The Best Shoes for Kids with Overpronation – Keep Their Feet and Legs Healthy
Has your child been diagnosed with overpronation and your child’s doctor recommends wearing supportive shoes? Maybe you noticed your child walking “funny” lately or having poor posture habits. The most common reason why children overpronate is from having flat feet, but some other children overpronate from having misaligned heels. Whichever reason it is that your child might be overpronating, I am going to provide you with a list of the best shoes for kids with overpronation that can help improve foot posture and walking gait.
Overpronation, commonly associated with flat feet, involves the excessive inward rolling of the foot upon landing.
The Importance of Being Proactive
The first seven years of your child’s life are the “golden years of treatment opportunity,” as the bones and joints are still forming, making it an ideal time to correct misalignment issues with proper footwear or orthotic support. Let’s take a look at the image below, does it look familiar? Do you notice how the child’s feet and ankles are collapsing and turning inwards?
If left untreated, overpronation can lead to discomfort and long-term posture issues. Moreover, it can cause additional stress on muscles and ligaments, potentially leading to pain in the knees, hips, and back.
How Supportive Shoes Can Help Your Child’s Overpronation
Let me prove to you how a pair of shoes with a stable base of support and firm heel counters can help improve your child’s foot posture and straighten the feet and legs.
It’s amazing what a difference the right pair of shoes can make. Remember, each child’s needs can be a bit different, so what works for one might not work as well for another. Listening to your child’s feedback about how their shoes feel is invaluable.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids with Overpronation
1️⃣ Straight Lasts: Shoes with straight lasts help improve the child’s foot posture. If your child has strong pronation you need to stay away from shoes that have excessively curved lasts. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
2️⃣ Stable Base of Support: Shoes with a good arch can help stabilize the foot, reducing unnecessary inward rolling. Cushioning is another important factor as it not only helps correct the foot’s positioning but also distributes weight more evenly, minimizing stress on the ankles and knees.
3️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: When children have flat feet you don’t only support the arch, you mechanically support all of the pieces that cause the foot to be flat, such as the heels. Before you purchase a pair of shoes for your child, always press on the heel counter and make sure it feels firm and not soft.
As you can see, certain children’s shoes stand out for their supportive features. I am going to show you a list of these sneakers known for stability and motion control, which is essential for kids with overpronation. 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.
Supportive Shoes for Kids with Overpronation to Improve Posture
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best shoe if your child has flat feet and overpronation. 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 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 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 overpronation. 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 kids with 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.
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 another great option for kids with overpronation 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 overpronation. 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.
Would You Rather Receive Specific Shoe Recommendations?
Every child’s foot is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for everyone. If you are unsure about which specific shoe to choose for your child, I suggest that you contact me via email and I will provide you with specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. In the meantime, there is an additional resource I created that has a list of supportive sandals for kids with overpronation.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
One of the most common challenges parents face is determining the correct shoe size for their child, especially when shopping online. If you want to be sure about what shoe size to order online, I suggest that you follow the instructions on a virtual shoe fitting service I created. In that resource, I will help you figure out your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and shoe size.
While you can’t expect shoes to completely change how your child walks, they can make a significant difference in support and comfort. Investing in a pair of supportive shoes for kids with overpronation can be a very cost-effective approach.
Best Shoes for Kids with Overpronation – Watch Video!
The video below will provide you with further examples of before and after images and videos of children with overpronation. I hope this video helps you visualize what a difference the correct type of shoes can make in treating and preventing your child’s overpronation.
Orthotics for Kids with Overpronation – Extra Support for Your Kids’ Feet!
I only suggest that you invest in a pair of orthotics if your child is already wearing supportive shoes and you have not seen any improvements. Orthotics are shoe inserts that are specifically designed to offer cushioning, support, stability, and relieve pressure in specific areas of the foot. The over-the-counter orthotics that I recommend are specifically designed to provide firm arch support and cushioning. It will also provide biomechanics alignment by preventing overpronation and aligning your child’s heels and ankles (making them straighter).
Should You Rely on Shoe Recommendations From Reddit or Quora?
Turning to online communities like Reddit and Quora for advice on shoes for overpronation seems like a pretty easy choice. However, it’s important to approach these platforms with a sprinkle of skepticism. The advice shared might be anecdotal and not always backed by expertise.
While these forums can provide valuable insights and personal experiences that resonate with what you’re going through, it’s key to remember that what works for one child might not work for another. And sometimes, the advice given lacks a clinician’s input, which can be crucial.
