The Most Supportive New Balance Kids’ Shoes – Top 7 Styles

July 7, 2025 The Best Shoe Brands For Kids Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Over the years, I’ve heard from countless families seeking help for children with foot conditions like flat feet, weak ankles, or overpronation. Many are told by doctors or therapists to buy supportive New Balance shoes—but often, they’re left wondering which models to choose. The truth is, not all New Balance kids’ shoes offer the same level of support. That’s why I’m here to guide you through finding the most supportive New Balance options, so you can keep your child’s feet comfortable, healthy, and ready for every adventure.

How to Tell Which New Balance Kids’ Shoes Are the Most Supportive

If you’ve browsed the New Balance website, you might’ve noticed that shoe support is often categorized by the last two digits of the model numbers. While this system works well for adult shoes, it doesn’t clearly apply to kids’ styles. So how can you tell which New Balance shoes are actually more supportive for children? Based on my experience, the higher-numbered models tend to include more advanced support features and cushioning. However, that’s not always a guarantee—which is why it’s so important to know what to look for.

Top 7 Most Supportive Kids’ Shoes by New Balance

As a dedicated shoe fitter with over a decade of experience specializing in children’s footwear and supporting kids with various foot conditions, I’m excited to share my top picks. Let me guide you through the 7 most supportive New Balance shoes for kids.

1️⃣ 990v6 (Laces) 990V6 (Velcro)

These are the most supportive New Balance shoes for children who have foot conditions and need extra support from their shoes or for children who wear orthotics.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.
New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • 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
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility

2️⃣ 990V4 (Girl) 990V4 (Boy)

The 990v4 delivers the same trusted support as the newer 990v6 but comes at a friendlier price, making it a smart choice for quality and value.

  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Accommodates orthotics
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility

3️⃣ 2022

These supportive New Balance kids’ shoes are designed for comfort and stability, featuring a secure fit, cushioned midsole, and durable outsole—perfect for children with foot conditions who need extra support throughout the day.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation

4️⃣ 860v11

These New Balance shoes offer exceptional stability and support for kids with foot problems, featuring advanced cushioning and motion control to keep growing feet comfortable and aligned during active play.

  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Layered midsole featuring topbed Fresh Foam cushioning
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation

5️⃣ Fresh Foam

This model combines plush cushioning with reliable support, making it an excellent choice for children with foot conditions who need comfort and stability throughout their day.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Accommodates orthotics
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, toe walking, low muscle tone, hypermobility

6️⃣ 1906

The New Balance 1906 offers excellent support and stability for kids with flat feet and other foot concerns, featuring a structured design, cushioned midsole, and durable outsole to keep growing feet comfortable and well-aligned all day long.

Supportive New Balance shoes for girls.
New Balance kids running shoes.
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
  • ABZORB SBS heel cushioning delivers additional stability and comfort
  • N-ergy cushioning for comfort and support

7️⃣ 574

This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with flat feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.

Supportive New Balance shoe for boys.
New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
  • Works best for children with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation

Are You Unsure About Which Shoe Style Will Work Best for Your Child?

To find the perfect New Balance shoe for your child, it’s essential to know both their foot condition and exact foot shape—whether that’s narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide. Not sure about your child’s foot shape? No problem! You can visit your local shoe store for help, or take advantage of the virtual shoe fitting service I created, which makes it easy to measure your child’s feet and find their ideal size right from home.

The Importance of Lacing Your Kids’ Shoes Correctly

Here’s something many parents don’t realize: if your child’s shoes aren’t properly tied, they’re missing out on all the support and benefits those shoes are designed to provide. The way you lace and tie shoes can make a huge difference in improving your child’s foot posture and stability. At the shoe store where I work, I’ve learned a special lacing technique that helps kids get even more support and security from their shoes—and I’m excited to share it with you!

Contact Me for Tailored Recommendations

If you have specific concerns about your child’s foot shape or need personalized shoe recommendations, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help you find the perfect pair of New Balance kids shoes that cater to your child’s unique needs.

One last tip: remind your child to always untie their laces when putting shoes on or taking them off. It might seem like a small thing, but it really helps keep the shoes supportive and in great shape for longer. And I’d love your help in making this guide even more useful—share your favorite New Balance supportive shoe recommendations below!