Sandals for Kids with Hypermobility – Extra Arch and Heel Support for Better Balance
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter | Est. reading time: 14 minutes
Do you have a child who’s been diagnosed with hypermobility, and you’re unsure which sandal to buy for the summer? My recommendation is to avoid sandals that are too flat or unsupportive, since these can make your child more prone to falling and developing foot pain. As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I understand how important it is to choose footwear that supports and stabilizes young, hypermobile feet.
Many children with hypermobility have overly flexible ankle joints that roll spontaneously, which can lead to twisted ankles and a greater risk of falling. That’s exactly why keeping your child’s ankles supported matters so much during the summer months.
An Image of a Child with Hypermobility
Children with hypermobility are often flat-footed, have weak ankles, and overpronate. Hypermobility can cause the feet and ankles to roll inward, giving an exaggeratedly flat-footed appearance. This leads to the feet collapsing and throwing the whole body slightly out of alignment. Take a look at the image below — does this look familiar?
The first seven years of a child’s life are considered the “golden years of treatment opportunity.” During this window, permanent structural changes to 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 below are supportive but still lightweight and flexible, helping prevent your child’s feet and legs from tiring out too quickly. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.
Best Sandals for Kids with Hypermobility – Extra Cushion and Support
Many of the sandals below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, click through and check for the color you want. A sizing note before you scroll: unlike most of my sandal guides, I’m not recommending extra growing room here — see the sizing section further down for why.
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 on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports the foot
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
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 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 on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking lining Vegan-friendly
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
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 on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Contoured cork footbed for natural arch support
- Hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
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 on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Anatomically engineered internal support for excellent arch support
- Multi-directional lugs with quick water channeling help provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrain
- Washable polyester webbing featuring quick dry lining
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
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 on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
- Rubber outsole for durability and traction
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length, since the strap pattern runs slightly snug
7. Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand’s sandals combine style and functionality, offering supportive features that cater to children with hypermobility.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable front buckles with a rear Velcro strap for easy on and off
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
8. Betti and Pedro by Memo
This is my top recommendation on this list. It has a robust support system built in, including a firm heel counter and arch support that work together to guide the foot toward a healthier walking pattern — making it an excellent option for children with hypermobility who need corrective footwear.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
What Sandal Size Should You Order?
Here’s the part that makes hypermobility different from almost every other condition on this site: kids with hypermobile joints don’t need much growing room at all. If you leave too much room in the shoe, your child won’t get the full benefit of the sandal’s support, and you’ll end up compromising the very stability you’re trying to provide.
It’s fine to leave a small amount of room so the sandal lasts through the summer, but resist the usual instinct to size up generously the way you might for a regular pair of sandals. With hypermobility, snugger is better.
How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Size at Home
I’ve put together a resource to help you determine your child’s foot size from home. My virtual shoe fitting service walks you through accurate measurement step by step.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
I offer personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs. If you’re unsure which sandals or sneakers to choose, feel free to reach out through our contact page for guidance.
Recommendations for Everyday Sneakers for Kids with Hypermobility
While sandals are great for warmer months, it’s also worth considering everyday sneakers that offer similar support and stability. My sneaker-specific resource covers the best options for hypermobile feet, for comfort and protection all year round.
Don’t Take the “Wait and See” Approach — Be Proactive
Most doctors are hesitant to diagnose hypermobility until a child starts complaining of joint pain or fatigue. Taking early action matters, and something as simple as the right pair of shoes can make a real difference. If your child has been diagnosed with hypermobility and is experiencing foot or leg pain, it’s worth prioritizing supportive footwear right away rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasional barefoot time isn’t usually harmful, but consistent use of supportive footwear during the early childhood years matters more for hypermobility than for most other conditions, given how much structural change is still possible at that age. If you’re concerned, it’s worth discussing your child’s specific activity levels with their doctor or physical therapist.
Orthotics can be particularly helpful for children with more severe hypermobility, since they offer tailored support that standard sandals can’t provide on their own. Not every sandal can accommodate one, though — orthopedic sandals are really the only style built to fit them properly.