Remember, the early years are critical in preventing and managing foot conditions, so take action now to provide your child with the best possible foundation for healthy foot development. Something so simple such as providing your child with supportive shoes can make a tremendous difference.
after seeing your video i realised my sons foots are over pronated he is 13 years now 5.6 ft height and 65 kg weight his feets are bend left like in the picture,we need a pair of black shoes and fancy sandals for regular wear and a pair of non school shoes,pls suggest the cost to customise 9 inch shoes,we are in India bangalore.
Hello,
Is your son complaining about foot or leg pain? If your son’s longest foot measures 9 inches, that means he will need a US shoe size 6 to allow for the correct amount of growing room.
You need to look for shoes that provide a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and straight lasts. I don’t have access to check what shoes are available in India, are you able to order shoes from the United States?
Hi Juan,
Are you still offering advice on shoes for pronation issues? My 9 year old daughter overpronates due to ligamentous laxity. I do have pictures of her ankles that I can email and I even have a Volumental.com scan of her feet and ankles (I’ll include the link for that below below). The store where I got her feet scanned did not have shoes in her size (her scan shows she’s a 13.5 but size 1 seems to fit her best in most brands/styles we’ve tried. We have been to multiple stores to try to find the shoes you have recommended in previous articles and I’ve come home empty handed and frustrated. When I look online, I have a hard time figuring out what would work for her. Would you be willing to help? I’d appreciate it so much! You’re awesome for advising parents on something where there seems to be so little guidance.
Here is the link to the My Volumental scan she had done yesterday (3/19/22)
https://my.volumental.com/en/fleet_feet_fitstation_beta/dca0189b-6b5c-42f9-9ef6-7f6c188e6783/?utm_medium=myvemail
Hello Megan,
I am looking at the scan and it shows that your daughter has high arches. Is your daughter experiencing any foot or leg pain? People with high arches tend to place extra pressure on the outer part of their feet, which can lead to heel pain.
The scan also shows that your daughter has medium width feet, correct?
I am happy to send you specific shoe recommendations but first I need to know from which country you are contacting me. If you want to send me any additional images or information I suggest that you email me at: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Hello, Thank you for your research and willingness to share the information you have accumulated. My almost 7 year old daughter has very narrow feet and she overpronates. I am having a difficult time finding the right sneaker. Can you help me? She has historically worn Asics but not sure if they are good for overpronation.
I appreciate your time and thoughts,
Anne
Hello Anne,
Asics are great in terms of support and they work really well for children with narrow feet. Did you provide your daughter with shoes with velcro closure or shoelaces? Keep in mind that shoes with shoelaces are a lot better compared to shoes with velcro closure as they provide better support and stability.
I am happy to help, but I need the answer to the following questions first:
Is your daughter complaining about foot or leg pain?
From which country are you contacting me from? This will help me determine what specific shoes are available in your area.
Hello Juan
My 10 yr old son has hypermobility in his ankles, elbows, hips, wrists and although his foot appears to have a good arch, it collapses when weight bearing due to the softness of the ligaments. He’s therefore very flat footed when he walks, is unable to toe-off, has difficulty keeping up with his peers running and has an extremely awkward gait. He has been seen since the age of 4 by paediatrics and Physio therapists, with them eventually prescribing an orthotic insole when he was 8. Homeschooling has taken a toll on him as he’s been barefoot around the house for months, and this hasn’t helped matters. Although the orthotic in his shoes visibly helps to keep his ankles straighter, and addresses the pronation, it still doesn’t really improve his gait, or ability to run well. Would you see this as just an effect of his hypermobility that will never improve? Or do you believe there are more answers that we could be pursuing ?
Hello Joanna,
My area of expertise is with children’s shoes and orthotics.I believe there are a lot of factors that play a role and each one of these factors needs to be taken into account, because they do make a difference.
If you believe the orthotic is addressing your son’s foot posture but not helping improve your son’s walking gait, it might be time to try a different orthotic. However, is your son wearing the correct type of shoes? The orthotics and the shoes work together in helping align your son’s feet and improving his walking gait.
So, Would like to see images of your son’s orthotic and the current shoes he is wearing. It will also helpful for me to take a look at his feet standing barefoot. I suggest that you follow the instructions on this article: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
That article is a good starting point. You will find my email address in there and we will be in touch.
Thank you so much. I will get some photos shortly and be back in touch. I really appreciate your advice.
Joanna
I am happy to help!
