The Best Shoes for Kids with Hypermobility – Extra Arch and Ankle Support!
Has your child been diagnosed with hypermobility (HJS) and requires supportive shoes? Are you unsure about which kids’ shoes provide better support than others? As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I have seen firsthand how the right supportive shoes can transform the daily lives of children with hypermobility. From better posture to increased confidence, the impact is tangible and often immediate.
Hypermobility is a condition where joints move beyond the normal range of motion. This can lead to pain, fatigue, and instability, especially in young children who are still growing and developing. Due to the excessive movement in their joints, children with hypermobility often face challenges with coordination and balance, which can affect their ability to participate in physical activities or sports.
My Experience Fitting Hypermobile Children in Supportive Shoes
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now, and I know for a fact that the correct types of shoes are not only going to help improve your child’s posture and stability, but will also help decrease your child’s fatigue.
Effective Ways to Help Treat Your Child’s Hypermobility
To treat your child’s hypermobility, you will need to help your child maintain good posture. This can be accomplished through exercises, but the correct type of shoes and orthotics are the most effective ways to improve your child’s overall posture. Providing your child with supportive shoes is an absolute must.
Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes
Before and after images can be a powerful tool in understanding the benefits of supportive footwear. Many children show improved posture and foot alignment with the right shoes, which can be clearly documented through photographic evidence.
These images often reveal how supportive footwear can transform a child’s stance, reducing the stress on joints and improving overall stability.
Key Features of Shoes for Kids with Hypermobility
Your children’s shoes must provide the correct amount of support and they must also fit properly. These are the most important features that the shoes I recommend provide that make them the most effective ones for treating hypermobility and preventing foot and leg pain:
1. Ankle/Heel Support: Offers stability and helps in controlling excessive foot motion. It keeps the heel in place, reducing the risk of ankle sprains and promoting a more natural walking pattern.
2. Cushioned Insoles: Provide comfort and reduce impact stress on the joints. They absorb shock, which is particularly beneficial for children who participate in sports or are very active.
3. Lightweight/Flexible: While we want the shoes to be supportive, we also need them to be lightweight and flexible at the same time. This will prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.
By providing stability and comfort, these shoes help children move more confidently and comfortably, enhancing their overall quality of life. 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.
Best Shoes for Kids with Hypermobility
By providing stability and comfort, these shoes help children move more confidently and comfortably, enhancing their overall quality of life.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is one of the best shoes for hypermobility. 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 shoes are specifically designed to improve foot posture and gait. 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 hypermobility. 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 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with flat feet and hypermobility. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- 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.
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. 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.
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes are ideal for children with hypermobility, 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.
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- 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.
- 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.
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is also one of the best sneakers for hypermobility 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.
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids with hypermobility. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice 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.
Please note that children with hypermobile joints don’t need as much growing room. If you leave too much growing room in your kids’ shoes, your child won’t get the full support that the shoes have to offer and you will also be compromising your child’s stability.
Determining the correct shoe size is crucial, especially for children with hypermobility. Shoes that are too big can cause tripping, while those that are too small can exacerbate discomfort.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
A shoe that fits well is crucial to reaping the full benefits of supportive shoes. An incorrect size can negate all the supportive features, leading to discomfort and potential exacerbation of the child’s condition. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size and foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) from home.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Finding the right shoe involves considering your child’s foot shape and the severity of their condition. Each child is unique, and their footwear should reflect their individual needs. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will help you find a different pair of shoes for your child.
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
Many families have seen remarkable improvements in their children’s comfort and mobility after switching to supportive shoes. Here are a few testimonials:
Can Your Child Benefit from Wearing an Orthotic?
Some children in addition to wearing supportive shoes require orthotics to help improve their foot posture, walking gait, and stability. However, I usually recommend trying a pair of supportive shoes first before investing in a pair of orthotics.
Should Children with Hypermobility Walk Barefoot?
