The Most Supportive New Balance Kids’ Shoes – Top 7 Styles
I have been contacted by several families of children who have foot conditions such as flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation (just to name a few), that are required to wear shoes that support their feet. Most families are confused as their medical professionals recommend them to get supportive shoes made by New Balance, but they don’t specify which models to get. Not all New Balance shoes provide the same levels of support, so let me show you how to find out which are the most supportive New Balance kids’ shoes.
If you go to the New Balance website there is a section that categorizes the support of the shoes by their last two digits of their model numbers. However, I believe this applies mostly to their men’s and women’s shoes, not their kids’ shoes.
So, how can you tell which New Balance kids’ shoes provide better support than others? I have noticed that the “higher-numbered” shoe styles feature more technology than their “lower-numbered” ones, at least when it comes to children’s shoes. With that said, this might not always be the case.
Most Supportive Kids’ Shoes by New Balance
As I mentioned before, most of New Balance “higher-numbered” styles feature more technology than their “lower-numbered” ones. I categorized the most supportive kids’ shoes made by New Balance based on their model numbers as well as my personal experience having fitted them before.
Take a look at the description below each model number to find out:
- What specific features the shoes provide
- Whether the shoes can fit your child’s foot shape (medium, wide, extra wide)
- Whether the shoes can accommodate orthotics
1️⃣ 990v6 (Laces) 990V6 (Velcro)
This is my go-to New Balance shoe style for children who need extra support from their shoes or for children who wear orthotics. These are the most important features that the shoe provides:
- Dual density collar foam offers support and comfort for ankles
- EVA-cushioned midsole provides a stable base of support
- ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support
- Accommodates orthotics
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility
- Removable insoles
2️⃣ 990v6 (Girl) 990v6 (Boy)
- ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support
- EVA-cushioned midsole provides a stable base of support
- Accommodates orthotics
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility
- Removable insoles
3️⃣ 990V4 (Girl) 990V4 (Boy)
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Accommodates orthotics
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility
- Removable insoles
4️⃣ 2022
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation
- Removable insoles
5️⃣ 860v11
- Layered midsole featuring topbed Fresh Foam cushioning
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation
- Removable insoles
6️⃣ Fresh Foam
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Accommodates orthotics
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility
- Removable insoles
7️⃣ 574
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation
- Removable insoles
Are You Unsure About Which Shoe Style Will Work Best for Your Child?
To determine what specific New Balance shoe style will work best for your child you need to know your child’s foot condition and exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide). If you are unsure of your child’s foot shape you should visit your local shoe store or you can use a resource I created. In just two simple steps, I will be able to determine what shoe size your child should wear.
The Importance of Lacing Your Kids’ Shoes Correctly
Did you know that if the shoes are not properly tied your child won’t get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer? Properly tying your kids’ shoes can make a world of difference when it comes to improving a child’s foot posture and stability!
There is a lacing technique I learned at the shoe store that I work for that will allow your child to get extra support and stability from the shoes.
Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions. You can also contact me via email:
My final piece of advice is to emphasize to your child to undo the laces of the shoes when taking them on and off, as this will preserve the support of the shoes.
Help me make this resource even better by adding your New Balance supportive shoe recommendations!
