Kids’ Shoes that Improve Posture – Straighten your Kids’ Feet and Legs!
Have you noticed your child walking or running with poor alignment? Foot posture plays a critical role in overall body alignment, and conditions like flat feet can throw off your child’s walking gait—impacting not just their feet and legs, but their spine and posture as well. The right pair of supportive kids’ shoes can make a big difference by helping to align the feet, improve stability, and promote healthier movement. While posture is often overlooked in children’s health, it all starts from the ground up—good posture begins with the feet.
How to Improve Your Child’s Posture – It All Starts with Their Feet
The feet are the foundation of the entire body, and the right shoes can make a world of difference. Supportive footwear helps prevent your child’s feet from collapsing, allowing them to walk and run with better alignment and confidence. In fact, the correct shoes can promote biomechanical balance, improving posture by aligning the feet, legs, and even shoulders. Don’t just take my word for it—let me show you the difference the right pair of shoes can make!
Before and After: Real Results from Supportive Shoes
Foot conditions like flat feet can have a big impact on your child’s posture—but the right shoes can help correct that. With the right pair, your child’s feet are gently guided into a healthier position.
Selecting Supportive Shoes – Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right shoes for your child involves considering various factors, including their foot shape and any specific conditions they may have. Here are my top recommendations for 2025. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My Top Shoe Recommendations in 2025 that Help Improve Posture and Gait
Below is a handpicked selection of the best kids’ shoes designed to improve posture—each pair offers great support and can comfortably fit a variety of foot shapes, including medium and wide widths.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes to improve posture. The robust outsoles 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.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- 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, 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 better posture 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 foot conditions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- 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 kids with poor posture.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- 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 that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with foot conditions. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- 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
- 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 foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- 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 supportive shoes for better posture 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 the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
- 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 foot conditions. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- 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
- 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
These New Balance shoes for better posture are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids. 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 the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- 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 style 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
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique. A shoe that fits one child may not fit another, and finding the perfect match requires careful consideration. If you’re unsure about the right choice, consider reaching out for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and foot condition.
The Importance of Proper Shoe Fit
Getting the right shoe fit is essential for your child’s posture and overall foot health. Shoes that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort, throw off alignment, and even lead to long-term developmental issues. That’s why I created a helpful virtual shoe fitting service that walks you through the easiest and most accurate way to measure your child’s foot size from the comfort of home.
Keep in mind that while supportive shoes can do wonders, they’re not always enough on their own to fully correct your child’s posture. In some cases, adding an orthotic inside the shoe may be necessary for proper alignment and support. The good news? Every shoe I recommended above is orthotic-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about fit or comfort when making that adjustment.
Benefits of Wearing Orthotics – Extra Support and Stability!
Orthotics can be a game-changer for children with specific foot conditions. They provide additional support where needed, helping to correct alignment issues and improve overall foot health. If your child has flat feet or pronates, consult with a specialist to see if orthotics might be beneficial.
While custom orthotics are designed specifically for your child’s unique needs, many over-the-counter options can also work wonders for mild to moderate foot conditions. As a shoe fitter, I’ve partnered closely with physical and occupational therapists to find the best orthotics that truly support children’s feet. In fact, there are two standout orthotics I recommend that effectively address different levels of pronation and help kids walk more comfortably and confidently.
Orthotics for Mild Cases of Pronation
Footlogics are some of the best orthotic inserts for pronation (mild degree), providing arch support and correcting overpronation. Ideal for children with flat feet, they easily fit into most shoes, redistributing pressure to reduce pain and improve posture.
- Order the full-length Footlogics orthotic inserts on Amazon
- Fits toddler shoe size 5 up to big kid shoe size 3
- They can be trimmed to the perfect size using scissors if necessary
- You must remove the original insoles from your child’s shoes before placing the orthotic inside
Orthotics for Moderate or Strong Cases of Pronation
LittleSteps orthotics are perfect for kids with moderate to strong pronation. They help guide the foot into a more natural position, reducing strain and improving function, while supporting healthy foot development and easing discomfort.
