New Balance 990 Kids — Supportive, Fits Wide Feet, and Works with Orthotics
Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
The New Balance 990 has emerged as a favorite among parents and shoe fitters alike, thanks to a supportive design that accommodates orthotics and less-common foot shapes like wide or extra wide feet. Whether you need a shoe to support a foot condition (flat feet or weak ankles), a “complicated” foot shape, or an orthotic, I’ll help you find this popular style in the size your child actually needs.
This specific model sells out quickly — especially the wide and extra wide widths — so I’ve included links to several sites that reliably carry it in stock.
My Role as a Shoe Fitter
As a certified shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I guide parents toward the best shoes for their children’s unique foot needs. The New Balance 990 has been my go-to recommendation for children who need extra support, wear orthotics, or have very wide feet.
Five Features That Make the 990 Series Stand Out
Feature One: Supportive for Kids with Foot Problems
The New Balance 990 has a supportive outsole with excellent cushioning — essential for active children who spend a lot of time on their feet. This support helps maintain proper posture and prevents fatigue during long stretches of play or activity.
The robust outsole also distributes weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on muscles and joints, which matters especially for children with flat feet or another condition that calls for extra cushioning and support.
Feature Two: Round Toe Boxes for Wide Feet and High Insteps
One of the standout features of the 990 is how well it accommodates wide and extra wide feet. It also offers extra depth for children with high insteps. By offering a real range of widths, New Balance helps kids get a genuinely comfortable, well-supported fit — reducing the likelihood of blisters and other fit-related issues.
Feature Three: Flexibility to Promote Natural Movement
Support matters, but flexibility is just as important. The 990 strikes a real balance between the two, letting a child’s foot move naturally while still getting the stability it needs for healthy development. The shoe should bend at the toes — and no further.
Feature Four: Durability and Breathability
Parents understandably worry about how long a pair of kids’ shoes will actually last. The 990 isn’t cheap, but it’s built with materials that are both breathable and resilient, keeping kids comfortable through nearly any activity while helping feet stay cool and dry — which also cuts down on blisters and discomfort.
Feature Five: Extra Depth to Accommodate Orthotics
Many children need orthotics to correct foot alignment issues or add extra support — but orthotics only work as well as the shoe they’re fitted into. The 990’s extra depth and roomy toe box make it easy to fit an orthotic comfortably, and the removable insole makes swapping it in simple.
Where to Buy New Balance 990 Kids’ Shoes
Below are links to the 990 series in multiple colors and widths. Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Available in Multiple Colors
The New Balance 990 kids’ shoes are available in the following colors:
Online Tools to Order the Correct Shoe Size
Online tools can make a real difference for parents shopping remotely. I created a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact shoe size and foot shape — including instep height — from the comfort of home.
Providing Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and their shoes should be too. I take the guesswork out of shopping by helping families find the right fit based on foot shape and any special needs. Just email me your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), any foot conditions, and the country you’re contacting me from, and I’ll send back tailored recommendations that actually work for your child’s feet.
Is the 990 the Most Supportive New Balance Shoe for Kids?
Yes — the New Balance 990 is generally the most supportive shoe in New Balance’s kids’ lineup. Press on the heel counter of the 990 and you’ll notice it feels firm and sturdy, while most other New Balance styles have heel counters that are far more flimsy and give little real support.
Alternatives to the New Balance 990
The 990 is a fantastic shoe, but it isn’t the right match for every child. Given its higher price point, I typically recommend it for kids with a moderate to strong degree of pronation. For milder cases, there are excellent options that provide strong support at a lower cost — I’ve put together a resource on my top 3 alternatives to the 990 to help you find the right balance of fit, support, and value.
Watch My YouTube Video
For a closer look at the 990’s features, watch my video walkthrough — I cover the shoe’s design, its benefits, and how to assess whether it’s the right fit for your child’s specific needs.
Questions? Reach Out Anytime
Let me know in the comments, or reach out directly, if you have questions or need help figuring out what size to order. The 990 comes with a higher price tag, but for the right child, the long-term benefits to foot health and durability tend to outweigh the initial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
For kids who genuinely need extra support — from flat feet, moderate to strong pronation, or wearing orthotics — I think so. Comfortable, supportive shoes make kids more likely to stay active, which matters for development, and the durability of the 990 means it often outlasts cheaper alternatives, partially offsetting the higher upfront cost.
Yes, the 990 comes in infant sizes as well. At that stage, though, it’s more about matching the classic look — or coordinating with older siblings or parents — than providing serious structural support, since infant feet don’t need the same level of support that an active, walking child’s does.
Yes — it’s simply a very supportive, well-built shoe. That said, for kids with typical foot shapes and no particular support needs, a lower-priced sneaker may perform just as well day-to-day. The 990 tends to earn its price tag most clearly for kids who need the extra support it provides.
