations for Optimal Solutions
If you’re unsure which shoe is best for your child, feel free to contact me via email. I offer specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and degree of supination. I believe in the power of personalized consultations to find the best footwear solutions. By understanding each child’s unique foot shape and needs, I can offer tailored recommendations.
Importance of Correct Shoe Size
Ordering the correct shoe size online is essential to ensure that the shoes provide full support and stability. I’ve created a virtual shoe fitting service to help parents determine the right shoe size for their children. Ensuring a proper fit is the first step in addressing supination effectively.
How to Tell If Your Child is Supinating?
Parents often ask, “How can I tell if my child is supinating?” A simple way to check is to look at the bottom of your child’s shoes. If the outer edges of the soles show more wear than the inner edges, your child may be supinating. Additionally, observing your child standing barefoot can reveal if their feet roll outward.
If supportive shoes aren’t enough and your child still feels foot or leg pain, they may need orthotics for extra support. Don’t worry—it’s common for pediatricians to refer children for orthotic fittings, and it can make a big difference in comfort and alignment.
Orthotics for Kids with Supination – Extra Cushion and Support
The right orthotics can align your child’s feet and legs, helping them walk and run more naturally while easing stress on joints and muscles. Orthotics can be custom-made or over-the-counter, depending on the severity of the supination. Over-the-counter options are more accessible and can still provide substantial benefits. Both options should be considered in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Early detection of supination can significantly impact a child’s development. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant in observing their child’s walking patterns and shoe wear. The earlier the condition is detected, the easier it is to implement corrective measures. Pediatricians and podiatrists can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and management of supination.