- Order littleSTEPS® Orthotics from their official website. You must submit a Referral Code to complete your order: JVFCS100121
- It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this orthotic.
- The 3/4 length design makes it easier to fit into various shoe styles.
- Take a look at this chart to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size.
The right pair of shoes can make a significant difference in your child’s posture and overall foot health. By understanding the importance of proper shoe fit and being proactive during the early years, you can support your child’s physical development and prevent potential issues in the future.
Hi, thank you for all the info on your website! It’s been very helpful, but my son’s feet present multiple challenges and I was wondering if you might have some ideas. He has pretty dramatic pronation (ankle rolls inward), so a physical therapist recommended Chipmunk orthotics for him. In addition, he needs a wide toe box to accomodate his 2nd-3rd toes overlapping.
We tried the orthotics today with his Stride Rite shoes, and he feet really fill up the shoe now–previously they had seemed almost “baggy”. (He barely measures as “wide”, but we’ve had him in 12.5 extra wide shoes so that they didn’t leave red marks across the top of his foot, the way that other shoes had.) He said they felt good, but the shoes don’t look deep enough for the orthotics.
I see that you recommend lace up shoes, but he is only 3.5 year old and can’t handle laces yet, so I am really hoping to find velcro shoes. Looking at the New Balance and Saucony shoes you have posted, I am concerned that the toe boxes may not be wide enough. We recently ordered Plae shoes for him because of the wide toe box, but it looks like they won’t work with the Chipmunks. So I am at a loss here…please help. 🙂
I’d appreciate any thoughts you might have! Thank you so much!
Hello Becky,
I have fitted the Chipmunks before and they are great for children with overpronation and rolled ankles. However, I don’t recommend fitting orthotics in Stride Rite shoes, specially a Chipmunk that takes so much space. Some Stride Rite shoes are supportive and come in wide and extra wide widths, but they are not deep like certain New Balance shoe styles.
Orthotics take some room inside the shoes, but we don’t want the shoes to be too wide since that will end up causing your child’s feet to move too much inside the shoes, and that constant friction can lead to blisters, calluses, or corns. In addition, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
I like PLAE shoes and they tend to fit orthotics well, but I don’t tend to fit them in orthotics because I am not entirely happy with the structure and support that they provide.
Since you are not ready to provide your child with shoelaces yet, I will provide you with a selection of Velcro shoes that will support the Chipmunk and are also deep and come with a round toe-box. I will recommend that you provide your child with a wide “W”, instead of an extra wide “XW” and see how the shoe fits.
Here are my recommendations based on his shoe size (12.5):
New Balance-Supportive and Deep: Option 1
New Balance-Supportive and Deep: Option 2
I hope this helps!
Juan,
Your site is amazing and I have really appreciated all the advice you provide! My son is 8 years old and has ankle that pronate. He has been wearing mostly Nike which haven’t been very supportive. At this time I have decided on 2 New Balance options per their recommendation and yours, the New Balance 990v4 or the 860v8. If I were to buy a shoe without the insert option he wears a 1.5. My son has an appointment with a podiatrist in a week to see if we need to do additional support. I am wondering if my son would need a different size shoe if we have to get an insert?
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you!
First of all, if he has been wearing unsupportive shoes I will recommend that you see how he reacts to a good supportive shoe first before trying an orthotic. If he still pronates in a good supportive shoe, then you should definitely try an orthotic.
In terms of what shoe size he needs if he needs an orthotic, It really depends on what type of orthotic it is and how much space it will take inside the shoes.
If it is a full length insert, then it’s highly likely that you will either need a wider and a slighter longer shoe. I will recommend that you get the insert first and then the shoes, since the insert needs to be fitted inside the shoes and not the other way around.
I hope this clarifies!
Very helpful information but many kids (including mine) that are age 8 and over have outgrown these “kid” sizes. Can you recommend specific shoes for kids who are wearing adult running shoes.
