Straight Last Shoes for Kids – Let’s Help Treat Your Child’s Foot Condition!
Has your child been diagnosed with a foot condition such as flat feet or metatarsus adductus and your medical professional recommends that you get a pair of straight lasts shoes? Straight last shoes are designed with a straight sole that does not curve inward or outward, which helps guide the feet into a straighter position. Most families are confused about where they can buy straight lasts shoes as children’s shoes don’t come labeled that way. I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes and my goal is to explain to you what qualifies as a straight last shoe and also provide you with a list of straight last shoes.
What Are Straight Last Shoes?
The “last” of the shoe is basically what determines the overall shape of the shoe. Shoes might have a straight or curved last. The main goal of wearing straight last shoes is basically to help keep the child’s feet in the correct position.
How to Identify a Straight Last Shoe?
If you want to determine the “last” of your child’s shoe, turn the shoe upside down and look at the outsole. Now, picture an imaginary line that runs from the center of the heel of the shoe to the center of the toe area of the shoe. Let me show you an image of the difference between a curved last shoe and a shoe with a straight last:
You need to stay away from shoes that have excessively curved lasts as this can aggravate your child’s foot problems. If your child has a foot condition and wears curved last shoes it might lead to your child placing an excessive amount of pressure on the outside of the foot.
What a Difference a Pair of Straight Last Shoes Can Make
When children have a foot condition —let’s say flat feet for example— the child’s foot posture is affected, and the feet might turn inwards or outwards. The correct pair of straight last shoes can help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait.
Key Benefits of Straight Last Shoes
Shoes that have a straight design help encourage a more neutral foot position, which also leads to improved stability and balance. By promoting proper alignment, enhancing stability, and providing comfort, these shoes can make a significant difference in a child’s life.
Enhance Your Child’s Stability and Balance
Straight last shoes offer better stability and balance by ensuring that the foot is properly aligned. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries, especially for toddlers just learning to walk. The straight design helps evenly distribute weight across the foot, reducing pressure on specific areas. This distribution prevents the development of calluses and other pressure-related issues.
Supports Correct Posture and Gait
Straight last shoes encourage a more natural walking pattern, which can lead to improved posture. Over time, this can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being. Proper posture supported by the right shoes can prevent back and joint issues, making physical activities more enjoyable and less strenuous.
Straight Last Shoes for Kids to Improve Posture and Prevent Pain
As a shoe fitter passionate about helping families find the right footwear, I encourage you to consider straight last shoes for your child and always seek personalized advice to ensure the best fit and support. The right footwear can lay a strong foundation for healthy foot development and overall well-being. 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.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best straight last shoe for children. 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 straight lasted 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 flat feet.
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 flat feet and overpronation. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.
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 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.
5. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These straight lasted shoes are ideal for kids with flat feet and overpronation, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. 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.
6. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another straight last shoe option 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.
7. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
These Asics straight last running shoes are ideal for kids who require extra stability and support. 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.
You can also access a larger selection of straight lasts shoes from a company called Markell. Known for their focus on orthopedic footwear, Markell straight last shoes are a trusted choice for many parents.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. As a shoe fitter, I recommend seeking personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape and specific needs. This personalized approach can make a significant difference in finding the right pair so feel free to contact me if you are unsure about which specific shoe might work best for your child’s feet.
Why Are Straight Last Shoes Hard to Find?
One common question is why straight last shoes are not as readily available as other types of footwear. The answer lies in the specialized nature of their design. Not all children require straight last shoes, so the demand is lower compared to standard footwear. Additionally, producing shoes with specific structural support requires more precision and expertise, which can limit availability.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids
1 Substantial Outsoles: This feature is going to provide a stable base of support at the medial arch and forefoot.
2 Firm Heel Counters: A firm heel counter is a vital feature in straight last shoes. It offers additional support to the heel, helping to keep the foot in place and reduce pronation.
3 Correct Amount of Flexibility: Despite their supportive structure, straight last shoes maintain a level of flexibility that allows natural foot movement. If you can bend your child’s shoes like a spiral then it’s highly likely that your kids’ shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support:
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
In today’s digital age, many parents opt to shop for shoes online. Keep in mind that for your child to get all of the benefits that the shoes have to offer you must order the shoes in the correct size. Before you order your child’s shoes you need to be sure whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. The instep height of your child’s feet also plays a role in which type of shoes your child can wear. I
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. This personalized advice can enhance the online shopping experience, ensuring that the shoes received are as close to a perfect fit as possible.
Common Foot Conditions That Straight Last Shoes Can Treat
Flat feet, in-toeing, and overpronation are some of the most common conditions that straight last shoes can help treat. Some children are also required to wear straight last shoes for metatarsus adductus.
Don’t wait for your child’s foot condition to resolve on its own. Some medical professionals advise parents to wait as the child might simply “outgrow” the condition. Many children’s foot problems do indeed resolve as the foot continues to develop. However, there is no evidence presented that a medical professional can predict which children will outgrow their conditions and which ones will not.
Trust your parental intuition if you notice something off about your child’s feet and/or walking gait. You know when there is something wrong with your child, and keep a close eye.
Hello,
I live in the UK and my daughter was diagnosed with left forefoot adductus. I have checked the NB website can’t find any shoes in her size 8.5. Are there any other shoes from other brands such Nike or Adidas you would recommend?
Thank you.
Hello,
You can look into the Saucony Cohesion or a couple of Asics styles, but the Asics will work as long as your daughter has narrow or medium width feet. Do you know whether your daughter has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet?
Hi Juan,
Thank you so much. She has wide feet.
I am limited to the selection of shoes I can access in the UK, but if she has wide feet I suggest sticking to New Balance or Saucony. Asics won’t work.