
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best kids’ shoes for orthotics.
Are you having a hard time finding pair of shoes to accommodate your child’s orthotics? Have you tried several different shoes but none of them seem to be deep or wide enough to fit your kids’ orthotics? I have put together a selection of the best kids’ shoes for orthotics that I will show you shortly.
If your child has been diagnosed with flat feet, overpronation, rolled ankles, or any other foot condition that requires wearing an orthotic inside the shoes, you need to find shoes that provide good support and are capable of accommodating the orthotic at the same time.
There is only a small selection of shoes that work with orthotics, but the good news is that I will help you find them.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now that specializes in children with foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. We carry some of the most supportive children’s shoes and orthotics, and I am familiar with which shoe brands and which shoe styles are capable of accommodating orthotics.

Orthotics can improve your children’s posture tremendously by preventing their feet from collapsing and aligning the feet and legs, helping them walk and run straighter. However, if your child’s orthotics are fitted in the wrong pair of shoes, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!
One of the most common reasons why children need to wear orthotics is from having overpronation due to flat feet. When children are flat-footed, their feet collapse, which throws their whole body out of alignment.
Let’s take a picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Does it look familiar?

Let’s take a look at the results of the same child wearing the same orthotic but in a pair of unsupportive shoes. Do you notice how the feet are still collapsing and turning inwards?

Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes and orthotics. Do you notice how straighter the feet are?

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Fitting Orthotics?
Orthotics take a lot of extra space inside the shoes, so the shoes need to provide extra depth and be available in different widths such as wide (W) and extra wide widths (XW), as this allows for extra space for the orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes.
The depth of the shoes plays a key role, as it’s important for the orthotics to fit deeply inside your kids’ shoes to not give your child the impression that their feet are coming out of the shoes.
Let me show you what a tremendous difference a shoe that provides extra depth can make.
Below is a picture of an orthotic fitted in a pair of shoes that provide extra depth (image on the right) and a pair of shoes that don’t provide extra depth (image on the left). Do you notice how much deeper the orthotic is fitting inside the shoe on the right?

These are the type of shoes I will recommend below, but before I provide you with a selection of the best kids’ shoes for orthotics shortly, let’s first take a look at what features these shoes provide.
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics – The 5 Most Important Features!
These are the 5 most important features that the shoes I recommend provide:
✅ Extra Depth: This feature allows the orthotic to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevent your kids’ feet from being raised by the orthotics.

✅ Substantial Outsole: The shoes must provide a substantial outsole to hold the orthotic in place and reduce the impact that your child’s feet and legs take every time they become in contact with the ground. Let me show you the difference in support between one of the shoes I recommend and a different shoe:

✅ Firm Heel Counter: The shoes must come with a firm heel counter to help the orthotic provide good ankle support. Shoes that come with a firm heel counter help strengthen and straighten your kids’ ankles. Let’s take a look at the difference between a shoe that provides a firm heel counter and one that doesn’t:

✅ Flexible and Lightweight: The shoes must be supportive, but lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.

✅ Rounder Toe-Box: This feature is going to prevent the orthotic from poking a hole in the front of the shoes.

I only write reviews of shoes that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best kids’ shoes for orthotics. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please note that all of the shoes below are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW).
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot fresh foam
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- TPU heel clip for stability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium feet
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
To allow for growing room, I highly recommend that parents order these shoes half a size larger than their child’s current foot size. This translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes. However, you should strongly consider providing your child with a whole size larger to allow the orthotic to fit correctly inside of the shoes. This translates to 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.
I always recommend a pair of shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure for children who wear orthotics, as shoelaces help keep the orthotic in place. Shoelaces also provide better support and stability, and they will push your kids’ heels back supporting and securing them against the back of the shoes.
There is a specific shoe lacing technique that I like to use for children who wear orthotics. You can learn about this shoe lacing technique in the article below:
How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
For parents to order the correct shoe size online, they need to be 100% sure of their child’s foot size. This leads me to this next question: Are you 100% sure that you know your child’s exact foot size?
I always recommend parents to take their kids to be properly fitted for shoes at the local shoe store that they trust, where a shoe fitter can properly measure their feet and find shoes that fit. However, not all parents have a good fitting children’s shoe store in their area. That is the reason why I decided to create a resource where I describe the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where to Go for Proper Fittings!
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If after looking at the resource you still can’t seem to find a kids’ shoe store in your area, then proceed to read an article I created where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
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.

