Best Shoes for Kids with High Arches – Extra Cushion and Extra Depth
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
If your child has been diagnosed with high arches — also known as cavus foot — finding the right shoes is one of the most important things you can do for their daily comfort and long-term foot health. High arches cause uneven weight distribution across the foot, which leads to pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, ankle instability, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I have helped hundreds of families with children with high arches find shoes that reduce pain, improve stability, and allow their child to stay active. In this guide I will explain what high arches mean for your child’s feet, which shoe features matter most, and give you my top 10 recommendations — all personally tested and verified.
What Are High Arches?
High arches occur when the arch of the foot is raised significantly more than normal. Instead of the foot making contact with the ground across the full arch area, a child with high arches bears weight primarily on the heel and ball of the foot — with little or no contact in the middle.
High arches can be hereditary — meaning they simply run in the family — or they can develop as a result of neurological conditions. Regardless of the cause, the foot mechanics are the same: reduced shock absorption, increased pressure on specific areas, and a higher risk of ankle instability.
What Does a High Arch Look Like?
Not all high arches look the same. Some children have mildly elevated arches while others have very pronounced cavus foot. The key visual sign is a very visible gap between the inner edge of the foot and the ground when the child stands — the arch lifts significantly rather than being close to flat.
High arches are often accompanied by high insteps — meaning the top middle part of the foot is also elevated. This combination makes finding shoes that fit without rubbing or pinching across the top of the foot a significant challenge.
Common Problems Associated with High Arches
1. Ankle Instability and Frequent Sprains The foot’s natural tendency to supinate (roll outward) means the ankle is more vulnerable to rolling inward. Children with high arches sprain their ankles more frequently than children with neutral arches — and this instability can affect their confidence in physical activities.
2. Heel and Ball of Foot Pain Because the arch does not make full ground contact, the heel and ball of the foot absorb almost all of the impact during walking and running. Over time this leads to significant pain in both areas — and in some children, plantar fasciitis.
3. Calluses and Corns Excess pressure on the heel and ball of the foot causes callus formation. Children with high arches also tend to develop hammertoes or claw toes over time — the toes begin to curl downward as the foot’s mechanics compensate for the elevated arch.
4. Difficulty Finding Shoes That Fit Standard shoe designs are not built for the volume of a high arch combined with a high instep. Many children with high arches report that shoes feel too tight across the top of the foot — even when the length is correct. Extra depth is the feature that solves this problem.
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 Features to Look for in Shoes for Kids with High Arches
High arches require a completely different shoe approach from flat feet. While flat feet need stability and motion control, high arches need cushioning, depth, and lateral support. Here are the three features I look for:
1. Substantial Cushioning in the Midsole and Heel The most critical feature for high arches. Since the arch does not absorb shock naturally, the shoe must do the work instead. Look for shoes with a plush, well-cushioned midsole — not a firm, rigid one. Press on the midsole from the side — it should feel responsive and cushioned, not rock-hard.
2. Extra Depth Extra depth allows the foot to sit lower inside the shoe without the instep pressing against the upper. This eliminates the top-of-foot rubbing that children with high arches experience in standard-depth shoes. It also makes the shoe much easier to get on and off. This is the feature most parents overlook — and it makes the biggest difference for daily comfort.
3. Firm Heel Counter Press on the back of the shoe. It should feel rigid and firm. A firm heel counter stabilizes the calcaneus and prevents the ankle from rolling outward — directly addressing the instability risk associated with high arches.
