Shoes that Help Children Balance – What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!
Is your child struggling with balance? While issues with vision, proprioception, or the vestibular system may be to blame, foot imbalances—such as flat feet—are often overlooked. As a seasoned shoe fitter, I’ve helped many children improve their stability with the right pair of shoes. I’ll share the best shoes that help children balance, especially those with foot-related challenges. Supportive footwear can make a big difference in your child’s coordination, posture, and confidence with every step.
Can Foot Problems Affect Balance?
Healthy, strong feet are essential to help your child balance when standing, walking, or running. There are certain foot conditions such as flat feet, weak ankles, or low muscle tone (just to name a few), that can create a foot imbalance.
The foot’s role in helping the child’s whole body balance usually goes unnoticed. Think about it. Our feet have to constantly balance our whole body, and if there is a foot imbalance, there will be a postural imbalance of the whole body.
What Is Causing Your Child’s Imbalance?
Children with flat feet or high arches often struggle with balance, especially when weight is unevenly distributed—like pressing too much on the inner ball of the foot. This imbalance can lead to foot issues. While orthotics are commonly recommended to correct weight distribution, I suggest first ensuring your child is wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes before turning to orthotics.
Can Shoes Improve Your Child’s Balance?
Shoes with a stable base, firm heel counters, straight lasts, and a lightweight, flexible design can significantly enhance your child’s walking and running mechanics. They promote better alignment, improve balance, and evenly distribute body weight—maximizing cushioning and minimizing impact with every step. This combination of features helps keep your child moving comfortably and confidently.
What a Difference the Correct Pair of Shoes Can Make!
My First Step in Helping Children Balance: Wear the Correct Shoe Size
The toes play a key role in walking and balance—just like when you walk barefoot and your toes naturally grip the ground. However, if your child wears shoes that are too short or narrow, it limits this natural movement and affects balance. Make sure their shoes offer rounded toe-boxes and extra depth to allow toes to move freely. I designed a virtual shoe fitting service that lets you easily discover your child’s exact shoe size right from the comfort of home.
My Second Step Helping Children Balance: Shoe Weight
Shoe weight plays a big role in your child’s balance and comfort. The lighter the shoe, the less effort your child needs to lift their feet, making walking and running feel easier and more natural. Look for shoes that strike the right balance—supportive enough to protect their feet, but still lightweight and flexible to keep them moving freely.
My Third Step Helping Children Balance: Supportive and Lightweight Shoes
Shoes with a stable base, firm heel counters, straight lasts, and a lightweight, flexible design can make a big difference in your child’s movement. This combination of features supports proper alignment, enhances walking and running mechanics, and significantly boosts balance and stability with every step.
My Fourth Step Helping Children Balance: Shoelaces VS Velcro closure
Did you know that shoes with shoelaces provide better support and stability than those with Velcro? While it can be tricky to manage laces with younger kids, the extra effort is worth it—shoelaces “hug” the foot more securely, helping your child feel more stable and balanced when walking or running.
Shoes that Help Children Balance – Improve Balance and Coordination
As a shoe fitter, I’ve curated a list of kids’ athletic shoes that excel in supporting balance and coordination. Here are my top picks for 2025. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes that help balance. 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
- 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 getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These are the best orthopedic shoes for balance and they 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 foot conditions.
Key Features
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Also available in a Mary Jane style
- I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’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 who struggle with balance.
Key Features
- 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 getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for toddlers with balance issues. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- 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
- I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that toddlers can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while helping children with their balance. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- 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
- I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for balance are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Are Any Other Shoe Recommendations Available?
For specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s foot posture and condition, feel free to reach out. Properly fitting your child with shoes that cater to their unique needs can make a substantial difference in their daily life.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Balance and Coordination Problems?
Recognizing the signs of balance and coordination issues early on can help you take proactive steps. Here are some indicators that your child might be dealing with these problems:
- Frequent tripping or falling
- Difficulty walking in a straight line
- Trouble with activities that require balance, like jumping or hopping
- Reluctance to participate in physical activities
Choosing the right shoes for your child isn’t just about style—it’s about safety too. The right footwear can significantly reduce falls and injuries, but with so many shoes designed more for fashion than function, it’s crucial to be selective and prioritize supportive, well-designed options for your child’s feet.
