Shoes for Children with High Arches – Extra Cushion and Extra Depth!
High arches, also known as cavus foot, occur when the arch of the foot is raised more than normal. This condition can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to foot pain, instability, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. As a passionate shoe fitter who has been working with children’s footwear since 2013, I understand the challenges and concerns parents face. In addition to making it more challenging to find shoes that fit, high arches can bring other complications such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain) or ankle sprains.
What Causes High Arches?
High arches can be hereditary or develop due to neurological conditions, but regardless of the cause, the right shoes can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort and mobility.
How Does a Foot with a High Arch Looks Like?
Many parents may not even be aware that their child has high arches until complaints of discomfort arise. Below you can find images of children with high arches. You will notice that not all arches are the same, some children have higher arches than others.
The Complications of Having High Arches
There are several problems associated with having high arches, but these are the two most common ones that might affect your child:
1. Instability and Pain: Increased risk of ankle sprains is a significant concern, as the foot’s natural tendency to roll outward can lead to frequent injuries. This instability can also contribute to a lack of confidence in physical activities, which may hinder a child’s ability to participate in sports or play.
2. Calluses and Corns: Resulting from pressure points, these can become painful over time and may require medical treatment. Preventing them with the right footwear is much easier than treating them once they have formed. Keep an eye on your child’s toes since children with high arches also tend to develop hammertoes or claw toes.
What Role Do Shoes Play for Children with High Arches?
Shoes that cater to high arches can help balance the foot’s pressure points, facilitating better alignment and reducing the risk of injury. Supportive shoes can also help improve your child’s foot posture and gait.
Key Shoe Features for Kids with High Arches
1. Cushioning: Ample cushioning in the midsole and heel area can absorb shock and provide comfort during activities. Cushioned shoes help to mitigate the impact that high arches can place on the foot, reducing pain and discomfort during movement.
2. Firm Heel Counters: This is the part of the shoe that provides ankle and heel support. Shoes with a wide base and firm heel counter provide stability and help prevent ankle rolling, which is a common issue for children with high arches.
3. Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part (instep) of their feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
Now that you know what features to look for, let’s look at the best running shoes for high arches that can accommodate kids with different foot shapes such as medium, wide, or extra wide feet. 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 Shoes for High Arches to Improve Posture and Prevent Pain
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is an excellent choice for kids with high arches due to its superior support and cushioning The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available in pink and navy blue.
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing high arches.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with high arches. The shoe features a cushioned insole and flexible outsole, perfect for supporting high arches.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers.
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. With its padded collar and supportive midsole, this shoe is well-suited for high-arched feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
The Saucony Cohesion features a breathable mesh upper and cushioned outsole, providing comfort and support for high arches. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This shoe’s fresh foam midsole offers plush cushioning, ideal for kids with high arches. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for kids with high arches at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support and stability for kids with high arches. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support, and is one of the best running shoes for high arches. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids.
- Fits narrow or medium feet.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Personalized Shoe Recommendations from a Shoe Fitter
As a shoe fitter, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families find the perfect shoes for their children. A professional fitting can ensure that you choose shoes with the right support and fit for your child’s unique foot shape and needs. If visiting a store is not an option, do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes to accommodate your child’s high arches.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
Many families have shared their success stories in finding the right shoes for their children with high arches. These testimonials highlight the importance of proper footwear in improving a child’s quality of life. By investing in the right shoes, parents can ensure their children remain active and pain-free.
The Importance of Orthotics
For some children, supportive shoes may not be enough to improve their posture and prevent pain. Orthotics can provide additional arch support and cushioning tailored to your child’s foot structure. They are particularly beneficial for children with severe high arches or those experiencing significant discomfort despite wearing supportive shoes.
Can High Arches Cause Foot Pain?
Yes, high arches can indeed cause foot pain. The increased pressure on certain parts of the foot can lead to discomfort, particularly during physical activities. Children may complain of soreness in the heel or ball of the foot, and in some cases, high arches can contribute to more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Do High Arches Cause High Insteps?
Yes, high arches can lead to higher insteps, which is the top part of the foot. A high instep can make it difficult to find shoes that fit well, as many standard shoe designs may be too tight.
It’s important to look for shoes that accommodate this feature to ensure comfort and proper support. Shoes with adjustable closures, like laces or Velcro, can provide a more customized fit, ensuring the shoe doesn’t pinch or squeeze the foot.
What Are the Best Sandals for Kids with High Arches?
I created a different resource that describes the best summer shoes for children with high arches.
I know that in certain cases surgery might be recommended to help treat high arches that lead to pain and lack of stability. It’s important to try to avoid a more invasive option by trying the correct type of shoes and orthotics first.
Have you found a particular shoe that has been effective in accommodating your child’s high arches? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
