School Shoes that Fit Orthotics – Supportive, Extra Deep, and with a Firm Heel Counter!

June 10, 2025 Back to School Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Finding the right school shoes for kids who wear orthotics can feel like an endless struggle. You try pair after pair, only to discover they’re too shallow, too tight, or simply not supportive enough. Orthotics are essential for managing conditions like flat feet, high arches, or leg length differences—so it’s crucial that your child’s school shoes work with their orthotics, not against them. The good news? While the options may be limited, there are school shoes designed to accommodate orthotics properly—and with my years of experience fitting kids’ shoes, I’m here to help you find the perfect pair.

Supportive and Dress Code Compliant

When selecting school shoes, it’s important to ensure they comply with the school’s dress code. This can be a challenge, but many manufacturers now offer orthotic-friendly shoes that are both supportive and stylish. Finding a shoe that meets both the functional needs of your child and the aesthetic requirements of the school can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible.

Why These School Shoes Work So Well with Orthotics

Feature one: Extra Depth. One of the most important features of shoes for orthotics is extra depth. Extra depth allows enough room for the orthotics without squeezing the child’s foot, ensuring comfort throughout the school day.

^{This image highlights how extra-depth shoes improve orthotic fit. The same orthotic is placed in both shoes, but notice how it sits much deeper in the one on the right—providing better comfort and stability for your child.}

Feature Two: Stable Base of Support. A stable base of support is crucial for children who wear orthotics. This feature helps maintain proper alignment and balance, reducing the risk of falls or injuries. A stable base ensures that the child’s foot is well-supported, which is essential for maintaining proper posture and walking mechanics.

^{On one side, you’ll see a shoe with a sturdy, supportive sole. On the other, a thin sole that lacks the cushioning and stability.}

Feature Three: Firm Heel Counters. Firm heel counters are a key feature in supportive shoes for orthotics. A firm heel counter stabilizes the foot and ankle, preventing excessive movement that can lead to discomfort or injury. This feature is especially important for active children who engage in various school activities.

^{One shoe features a firm, supportive heel counter that helps keep your child’s foot stable and properly aligned. The other has a soft, flimsy heel that offers little to no support.}

Feature Four: Supportive but Lightweight and Flexible. Supportive shoes don’t have to be heavy. In fact, lightweight and flexible shoes are often preferred for children as they allow for natural movement while still providing the necessary support.

^{When it comes to kids’ shoes, flexibility matters—but only in the right place. Shoes should bend at the ball of the foot, not through the arch or heel. The image below shows the difference between a properly flexible shoe and one that’s too flexible, which can lead to poor support and foot fatigue.}

Feature Five: Removable Insoles. Shoes with removable insoles are ideal for children who need orthotics. Removable insoles allow you to easily replace them with custom orthotics, ensuring a perfect fit. This

^{A close-up of a stylish pair of kids’ Mary Jane shoes designed for support and comfort, featuring removable insoles perfect for accommodating orthotics.}

Finding the right school shoes for orthotics doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Below are my top recommendations for 2025. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best School Shoes that Fit Orthotics in 2025

The shoes below offer both laces and Velcro, but keep in mind—shoelaces provide better support, stability, and a snugger fit with orthotics. Also, many schools require shoes in specific colors, typically black or brown.

1. 990v6 by New Balance

These all-black New Balance school sneakers are a top choice for kids who wear orthotics. They offer excellent support, come in wide and extra wide widths, and feature removable insoles for a customized fit.

Key Features

Order the shoe 990v6 by New Balance on Zappos or Amazon
Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Claire by Stride Rite

These Mary Jane school shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths, offering a comfortable fit and durable construction to keep your child’s feet supported and comfortable.

Key Features

Order the shoe Claire by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
Also available in brown and navy
Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
100% leather
Padded collar for comfort
Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes are top-rated school shoes for kids who wear orthotics. With their cushioned Fresh Foam midsoles, removable insoles, and availability in wide and extra wide widths, they offer the depth, support, and comfort orthotics need.

Key Features

Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
Padded collar for comfort
Velcro closure
I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Dirty Buck by Footmates

This shoe is perfect for kids who need more rugged, durable school shoes. Ideal for school uniforms, it’s a great option for kids who need both comfort and sophistication in an orthotic-friendly shoe.

Key Features

Order the shoe Bucky by Footmates on Amazon or Zappos
Available in medium and wide widths
Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
Lace-up design
I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes deliver premium comfort and support, making them a standout choice for school-aged kids who wear orthotics.

Key Features

Order the shoe 1906 by New Balance on the New Balance website
Available in medium and wide widths
ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
Padded collar and tongue
I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

The school shoes I’ve recommended are the absolute best when it comes to depth and orthotic compatibility. If you’re looking for shoes that can truly accommodate orthotics comfortably, you won’t find anything deeper or more suitable than these.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and so are their orthotic needs. If you’re unsure about which shoes to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s orthotics. As a shoe fitter with hands-on experience, I’m here to help you find the perfect fit. Personalized recommendations can make all the difference, ensuring that you choose shoes that will truly benefit your child’s foot health.

Not Sure What Shoe Size to Order?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In each shoe description, I note whether to size up by half or a full size to allow for proper growing room. Since you’ll be adding orthotics, you may need to go up a full size (about 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 cm) to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit.

Take advantage of my virtual shoe fitting service—it’s an easy way to measure your child’s shoe size from the comfort of your home. In the guide, I’ll walk you through how to find their exact foot length, determine whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and even assess if they have a high instep. It’s quick, simple, and can make all the difference in finding the right fit.

^{A child wearing a pair of black back-to-school shoes, perfectly fitted with orthotics inside—showcasing both comfort and support for all-day wear.}

Top Shoe Mistakes to Avoid with Orthotics

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is assuming that a shoe labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW) will automatically work with orthotics. While width is important, it’s not enough—you also need a shoe with extra depth to properly accommodate the orthotic and ensure a secure fit.

Another common misstep is sizing up too much to make room for the orthotic. Oversized shoes may seem like a quick fix, but they can actually cause more harm than good. When shoes are too long, your child’s feet slide around, leading to blisters, calluses, and even stability issues that increase the risk of trips and falls. A proper fit is key to both comfort and safety.

Bonus Resource: Everyday Sneakers for Kids Who Wear Orthotics

While school shoes are essential, having a pair of everyday sneakers that accommodate orthotics and work for gym class is equally important. Sneakers should be lightweight, flexible, and have a supportive design that meets the requirements of orthotics. These shoes are perfect for after-school activities, sports, and casual outings.