Hello KRAM,
I am glad that you find the article informative! Next time please provide me with your child’s shoe size (length and width), so I can recommend specific shoes for your child. In the meantime, you can find below a selection of some of the most supportive adult shoes that I have fitted before and will improve your child’s posture:
Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes – The Best Shoes for Your Child with Large Feet!
Girls in Women’s Shoe Sizes – The Best Shoes for Girls with Large Feet!
I hope this helps!
I have a 15 year old daughter, who has Down syndrome. She has been wearing “hot dog” inserts in her sneakers since she was young, Her former therapist didn’t like the idea of restricting her ankles, so these don’t provide a huge amount of support; they just slightly elevate her arch. We’ve since moved to another state and no longer have a PT to look to for advice. Our daughter is VERY flat footed (to the point where her ankles will roll completely inward unless she wears sneakers with her supports). She is now walking pigeon-toed, and her entire gait is off (hips back, torso leading, etc.). While I recognize that some of these issues are directly related to her having DS, we would welcome a shoe and/or insert recommendation based on her physical presentation. To further complicate things, we have another issue – her shoe size. She is approximately 4’11” and weighs 104 lbs. but wears only a 3W (little kid/big kid, depending on the brand) shoe. She’s a teenager and gets frustrated always having to wear a sneaker (as opposed to dressier flats or boots or whatever). Can you make any suggestions or recommendations??
Thanks!
ATV
Hello ATV,
I have fitted the “Hot Dogs” before and like you said, they provide a good amount of arch support and only a small amount of ankle support. I have always used the “Chipmunks” (for some reason the manufacturer CASCADE likes to give the orthotics funny names) for children whose ankles roll inwards. The “Chipmunks” provide excellent arch and ankle support, and they will make a huge difference in helping the child walk and run straighter. They are also extremely effective in reducing or fully eliminating foot and leg pain.
When it comes to a supportive shoe, I would first like to know whether your child wears shoes with Velcro or shoelaces. I always recommend shoelaces because they provide more support and stability than Velcro closure.
If she is ready to wear a shoe with shoelaces, this is the shoe I recommend for her:
Supportive Shoe for Orthotics: Option 1 (This is the most supportive shoe style)
Supportive Shoe for Orthotics: Option 2 (Less Supportive than first option but still more supportive than other shoe styles)
This shoe style is deep, meaning that the orthotic will sit deeply inside the shoe and won’t raise your daughter’s feet up (giving her the impression that her feet are coming out of the shoe). The shoe also provides good structure (to hold the orthotic in place) and arch support, and it also comes with a very firm heel counter to provide ankle support.
This shoe style is also available in different widths such as wide and extra wide, and since the orthotics do take a lot of space inside the shoes, you will might have to provide her this shoe in an extra wide width.
If you don’t think you can deal with a shoe that comes with shoelaces, you can always provide her with the same shoe style but with Velcro.
Do you also need recommendations for dressier shoes or boots?
I hope this helps!
Thank you! Yes, she uses shoelaces (no velcro). I would very much welcome recommendations for supportive shoes (flats) and boots as well. The main issue here is her relatively small shoe size (3 kids), compared to her age (15). She wants to dress age-appropriate, but that’s proven difficult under the circumstances…
Hello ATV,
There is no such thing as a supportive flat. There are supportive Mary Jane shoes but not flats. If your daughter wants to wear a flat, I would recommend that you limit her to 4 to 5 hours a day (or the length of that particular occasion or event)
There are some flats that will fit a child with wide feet:
Flats For Kids: Option 1
Flats For Kids: Option 2
Just remember that they are not supportive and should not be worn for more than 4 to 5 hours.
When it comes to boots, they do provide more support and you might be even be able to insert an orthotic inside of them. I would like to know what type of boot you are looking for your child. Are you looking for a winter boot, a fashion boot, or a hiking boot?
I guess both a fashion boot and a winter boot. Thanks again!
Hello ATV,
Here are my recommendations based on her shoe size:
Fashion Boot: Option 1 (Available in wide widths)
Fashion Boot: Option 2
Winter Boot: Option 1 (Supportive)
Winter Boot: Option 2 (Supportive and in wide widths)
I hope this helps!