Is there a way you can look at my son feet..? I believe he has overpronation. Is it best to make an appointment with a foot doctor..
Hi Coretta,
I hope that you and your son are well.
If you need to have your child’s feet evaluated take a look at the article below and scroll down to where it says “Evaluating your chid’s feet” and follow the instructions provided:
Reducing and Eliminating Your Child’s Foot Pain – Have Your Child’s Feet Evaluated in Less than 10 Minutes
Hi Juan ,
Thank you for the detailed article. I finally feel like someone clearly understands our problem and has a good solution. My 9 year old daughter is brain tumor survivor. She had a brain surgery when she was 4. The surgery left her with weakness on her right side and hence a foot drop. She has been wearing a DAFO for the past 4 years for foot drop. This has led to weakness in her ankles which I think is now causing over pronation. We recently brought Bioness ( FES machine) which is helpful with her foot drop, so we don’t need the brace anymore. I am now trying to find shoes & insoles which will support for ankle as well as her over pronation. Any recommendations is very helpful. Please let me know if I can send you a pic or videos of my daughter walking
This is extremely helpful, thank you for doing what your doing.
Regards,
Swetha
Hi Swetha,
Thank you. Please send me pictures of your daughter’s feet and if you can record a video of your daughter walking from behind that will be helpful as well: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If you take a look at another article that I wrote: Reducing and Eliminating Your Child’s Foot Pain – Have Your Child’s Feet Evaluated in Less than 10 Minutes you will notice a video at the end of the article and that’s exactly how I need you to record the video of your daughter walking. You can also record a separate one of your daughter walking with her current shoes.
Do you know whether your daughter has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet?
Hi Juan,
My 7 year old son has strong over pronation and has flat feet. His foot is medium width and he currently is in a 13.5 little kids shoe. Other than the NB brand, are there any others that you recommend? ASICS? Adidas? Nike?
When he needs to wear a bit nicer shoe such as Sperry boat shoes, is he ok with those if he has on his orthotics or is there something else I should buy him? Thank you so much for your advice!
Hello Tammy,
Other than New Balance I recommend certain shoe styles from Asics and Saucony. I don’t recommend any styles from Adidas or Nike because their shoes are unsupportive. Please keep in mind that among each brand there are certain shoe styles that work better than others, so when I say I recommend New Balance shoes it doesn’t mean that all New Balance shoes are good for overpronation. In fact, most New Balance shoes are not effective in treating overpronation, only the styles I recommend in this article.
The shoe styles below will fit the shape of your son’s feet as long as he has a narrow or medium width foot:
Option 1: Choose size 1 because this shoe style fits short
Option 2: Choose size 1 because this shoe style fits short
As far as his dress shoes concerns, it all depends on how much time he is planning to wear them. If he is planning on wearing his Sperry shoes for more than 4 hour a day, then I recommend fitting an insert inside the shoes for extra support. The issue is that most inserts/orthotics won’t fit in Sperry or most dress shoes for that matter. There is only one style made by Superfeet that I have been able to fit in dress shoes:
Insole for Dress Shoes. Choose size “A” and trim it if necessary.
I hope this helps!
Hello Juan, thanks so much for the helpful info. I’ve noticed slight probation in my 4 yr old; more on the right than the left. Would you be able to provide a certain brand of inserts? I’m so confused, as I’ve seen some range from $10-$200.
Hi Kay,
Has your child wore inserts/orthotics before? Do you know if your child has slight, mild, or strong pronation? Depending on the degree of your child’s pronation there are certain orthotics/inserts that will be more effective than others. If you are unsure you can send me pictures of your son’s feet to: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
The orthotic brand I recommend is Cascade Dafo. However among this brand, there are several different styles.
Thank you for all your information. My 9 year old son has flat feet, and over pronates. I was wondering, what do you recommend for Soccer Shoes? He loves to play, but does complain of his feet hurting. I am wondering what turf style shoes to buy.
Thank you again for all your help, Angela
Hello Angela,
Most soccer shoes are flat, which means that they don’t provide any support. I recommend inserting a pair of Superfeet insoles in your child’s soccer cleats to reduce the impact that his feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground. The blue Superfeet insoles are specifically designed for sport shoes.
