Kids’ Snow Boots for Flat Feet – Let’s Support Your Kids’ Feet During the Winter Season!

January 6, 2025 Shoes for Flat Feet Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Flat feet can affect your child’s balance, posture, and overall comfort. This makes it essential to choose shoes that offer the right support and alignment, particularly during the formative years. Snow boots not only need to keep feet warm and dry but also provide the necessary support for children with flat feet. Ensuring that children have the right snow boots allow them to participate in outdoor activities without limitations.

My Practical Experience: Fitting Kids with Flat Feet into Snow Boots

As a passionate shoe fitter, I am here to support you in finding the perfect pair for your child, ensuring they step confidently into the snow with happy, healthy feet. Finding a pair of supportive sneakers is a fairly simple process, the issue is that most parents don’t know what to do when the winter season arrives. Should children continue to wear their sneakers to properly support their feet or should they wear a pair of snow boots?

If you are investing in supportive shoes and orthotics for your child to wear throughout the year, it’s important that you don’t throw away all that invested time and money by not supporting your child’s feet properly during the winter season.

Understanding Flat Feet in Children

In young children, flat feet are quite common and often normal, as their arches are still forming. Most children naturally develop arches by age six, but for some, flat feet persist into adolescence and adulthood.

Image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
An image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.

For some children, flat feet can lead to discomfort or pain, especially during physical activities. This discomfort can often be exacerbated by poorly fitting shoes or shoes lacking adequate support.

Do Snow Boots Provide Good Support?

Most snow boots are not able to support the feet properly, since they are made with low arch contours, which don’t cause any discomfort, but they don’t provide any support whatsoever. Even though most snow boots look the same, I have found that certain styles provide better support than others. Snow boots that provide good support will help prevent foot pain and your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.

The Importance of Supportive Snow Boots for Flat Feet

I get contacted by parents from all over the world who are frustrated about not being able to find one single pair of snow boots that are supportive enough for their child’s flat feet.

1. Arch Support: It’s important to select boots with a contoured footbed that mirrors the shape of a natural arch. Boots with good padding in the footbed can help reduce the impact on the feet, especially during active play in the snow.

Keen kids' boot with arch support for kids with flat feet.
An image of a pair of Keen kids’ winter boots with arch support.

2. Sturdy Heel Counters: High-cut boots that cover the ankles offer additional support, reducing the risk of sprains and providing extra stability on uneven surfaces. Ankle support helps maintain proper alignment of the foot and leg, which is crucial for preventing injuries during active play.

The difference in heel support between two kids' boots.
The difference in heel support between two pairs of kids’ snow boots.

3. Removable Insoles: The snow boots I recommend are also capable of accommodating an orthotic —in case you believe your child can benefit from extra support— as they provide extra depth, rounder toe-boxes, and removable insoles:

An image of a pair of See Kai Run boots with removable insoles.

When choosing snow boots for children with flat feet, the emphasis should be on support. Without adequate support, flat feet can lead to increased fatigue, pain in the feet and legs, and even broader alignment issues that can affect the knees and hips. 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.

Top Picks for Supportive Snow Boots for Kids with Flat Feet

Based on my experience and feedback from parents, here are some top recommendations for snow boots that provide excellent support for kids with flat feet. These options have been chosen for their balance of durability, warmth, and supportive features.

1. Kootenay by Keen

The Kootenay by Keen is one of my go-to kids’ winter boots for flat feet. Known for their durable construction and excellent support, these boots feature a waterproof design, a secure fit, and an insulated lining to keep little feet warm. These boots with a cushioned footbed makes it a fantastic choice for children with flat feet.

Waterproof and insulated Keen boot for kids with wide feet.
Waterproof and insulated Keen boot for kids with wide feet.

Key features

  • Available for little and big kids.
  • Order the boot style Kootenay by Keen on Amazon or Zappos.
  • This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days.
  • Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
  • Velcro closure.
  • Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C.
  • I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.

2. Littleplum Snow Boots

This is a very versatile snow boot for flat feet with triple velcro straps for a secure fit and easy on and off. The lightweight design ensures that children can move freely without feeling weighed down. Parents appreciate that the boots are supportive, budget-friendly, and do not compromise on comfort or durability.