The 10 Best Shoes for Kids with High Arches
All 10 shoes below provide extra cushioning, extra depth, and firm heel counters that I have personally verified for children with high arches. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
My top overall recommendation for children with high arches. The 990v6 combines the deepest construction of any mainstream children’s shoe with excellent cushioning and a firm heel counter — addressing all three key features for high arches in a single shoe. The higher price is the most common concern, but for children who genuinely need this level of support and depth, the investment is justified.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
A true orthopedic shoe specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The Gabi features a deep construction and rigid heel counter — my top recommendation for toddlers and little kids with significant high arches who need clinical-grade support. The higher price is often justified by the results.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Accommodates medium and wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- High-top design with stiff heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
A high-top bootie that provides excellent ankle support alongside extra depth — particularly beneficial for toddlers with high arches and high insteps. The high-top design gives extra lateral ankle stability that reduces the outward rolling risk associated with high arches. The 100% leather construction molds to the foot over time.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- 100% leather construction
- High-top design provides extra ankle support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
A more affordable alternative that still delivers extra depth, cushioned midsole, and a firm heel counter. Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths with the APMA Seal of Acceptance — a solid, versatile everyday option for children with high arches.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
A durable high-top boot with extra depth and sturdy construction. The high-top design provides additional ankle stability — particularly important for children with high arches who are prone to ankle rolling. Slightly heavier than my other recommendations, worth noting for children who fatigue easily.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-friendly construction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
An affordable option for little and big kids with good cushioning and a breathable mesh upper. Available in Velcro and lace versions at a very accessible price point — one of my most recommended budget-friendly options for children with high arches.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters and stable base of support
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
A lightweight, plush everyday sneaker with Fresh Foam cushioning that provides excellent shock absorption — ideal for children with high arches whose heel and ball of the foot bear significantly more impact than normal. Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Semi-firm heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style 2002/1906 by New Balance
A more affordable alternative to the 990v6 that still provides excellent depth and cushioning. Works well for school and everyday wear for children who need extra depth and cushioning without the premium price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
A basketball-inspired high-top shoe that offers excellent ankle support and cushioning. Unlike most Adidas styles, the Cross Em Up has enough depth and structure to work for children with high arches — particularly for older children who want a sports-appropriate look.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
A running shoe with excellent gel cushioning that is particularly well-suited for children with narrow or medium feet and high arches. The Asics gel technology absorbs shock at the heel and ball of the foot — directly addressing the two pressure points that high arches create. One of the few straight last options I recommend for children with narrow feet.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates narrow or medium feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Do High Arches Cause High Insteps?
Yes — and this is one of the most important things to understand when shoe shopping. A high arch almost always comes with a high instep — meaning the top middle part of the foot is elevated. This means the foot has more volume overall, and standard-depth shoes will feel too tight across the top even when the length and width are correct.
The solution is always extra depth — not going up in shoe size. All 10 shoes I recommend above have been verified by me to accommodate high insteps without rubbing or pinching.
What Parents Are Saying
Families consistently report that the shoes I recommend are the first ones their child has been able to wear comfortably without the top of the foot rubbing. Many note improvements in their child’s ankle stability and willingness to stay active.
Should My Child Also Wear Orthotics?
For some children, supportive shoes alone may not be sufficient — particularly for children with severe high arches or those experiencing significant pain despite wearing the correct shoes. Orthotics can provide additional lateral forefoot support and cushioning tailored specifically to the cavus foot shape.
I always recommend trying the correct supportive shoes first before investing in orthotics. Many families see significant improvement from shoes alone. For children who need the next level of support, consult your child’s podiatrist or physical therapist.
Looking for Supportive Sandals?
For warmer months, I have a dedicated guide on the best sandals for kids with high arches: Best Sandals for Kids with High Arches
How to Find the Right Shoe Size
Getting the correct shoe size is just as important as choosing the correct shoe. For children with high arches and high insteps, I also recommend confirming foot width before ordering — many children with high arches have narrower feet than average, which affects which styles will fit best.
I offer a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact foot length, width, and instep height from home: Learn How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Here
Need a Personalized Recommendation?
Every child with high arches presents differently. If you are unsure which shoe is right for your child’s specific foot shape, instep height, or orthotic needs, reach out to me directly at customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com and I will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three features matter most: substantial cushioning in the midsole and heel, extra depth to accommodate the high instep, and a firm heel counter for ankle stability. Avoid shoes with thin, flat midsoles — these provide no shock absorption for the elevated pressure points that high arches create.
Yes — almost always. A high arch elevates the middle of the foot and increases overall foot volume, which means the top of the foot is also higher than normal. Extra depth is the most important feature to look for when shopping for children with both high arches and high insteps.
Yes. The reduced shock absorption of a high arch places excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, which leads to pain — particularly after prolonged walking or running. In some children this can progress to plantar fasciitis. The right shoes significantly reduce this pressure.
If your child is experiencing regular foot pain, frequent ankle sprains, or difficulty walking after prolonged activity — despite wearing supportive shoes — it is worth consulting a podiatrist or physical therapist. Surgery is rarely needed and should only be considered after exhausting shoe and orthotic options.
Every child’s foot is different — if none of the options above feel quite right, leave a comment below with your child’s measurements and I will do my best to help. I read and respond to every comment.