Now that you know which are the best kids’ shoes for orthotics, you are ready to make the most informed decision.
Not Sure What Orthotic to Order for Your Child? – Let’s Find Out!
I have fitted several different types of orthotics through the years, but there is a particular one that I have found to be the most effective one when it comes to treating and preventing flat feet, rolled ankles, and overpronation. This orthotic also makes a tremendous difference in improving a child’s overall posture.
The reason I recommend this particular orthotic is that it provides excellent arch and heel support, and at the same time is not as invasive as other orthotics. This means that this orthotic allows the child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own while supporting them.
If you are unsure about which orthotic to get for your child, you should read an article along with a video I created where I describe the best orthotics for children. Go to the link below:
The Best Orthotics for Kids – The Most Effective Way to Correct Your Child’s Overpronation
In that article I describe the orthotic I was telling you about which provides optimal arch support, comes with a heel cup to help strengthen and straighten your child’s ankles, and it’s made from comfortable materials. The video will also help you visualize how you can fit the orthotics inside your kids’ shoes.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a different pair of shoes other than sneakers to fit your child’s orthotics:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you tried a particular shoe style that has worked well in accommodating your child’s orthotics? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
My 15-month-old son has a leg length discrepancy and we use an insole for him. Could you please suggest a deep comfortable shoe with laces for him?
Hello Husain,
Here are my recommendations:
Deep Shoe with Shoelaces: Option 1
Deep Shoe with Shoelaces: Option 2
Please note that both of these shoe styles are available in different widths (medium, wide, and extra wide), so choose your child’s shoe width accordingly.
I hope this helps.
I forgot to mention to please don’t forget to remove the original sole of the shoes before placing the orthotic.
My son’s shoe size is 4, he has extra digits on both feet and having a hard time finding shoes which will SMO’s.
Hello Shkhan,
Have you tried any of the New Balance shoe styles that I recommend?
Extra Wide Shoe for SMO’s – Option 1
Extra Wide Shoe for SMO’s – Option 2
I hope this helps!
Looking for hi top sandas not gladiators there to hi up and he tear them up
He wear hi top always so he will leave them on any other take them off no valco buckle or lace only i dont know if there is a shoes like that!?
Hello Shirley,
I want to make sure I am understanding correctly. You are looking for a high top sandal for your boy with no Velcro or shoelaces. Am I understanding correctly? What is your son’s shoe size?
Hi, my son currently wears New Balance KV519v1I shoes with orthotics because of inward feet (he is 3 years old). Are you familiar with this model? Could you recommend me another one I can try ? This model is working fine but I would like to buy another pair. Is it ok with no shoe laces? Thank you so much for all the valuable info you provide
Hello Maria,
Yes, I am familiar with that shoe style and it doesn’t provide the same amount of support as other New Balance kids’ shoes.
In order for your son to get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer I recommend providing him with a pair of shoelaces instead of Velcro closure. Shoelaces will provide better support and stability, and will also keep the orthotic in place.
Since your son is already wearing a pair of shoes with Velcro closure, I recommend that you provide him with a pair of shoes with shoelaces so you can see the difference for yourself.
Here are the styles that I recommend:
New Balance shoe for orthotics: Option 1
New Balance shoe for orthotics: Option 2
I hope this helps.
Hello! My son is 12 with slight pronation. We had him in shoes with laces but he cannot tie them properly (he is special needs) and the teachers at school have refused to help him or tie them for him. He started falling a lot due to this and tripping on his laces so we switched him back to velcro. He is currently using some New Balance with Velcro. He starts middle school next week and we thought insoles for the pronation would be a good idea for him and were planning on getting another pair of the Velcro New Balance for P.E. We fear him getting hurt with laces that are not properly tied. I see you recommend against Velcro shoes, do you have any suggestions for our situation? If he won’t benefit from the insoles in Velcro shoes will he be better off without them? This is strictly for PE where I cannot make sure he has tied his laces properly.
Hello Deanna,
In this case I agree with you that your son will benefit from wearing a pair Velcro shoes over one with shoelaces. I recommend that he still wears the orthotics in his Velcro shoes. I want to make sure that the pair of Velcro shoes that he wears are supportive, otherwise he won’t benefit from wearing an orthotic. The shoes need to provide a substantial sole, a firm heel counter, and be lightweight and flexible at the same time. There are two particular styles that I recommend:
Supportive Velcro Shoe for Orthotics: Option 1
Supportive Velcro Shoe for Orthotics: Option 2
I hope this helps!
Thank you so much for your help! He is currently using the second option and it’s what I was thinking of getting him.
You are welcome. Please keep me updated on how your son is doing.
Thank you so much. The New Balance velcro model was recommended by the Shoe Train store. I will follow your recommendation this time even though this will be my son’s first pair of shoes with laces. Thanks again!!!
Hello Maria,
That is one of the best fitting children’s shoe stores in the country. I am actually located in Bethesda, Maryland. Please let me know how the shoes work out for your son, and I also will be happy to assess your child’s feet personally.
Sorry, me again. Any other suggestions for shoes to wear with orthotics. I am trying to look for your recommendations but I can not find my son’s size 9.5W in red. Any other brands?
Hello Maria,
The biggest selection of kids’ shoes with shoelaces starts at 10.5 and above. Here is another shoe style that I recommend:
Saucony Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics: Option 1
Saucony Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics: Option 2
I hope this helps!
Thank you! Where we can find you? It would be great if you can personally measure my child’s feet
Hello Maria,
Email me at: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Hello Juan,
We are based in Europe. Our daughter aged 2.5 has muscular dystrophy and is hyperpronated. She is still on her feet and wearing heel orthotics (although she eventually will have to move to AFOs).
Do you have any recommendations for shoes that will work with these and for her – she needs a lot of support due to weaking muscles around her feet and ankles. Her foot length is 16.5cm/US9/26cm.
Thanks you.
Hello Clare,
I am happy to recommend specific shoes for your daughter but can you please specify from which country you are contacting me? This will help me determine what specific shoes are available in your area.
Sure, thank you Juan. We are in Ireland!
Hello Clare,
I don’t have access to see what specific shoe styles are available in Ireland. However, I suggest that you take a look at this resource to check if those specific shoe styles are available in your area:
Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear Only One AFO – Save Time and Money
ok thanks Juan!
Hi Juan, thanks for replying. We are based in Ireland.