Sandals for Hypermobility – Extra Arch and Heel Support!
Do you have a child who has been diagnosed with hypermobility and you are unsure about which sandal you should buy for the summer? My recommendation is to avoid sandals that are too flat or unsupportive since this might make your child more prone to falling and experiencing foot pain. As a passionate shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes, I understand the importance of selecting footwear that supports and stabilizes young feet.
Many children with hypermobility tend to have overly flexible ankle joints that roll spontaneously, which can lead to twisted ankles and making your child more prone to falling. This is why it’s so important to keep your kids’ ankles supported during the summer.
An Image of a Child with Hypermobility
Children with hypermobility are often flat-footed, have weak ankles, and overpronate. Hypermobility may cause your kids’ feet and ankles to roll in, given an excessively flat-footed appearance. This leads to your child’s feet collapsing and throwing your whole child’s body out of alignment. Take a look at the image below. Does it look familiar?
The first seven years of a child’s life are considered the “golden years of treatment opportunity.” During this period, permanent structural changes of the foot and lower extremity can be achieved with the right treatment, including supportive shoes and orthotics.
Key Features of Sandals for Kids with Hypermobility
When selecting sandals for children with hypermobility, certain features are designed to address the unique needs of hypermobile joints, providing stability and reducing the risk of injury.
1. Stable Base of Support: Look for sandals that provide a firm yet comfortable foundation, helping to keep the foot in a neutral position and reducing the risk of twisting. Sandals with a broad and stable sole can offer the necessary support to prevent ankle rolling and improve balance.
2. Extra Cushion and Padding Below the Heels: A sturdy heel cup provides additional stability, reducing the risk of rolling or twisting the ankle. Moreover, extra cushioning in the heel area can absorb shock and provide added comfort during activities.
3. Lightweight and Flexible: While stability is crucial, the sandals should also be lightweight and flexible. This combination allows for natural movement and prevents the sandals from being cumbersome, encouraging your child to walk with ease. Flexible materials enable the foot to move naturally, promoting healthy muscle development and reducing fatigue.
4. Adjustable Straps: Adjustable straps are a must-have feature, providing a customized fit that can accommodate various foot shapes. They also ensure the sandals stay securely on the feet during active play.
The sandals I recommend below are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time to help prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired. 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.
Best Sandals for Kids with Hypermobility – Extra Cushion and Support
Many of the sandals featured below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, please make sure to click through and see if they have the desired color.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These are some of the best sandals for hypermobility as they are designed with a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps to help improve your child’s foot posture and stability.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Agnes by Memo
These orthopedic sandals are the best sandals for kids with hypermobility as they offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed and firm heel counters that aid in maintaining the foot’s correct position.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 100% leather made
- Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals provide a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for active children with hypermobility, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Mogami by Birkenstock
Known for its contoured footbed and superior arch support, Birkenstock offers a range of styles that are both fashionable and functional. The sandal boasts a deep heel cup and a supportive arch footbed that helps maintain proper foot alignment and stability.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Contoured PU footbed
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Newport by Keen
These sandals provide excellent arch support and a secure fit with their bungee lace system. They’re also water-friendly, making them perfect for summer adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva
The Hurricane by Teva offers a lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit. Its contoured footbed provides excellent support and the stable base of support helps distribute weight evenly.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand’s sandals combine style and functionality, offering supportive features that cater to children with hypermobility.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Betti and Pedro by Memo
Memo’s Betti and Pedro sandals are equipped with a robust support system, including a firm heel counter and arch support. These features work together to guide the foot towards a healthier walking pattern, making them an excellent choice for children hypermobility who need corrective footwear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Betti and Pedro by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
As someone who is deeply committed to helping families find the perfect footwear for their children, I offer personalized recommendations based on your child’s unique needs. If you’re unsure about which sandals or sneakers to choose, feel free to reach out to me for guidance.
What Sandal Size Should You Order?
Please note that children with hypermobile joints don’t need as much growing room. If you leave too much growing room in your kids’ shoes, your child won’t get the full support that the shoes have to offer and you will also be compromising your child’s stability.
How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Size at Home
I have created a resource that will help you determine your child’s foot size from home. My virtual shoe fitting service provides step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure you get an accurate measurement.
Don’t Be Tempted to Provide Extra Growing Room
Don’t forget that you should not provide your child with hypermobility with a lot of growing room. I understand that most parents might be tempted to leave a good amount of growing room, especially with seasonal footwear. It’s okay to leave some growing room so your child can wear the sandal for the whole summer, but please make sure that you don’t leave excessive room since this can lead to compromising your child’s stability.
Should You Fit Orthotics Inside Your Kids’ Sandals?
Orthotics are particularly beneficial for children with severe hypermobility, as they offer tailored support that standard sandals may not provide.
One common question parents have is whether orthotics can be fitted inside their children’s sandals. While orthotics can provide additional support, it’s essential to choose sandals designed to accommodate them. Orthopedic sandals are the only ones capable of accommodating orthotics.
Recommendations for Everyday Sneakers for Kids with Hypermobility
While sandals are great for the warmer months, it’s also important to consider everyday sneakers that offer similar support and stability. In my additional resource, I discuss the best sneakers that cater to hypermobile feet, ensuring comfort and protection all year round.
Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach” – Be Proactive!
Most doctors are hesitant to diagnose a child with hypermobility until the child starts complaining about joint pain or fatigue. Taking early action is crucial to help treat this condition, and something so simple as wearing the correct pair of shoes can make a world of difference. If your child has been diagnosed with hypermobility and is experiencing foot and leg pain, you will have to find shoes that provide good support.