I want to clarify that walking barefoot is not recommended for children with hypermobility. Children who have this condition have a harder time balancing, and when they go barefoot their overuse muscle groups are further overused, which often leads to foot, leg, and back pain.
Hypermobile children should not be told to take their shoes off at their daycare or school, since their physical capabilities will be impaired. Would you ask a child who wears glasses to take them off while performing a physical task?
Do More Expensive Shoes Automatically Translate Into Better Shoes for Your Child?
I want to point out that higher-priced shoes don’t automatically translate into better shoes for your child. You might buy an expensive shoe assuming that it will be more effective in improving your child’s posture or walking gait, while in reality, it might make the condition worse.
On the other hand, you can pay a small amount for a shoe and it might actually enhance your child’s walking gait. This is where I came into play since I know which shoes have proven to be the most effective ones in treating children with hypermobility.
The cost and the brand of the shoes are not relevant factors. Within brands, you will find shoe styles that vary considerably in characteristics. Even among the same shoe brands, certain styles provide better support than others.
Bonus Resource: Supportive Sandals
Summer can pose a challenge when it comes to supportive footwear. However, several brands offer supportive sandals with the necessary support for kids with hypermobility. Look for sandals with adjustable straps, a contoured footbed, and a sturdy sole. Brands like Keen and Birkenstock offer excellent options that don’t compromise on support.
Common Signs That Your Child Might Be Dealing with Hypermobility
Let’s take a look at the most common symptoms of children with hypermobility:
- Your child complains about stiffness in the joints and muscles.
- Your child complains about his feet or legs feeling tired.
- Your child has visible signs of poor balance and coordination.
- Your child is reluctant to participate in sports.
Supportive shoes play a pivotal role in managing hypermobility in children. By choosing the right footwear, you can help your child enjoy activities with less discomfort and more confidence.
Our daughter is 20 months old and has quite a lot of over-pronation, with her feet rolling inwards. She likes to sit in a W-position and I’ve read on your site how that is a possible indication of weak muscle tone etc. I’ve seen her hold her feet at night, complaining, but since she can’t speak much yet, I’m assuming it hurts a little.
We’re based in Cape Town, South Africa – hopefully we can find some of the shoes you’ve mentioned here too.
My question is, have you seen children grow out of the over-pronation so that they are comfortable to walk barefoot normally after consistently wearing the right shoes that offer support, or will she forever have this problem? My hope is that because she is still young thee muscles will develop correctly if we take action now…?
Hope to hear from you soon – and thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Hello Ayleen,
Children can develop arches until they reach the age of five, so it’s normal for them to undergo a lot of changes between the first and fifth year. The correct types of shoes might not fix your daughter’s foot problem. For example, if your child is flat footed, the shoes won’t mold your child an arch. However, the correct types of shoes can help improve her foot posture, walking gait, stability, and allow her child to perform her daily activities without pain.
Hi,
My daughter has hyper mobile feet that are narrow. She wears orthodonics and was fitted for a pair of Asics for the extra support. We need to find a wellington boots for her for outside and I was wondering if you have any recommendations. She is wearing a UK13
Hello Elizabeth,
Are you located in the United States or the United Kingdom?
Hi my son has recently been diagnosed with hyper mobility and needs to start wearing orthotics abit more everyday. What would the best shoes be for him to wear? Any help would be grateful.
Hello Symone,
It’s hard for me to recommend shoes for your son without knowing your son’s exact foot shape —narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep. If you are unsure of your son’s foot shape please follow the instructions on this article:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
My daughter likely has EDS Hypermobility. Her ankles roll inwards and she has knocked knees. She just started kindergarten and is required to wear Mary Janes, Oxford, or T-Strap shoes with her uniform. Please help if you have any recommendations.
Hello Amanda,
There is a particular Mary Jane that comes with a substantial sole and it’s deep enough to fit an orthotic in case you have to. Please find below my recommendation:
Supportive Mary Jane
Are your daughter’s feet narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide? Is your daughter currently wearing an orthotic?