Can You Fit an Orthotic Inside Your Kids’ Sandals?
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Is the weather warming up, and you’re ready to switch your child into summer sandals? If your child has a foot condition like flat feet, weak ankles, or low muscle tone, wearing sneakers with orthotics all summer isn’t your only option. Many parents wonder: can orthotics actually fit inside kids’ sandals? The challenge is that most sandals are open and lack the structure needed to keep an insert securely in place, which is why traditional shoes are usually recommended for orthotic use. The good news: some orthopedic brands now design sandals with firm heel counters and supportive bases specifically to accommodate orthotics — so your child can stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing support.
What Is the Heel Counter of a Sandal?
The heel counter is the part of the sandal that wraps around the heel. It’s an essential component for providing stability and support — a firm one helps keep the foot in place and prevents excessive movement, which is exactly why it’s the deciding feature when choosing sandals for orthotics.
Why Shoe Inserts Don’t Work in Regular Sandals
Reason 1: Orthotics slide around inside open sandals. Without a shoe fully enclosing the foot, the orthotic can’t stay properly seated — which means your child loses the support and stability the insert is supposed to provide. Instead of helping, a loose orthotic can actually cause discomfort.
Reason 2: Regular sandals don’t offer real ankle support. Most are built with soft heel counters that bend too easily. A handful of sandals offer a bit of heel structure, but only genuine orthopedic sandals are built with the sturdy heel counter and structure needed to support your child’s ankle and heel.
Reason 3: Orthotics get wet in sandals. Once soaked, an orthotic can lose its shape, break down, or fall apart entirely — making it both ineffective and uncomfortable.
Watch: Can Orthotics Fit Inside Kids’ Sandals?
In this video, I answer the question directly, and walk through the specific features — firm heel counters, adjustable straps — that make a sandal genuinely orthotic-friendly. I also cover some of the best orthotic-friendly sandals currently available.
A Shoe Fitter’s Perspective: You Have Two Scenarios
So what should you actually look for this summer? It comes down to two situations.
Scenario 1: Your child’s foot condition genuinely requires wearing orthotics inside their sandals.
In this case, invest in a pair of orthopedic sandals. They’re not cheap, but they’re built specifically to accommodate an orthotic. If your doctor has recommended orthotics inside sandals specifically, or you simply want the peace of mind that your child’s feet are fully supported this summer, here are the orthopedic sandals I recommend.
Footlogics Arch-Up Kids Orthotic Sandal
An excellent choice for children with foot pain who need extra support during the summer months. Built-in biomechanical arch support, a deep heel cup, metatarsal support, and a shock-absorbing footbed work together to improve foot alignment, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and provide a more stable foundation for walking and running.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Built-in orthotic footbed with biomechanical arch support
- Deep heel cup and metatarsal support improve stability and foot alignment
- Triple adjustable Velcro straps for a secure and customized fit
- Lightweight cushioned outsole for all-day comfort
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
Betti and Pedro by Memo
Equipped with a robust support system — a firm heel counter and real arch support — that work together to guide the foot toward a healthier walking pattern, making this an excellent choice for kids with foot conditions 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
- Sizing tip: Size up a full size from your child’s current foot length, leaving about 0.3 inches of space between the toe and the end of the sandal. If that gap is smaller, go up one more size.
Orthopedic Sandals by Princepard
Firm heel counter, cushioned insoles, and adjustable straps, making this a solid choice for treating and preventing several foot conditions.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- 3 adjustable Velcro straps for easy on and off
- Long, firm heel counter helps improve stability and maintain correct foot posture
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
Agnes and Michael by Memo
These orthopedic sandals for kids 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
- Sizing tip: Size up a full size from your child’s current foot length, leaving about 0.3 inches of space between the toe and the end of the sandal. If that gap is smaller, go up one more size.
Scenario 2: Your child has a mild foot condition without ongoing foot or leg pain.
In this case, a regular supportive sandal with a substantial outsole may be enough. If this describes your child, here are my top picks.
Psyclone by Teva
These supportive sandals for foot pain feature a soft, contoured footbed and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
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 full size up from your child’s current foot length
Seaturtle by Kamik
A cushioned footbed and adjustable straps, in a lightweight, flexible design suited to active kids.
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
Mogami by Birkenstock
Birkenstock is known for its exceptional arch support, and the Mogami sandal is no exception. It features a contoured cork footbed that provides excellent support for kids with foot pain.
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
Newport by Keen
A supportive footbed and adjustable straps, with durable construction suited to everything from hiking to beach outings. One of my go-to sandals for kids with flat feet.
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
Hurricane by Teva
A lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit for kids dealing with foot pain.
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 full size up from your child’s current foot length. The strap pattern runs slightly snug.
Get in Touch with Any Questions
As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I understand the challenges parents face choosing the right footwear for their children. If you have questions or need personalized recommendations, reach out — I’m happy to help you find the right pair of sandals for your child’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes down to the heel counter and overall structure — orthopedic sandals are specifically engineered with a firm, stiff heel counter and supportive base, which regular sandals simply don’t have. That structural difference is what makes it possible to actually keep an orthotic in place, rather than the sandal just being labeled “supportive.”
Check the specific product first — not all orthopedic sandals are built to get wet, and a soaked orthotic can lose its shape or break down. If water play is part of your child’s routine, look specifically for quick-drying, water-friendly construction rather than assuming any orthopedic sandal will hold up.
Not necessarily. If your child isn’t experiencing ongoing foot or leg pain, a regular supportive sandal with a substantial outsole (like the picks in Scenario 2 above) is often enough. Save the orthopedic investment for kids whose condition genuinely requires the orthotic inside the sandal itself.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
This is so helpful. A friend found you in an online forum and shared your website with me. My son has really flat feet and complains about foot and leg pain, especially during the summer. I tried the Memo sandals with the orthotics my son has from Cascade and they worked great! The video was awesome too.
Hello Melissa,
I am happy to hear that you find the website informative! I will be here in case you have any questions.