New Balance 990 Kids – Supportive, Fits Wide Feet, and Works with Orthotics
The New Balance 990 shoe has emerged as a favorite among parents and shoe fitters alike, thanks to its supportive design that accommodates orthotics and “complicated” foot shapes such as wide or extra-wide feet. Whether you need a pair of New Balance 990 kids’ shoes to support your child’s foot condition (flat feet or weak ankles), accommodate a “complicated” foot shape (wide or extra wide), or fit an orthotic, I will help you find this popular shoe in the size that your child needs.
This specific model by New Balance sells out pretty quickly (especially the wide and extra wide widths), so I will provide you with links to different websites that have the shoe in stock.
My Role as a Shoe Fitter
As a shoe fitter, I guide parents in selecting the best shoes for their children’s unique foot needs. I have been fitting children’s shoes for over a decade and the 990 shoe style by New Balance has been my go-to shoe for children who need extra support from their shoes, wear orthotics, or have very wide feet.
Five Awesome Features of the 990 Series
The New Balance 990 kids’ shoes come packed with features that might make them an ideal choice for your child’s feet.
1. Supportive for Children with Foot Problems
Regarding support, the New Balance 990 kids’ shoes provide a supportive outsole with excellent cushioning, which is essential for active children who spend a lot of time on their feet. This support helps in maintaining proper posture and preventing fatigue during long periods of play or activity.
Moreover, the robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. This is a key feature if your child happens to have flat feet or another foot condition that requires shoes with extra cushion and support.
Let me show you what a difference the 990 shoes can make for children with foot conditions such as flat feet. In the left image, we have a child with flat feet standing barefoot, and we can clearly see how his feet and ankles are collapsing inwards. In the right image, we have the same child wearing a pair of 990 New Balance kids’ shoes, do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter?
2. Round Toe-Boxes for Wide and Extra Wide Feet (Also High Insteps)
One of the standout features of these shoes is their ability to accommodate wide or extra-wide feet. The shoes also provide extra depth to accommodate children with high insteps. By offering a variety of widths, New Balance ensures that children experience optimal comfort and support, reducing the likelihood of foot-related issues such as blisters.
The 990 series is designed with a broader toe box, allowing for a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze or restrict growing feet.
3. Flexibility to Promote Natural Movement
While support is important, flexibility is equally crucial. The New Balance 990 strikes a balance between support and flexibility, allowing children’s feet to move naturally while still receiving the necessary support for healthy development.
The shoe should be flexible enough to allow natural foot movement, but supportive enough to provide stability.
4. Durability and Breathability
Parents often worry about the longevity of their children’s shoes, especially given how quickly kids can wear them out. The 990 series is not cheap, but incorporates materials that are both breathable and resilient, ensuring that children remain comfortable and protected, regardless of the activity. Moreover, their breathable design ensures that children’s feet remain cool and dry, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
This durability translates to fewer replacements, making them a cost-effective choice for parents.
5. Extra Depth to Accommodate Orthotics
Many children require orthotics to correct foot alignment issues or provide additional support. Orthotics can play a critical role in treating and preventing foot conditions, as long as they are fitted inside the correct pair of shoes. The New Balance 990 kids’ shoes are designed to accommodate orthotics comfortably as they are supportive and provide extra depth. The shoe’s roomy toe box and removable insoles also allow for easy insertion of orthotics.
Where Can You Buy the New Balance 990 Kids’ Shoes?
Below you can find a list of images of the 990 series that will redirect you to websites that carry this style in multiple colors and widths. 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.
990 Series with Laces
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- Also available in pink and navy blue.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
990 Series with Velcro
- You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- Also available in grey and black.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
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
In today’s digital age, online tools can provide remote assistance for parents. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps parents choose the right shoe size online for their children from the comfort of their home. In that resource, I help families retrieve their child’s exact foot shape and instep height.
Providing Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and so are their shoe needs. I can help families find the perfect fit by taking the time to measure and assess a child’s foot shape and any special requirements. If you tell me your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), and whether your child has a foot condition or not, I will be able to email you specific shoe recommendations: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
990 Series VS Other New Balance Shoes
The New Balance 990 is the most supportive kids’ shoe made by New Balance. For example, if you press on the heel counter of the 990 shoe you will notice how it feels firm and sturdy, while most other New Balance shoes have heel counters that are too flimsy and unsupportive.
Is the 990 Series the Most Supportive New Balance Shoe?
The New Balance 990 series is often touted as the most supportive shoe in the New Balance lineup for kids. There are other alternatives that provide similar support and I will show them to you shortly.
Alternatives to New Balance 990 Kids’ Shoes
While the New Balance 990 kids shoes are a fantastic option, they may not be the perfect fit for every child. I created a different resource that will show you the top 3 alternatives to the 990 New Balance shoe.
Are These Shoes Worth the Price?
One of the primary concerns parents have is whether the New Balance 990 kids’ shoes justify their price tag. Children who have comfortable, supportive shoes are more likely to participate in physical activities, which is crucial for their overall development. Moreover, the durability of these shoes means they often outlast cheaper alternatives.
Are the 990 New Balance Shoes Available for Babies?
Yes, the 990 series is available in infant sizes as well, and you can find them from a baby size 1 and above.
Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions or need any assistance figuring out what shoe size you should order online. Remember that while these may come with a higher price tag, the benefits they provide in terms of long-term foot health and durability can outweigh the initial cost.
