Shoes That Help Kids with Balance and Coordination Problems

September 7, 2026 The Best Children's Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

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 real 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. Certain foot conditions — flat feet, weak ankles, or low muscle tone, just to name a few — can create a foot imbalance.

Image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
A child with flat feet standing barefoot.

The foot’s role in helping the body balance usually goes unnoticed. Think about it: our feet constantly balance our whole body, and if there’s a foot imbalance, there will be a postural imbalance throughout the rest of the body too.

What Is Causing Your Child’s Imbalance?

Children with flat feet or high arches often struggle with balance, especially when weight is distributed unevenly — like pressing too much on the inner ball of the foot. While orthotics are commonly recommended to correct weight distribution, I suggest first making sure your child is wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes before turning to orthotics.

Child with stability issues falling down from wearing shoes that are too big.
A young child dealing with stability issues.

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.

What a Difference the Correct Pair of Shoes Can Make

toddler-with-flat-feet
A child standing barefoot, displaying clear signs of flat feet and weak ankles. Notice how the arches have collapsed and the ankles roll inward — an indication of poor alignment that can affect balance, posture, and overall mobility.
toddler-wearing-supportive-shoes
The same child wearing a pair of the recommended shoes. Notice how much straighter the feet and ankles appear — the substantial outsole and firm heel counter provide the structure needed to support better alignment and significantly improve foot posture.

Four Key Factors That Affect a Child’s Balance

Factor One: Wearing the Correct Shoe Size. The toes play a key role in walking and balance, just like when a child walks barefoot and their toes naturally grip the ground. 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 so toes can move freely. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that lets you easily determine your child’s exact shoe size from home.

Factor Two: Shoe Weight. Shoe weight plays a real 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 enough to keep them moving freely.

Factor Three: Overall Support and Structure. Beyond weight alone, a stable base, firm heel counters, and straight lasts work together to support proper alignment, enhance walking and running mechanics, and meaningfully boost balance and stability with every step.

Factor Four: Shoelaces vs. Velcro. Shoes with shoelaces provide better support and stability than those with velcro. While it can be trickier to manage laces with younger kids, the extra effort is often worth it — laces “hug” the foot more securely, helping your child feel more stable and balanced when walking or running.

Shoes That Help Children Balance — My Top Picks

As a shoe fitter, I’ve curated a list of kids’ athletic shoes that excel in supporting balance and coordination. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

One more reminder before you shop: while some growing room is important, leaving too much extra space in the toe box can work against you here. A shoe with excessive growing room lets the foot slide around inside, which can actually make balance worse rather than better — so aim for a proper fit, not just a bigger size “to make it last longer.” To be clear, this isn’t at odds with the sizing tips below — a half to full size up (as recommended for each shoe) is the kind of reasonable, intentional growing room these styles are built for. The problem comes from sizing up well beyond that recommendation, or buying a size larger “just in case,” which leaves more room than the shoe’s design can actually stabilize.

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

  • 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

Gabi and Alvin 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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

2002/1906 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for balance are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

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

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Balance and Coordination Problems?

Recognizing the signs of balance and coordination issues early can help you take proactive steps. Watch for:

  • 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 worth being selective and prioritizing supportive, well-designed options for your child’s feet.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child’s balance issues are foot-related versus something like vision or vestibular problems?

It’s often a combination, which is exactly why foot-related causes get overlooked. If supportive shoes noticeably improve your child’s stability within a few weeks, that’s a good sign the foot was at least part of the picture. If balance issues persist despite proper footwear, it’s worth having your child evaluated by a pediatrician, since vision, proprioception, or vestibular issues may be playing a larger role.

Should I try orthotics before or after switching to supportive shoes?

I generally recommend starting with properly fitted, genuinely supportive shoes first, and monitoring for improvement before adding orthotics. Many balance issues improve significantly with the right shoe alone, without needing an orthotic insert on top.

How long does it typically take to see improvement in balance after switching shoes?

This varies by child and by the underlying cause, but many parents notice a difference in stability and confidence within a few weeks of consistent wear. If there’s no noticeable change after a month or so, it’s worth discussing with a pediatrician to rule out other contributing factors.

My child resists wearing laced shoes and prefers velcro — is it worth the fight?

It depends on how much support your child actually needs. For a child with more significant balance concerns, the extra stability laces provide can be worth the daily effort. For milder cases, a well-made velcro shoe with a firm heel counter can still offer meaningful support, even if it’s not quite as secure as a properly tied lace.