Waterproof boot for kids with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the boot style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum on Amazon.
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
  • This is a snow boot that can be used in the snow and rain as well.
  • Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls.
  • Waterproof.
  • Removable insoles.
  • Triple velcro straps for easy on and off.
  • I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

3. UBFEN Kids Snow Boots

These boots for flat feet are affordable and don’t compromise on support, comfort, or durability.

Snow boot with double velcro straps for kids with wide feet.
White snow boots with double velcro straps for girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the boot style UBFEN on Amazon.
  • Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
  • This is a snow boot.
  • The fluffy lining provides warmth.
  • I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

4. Atlas by See Kai Run

This is one of the most versatile snow boots with arch support for kids with flat feet. The lightweight design and flexible outsole allow your child to wear this boot for longer periods of time. This is an awesome boot that can be worn to school, snow play, or rainy days.

See Kai Run Atlas boot that is waterproof and insulated.
Waterproof and Insulated See Kai Run Atlas boot in navy for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids.
  • Order the boot style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon.
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
  • This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain.
  • Double velcro straps.
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
  • I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

5. Davos by Memo (Orthopedic Boot)

This orthopedic winter boot for flat offers excellent arch support and stability. The triple Velcro straps and durable materials make it suitable for active kids who need extra support during the winter months.

Supportive orthopedic boot for girls with flat feet.
Supportive orthopedic boot for boys with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the boot Davos by Memo on Amazon.
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain.
  • Triple velcro straps.
  • Waterproof.
  • I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

6. Howser II Chukka by Keen

The Howser by Keen is also one of my go-to kids’ winter boots with arch support. These boots with great arch support combine comfort with functionality, featuring a soft, insulated interior and a supportive footbed.

Supportive Keen boots for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Keen boots for girls with flat feet.

Key features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the boot style Chukka by Keen on Amazon or Zappos.
  • This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days.
  • Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
  • Toggle lace.
  • Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C.
  • I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.

Additional Features that the Snow Boots I Recommend Provide

  • Waterproof
  • Insulated
  • Abrasion-resistant, shock-absorbing, slip-resistant, non-marking EVA/TPR outsole provides lightweight grip and comfort for your child’s foot
  • Rubber pods for excellent traction
  • Convenient velcro straps “hook and loop” closure offers easy on and off
  • Removable Insoles (to accommodate orthotics)

Personalized Shoe Recommendations

If you’re unsure about which snow boots to choose for your child’s flat feet, consider seeking personalized shoe recommendations from a shoe fitter via email. By providing details about your child’s foot shape and condition, you can receive tailored advice to help you make an informed decision.

How to Get the Correct Boot Size for Your Child?

Proper fit is essential. Boots that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too loose may not provide adequate support. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.

Can You Fit Orthotics Inside Snow Boots?

Yes, many snow boots are designed to accommodate orthotics, which can be especially beneficial for children with flat feet. Orthotics can provide additional support and comfort, making them a valuable addition to supportive footwear. When trying on boots, remove the existing insoles to test if the orthotics fit comfortably.

A pair of Footlogics full-length orthotics for kids.
An image of a pair of supportive insoles/orthotics that work well inside snow boots.

The orthotics I recommend to fit inside snow boots have a lower volume profile which means that they don’t take up a lot of room inside the boots. If your child happens to have flat feet, this orthotic will prevent your child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards.

Another factor that determines whether children need to wear orthotics inside their snow boots is how many hours they will wear the snow boots daily. For example, if your child is going to wear the snow boots for a maximum of three to four hours a day, it’s highly likely that you won’t need to fit the orthotic inside the boots. However, if your child is planning to wear the boots for more than four hours a day, then I highly recommend fitting a pair of orthotics inside the boots.

Additional Resource: Sneakers for Kids with Flat Feet

While snow boots are essential for winter weather, it’s also important to have the right sneakers for everyday wear. Look for sneakers with similar supportive features, such as arch support and a firm heel counters. Investing in quality sneakers complements the benefits of supportive snow boots, providing comprehensive care for your child’s feet year-round.

Are You Also Dealing with Flat Feet? – Is it Hereditary?

Many medical professionals believe that flat feet are hereditary. If you also have flat feet and need a pair of snow boots that provide good support I suggest that you take a look at this resource for women.

By focusing on key features like arch support, cushioning, and fit, you can help your child enjoy the winter season pain-free with the good boots for flat feet I recommended. Help me make this resource even better by adding your winter boot recommendations that worked well for your child’s flat feet!