Insoles for Soccer Shoes
If you are looking for a pair of soccer shoes, I need to know your child’s shoe size and whether he plays indoor or outdoor soccer. Please also let me know if he has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
My 8 year old son has flat feet, it’s over pronation. Kindly send me the link of product to buy the appropriate size shoe for him
Hello Su,
Does your child has mild, moderate, or strong pronation? This will help me determine whether your child needs a good supportive pair of shoes, orthotics, or both. If you are not sure, feel free to send me pictures of your son’s feet from behind with and without his shoes on: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
In the meantime, this is the particular shoe style that I recommend for boys with overpornation:
Supportive Shoe Style for Overpronation
I hope this helps.
Hello Juan,
I have a 15 yo and a 10 yo both with overpronation. I have been asking to their pediatrician since my oldest was way younger about their feet position and he always said they are fine, but I notice their feet are inwards in the arch. My youngest has the same problem but more noticeable than his big brother, and he started to complain about leg pain. I am looking for a good specialist in the Seattle area (If you know someone, please let me know)
In the meantime, I want to buy them supportive shoes but can’t find any. Can you please suggest me some shoes based on their sizes?
Oldest is men’s size 10 and youngest is youth size 6Y
Thank you so much!
Hello Luvena,
I am not familiar with any specialist in the Seattle area. I can definitely recommend certain shoe styles that I have fitted before for your kids with pronation.The key is to find shoes with a substantial sole (that provides arch support), and a firm heel counter. The shoes must also be deep in case you need to fit an orthotic inside them, but I recommend that you start trying a good pair of supportive shoes.
These are my recommendations for your 10 year old son (I am assuming he knows how to tie his shoes). If he doesn’t then it will be a good time to learn since shoelaces provide more support than Velcro sneakers:
Supportive Shoe for Pronation: Option 1
Supportive Shoe for Pronation: Option 2
These are my recommendations for your 15 year old son:
Supportive Shoe for Pronation: Option 1
Supportive Shoe for Pronation: Option 2
I am assuming your children have a medium width foot. In case they don’t, these shoe styles are available in wide widths also.
I hope this helps!
Can you recommend a sandal or house shoe as well? Thank you!
Hello Karin,
Slippers don’t provide any support whatsoever, but you can provide your child with a pair of easy on an off sandals to wear around the house. If you tell me what shoe size you need and the country that you are contacting me from I can provide you with specific shoe recommendations.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and undivided attention. You are a fantastic resource. As parents we worry so much about our children’s well-being – you are giving us such piece of mind and so much valuable information. Thank you so very much. I’ll keep you posted on our journey.
Hello Emme,
Let me know how everything turns out with your daughter!
Dear Juan,
I have a 3.5 year old with overpronation. I have a photo to show you, is there a place I can upload? She is a size 10.5!
She doesn’t go up stairs in alternating legs, jumping/hopping skills are a bit delayed, and complains about walking too far and ends up riding in the stroller. I never realized it was all related until I found your website!
What shoe do you recommend for her? I’d like
If it’s
Something she can put on and take off on her own since at school they take off their shoes.
I saw you recommended these: https://amzn.to/3ZrNoE4
I just want to make sure I get the best pair for her. Also what size should I order? Thanks so much!!
Hello Emme,
You can email me the picture to my email: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
That shoe style that you showed me will work great, but there is another style that I recommend for her since it’s deeper (in case you need to fit an orthotic inside it).
You can find that shoe style here:
Shoe Style for Overpronation
I will recommend that you get her the size 10.5 or 11. Does she has wide feet? The shoe style is available in wide and extra wide in case she does.
Please don’t forget to send me the picture, that way I can tell you whether you should consider getting an orthotic as well. A video of your daughter walking will also be really helpful.
I hope this helps!
Dear Juan,
My son is very overpronated!
Are Asic Gel shoes good for over pronation? Ive always thought these were the best.
Hello Ally,
Asics makes some of the most supportive shoes for children, but remember that the shoes must fit correctly or your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer. Asics shoes tend to fit a child with narrow to medium width foot, so if your child has wide or extra wide feet you need to stay away from this shoe brand.
Is your child experiencing foot or leg pain?
You should try the shoes and see how your child reacts to them, and if he keeps overprinting we should try an orthotic inside the shoes. Just let me know how it goes!
Dear Juan,
Thank you for this very informative article! My son has this issue, and you explain the important features of appropriate shoes for overpronation so clearly! It is a relief to know that New Balance has so many great options for my son. Thank you again and keep up the work with this great site!
Hello Marco,
I am glad that you found the article informative! Wearing the correct type of shoes will help your son walk and run straighter, as well as greatly reduce or fully eliminate his foot and leg pain.