The Top 2 Shoe Brands for Kids with Flat Feet – The Most Supportive and Durable Shoe Brands!
Children with flat feet are usually limited to the types of shoes that they can wear. I have worked for a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade, and one of the most common questions that families ask me is: What are the best shoe brands for flat feet? I explain to them that I don’t usually like to recommend specific shoe brands, as there are certain models among each brand that work a lot better than others. However, they insist on specific shoe brand recommendations, so I am going to show you the top two shoe brands for kids with flat feet based on my many years of shoe-fitting experience.
Flat feet in children can sometimes be a source of concern for parents. It’s important to note that for many children, flat feet do not cause pain or hinder their activities. However, in some cases, untreated flat feet can lead to problems such as poor posture, walking difficulties, or even knee and back pain as they grow older.
Top 2 Shoe Brands for Kids with Flat Feet
My 10+ years of fitting children with flat feet have provided me with valuable insights and made me acknowledge that certain shoes can help improve a child’s walking gait and overall posture.
There are two shoe brands that are more consistent when it comes to manufacturing comfortable, supportive, and durable shoes for kids with flat feet:
1️⃣ New Balance: Their kids’ shoes often feature a range of widths (wide and extra wide), making it easier to find a fit that matches the unique shape of your child’s foot. New Balance shoes are designed with cushioned midsoles and excellent arch support, key features that benefit children with flat feet.
2️⃣ Asics: Asics is another brand that excels in designing shoes that cater to specific foot conditions. Known for their running shoes, Asics incorporates technology that provides excellent shock absorption and support, which is beneficial for flat-footed children.
This doesn’t mean that all shoes from these two shoe brands will be effective in treating your child’s flat feet. There are only certain styles that will, and I will describe them shortly.
Supportive Shoes Before and After: A Parent’s Perspective
This parent noted, “Before we switched to New Balance, my son often complained about foot pain. After just a few weeks in his new shoes, not only did the complaints stop, but his foot posture and walking gait are lot better. The shoes were not cheap but they made a difference.”
In this particular case, I went with a pair of New Balance shoes over a pair of Asics since the child had very wide feet.
This parent shared, “The change was remarkable. My son used to trip over frequently, but with New Balance shoes, his gait and stability improved noticeably.”
In this case, I also went with a pair of New Balance shoes as the child had wide feet and high insteps.
This family shared, “We chose ASICS because our daughter has very narrow feet, and it was the best decision. The shoes have made a noticeable difference in how our daughter walks and runs, and they also fit her narrow foot shape perfectly.”
In this particular case, the child had narrow feet so I chose a pair of Asics with narrow platforms. If a child has flat and narrow feet I usually tend to go with Asics.
Whether you choose New Balance or Asics depends on your child’s foot shape.
- If your child has flat feet, a high instep, or wide and extra wide feet, I recommend that you go with New Balance.
- If your child has flat feet and has narrow or medium feet I recommend that you go with Asics.
Now I am going to show you a list of specific shoe recommendations made by these two shoe brands. 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 Flat Feet by New Balance
New Balance offers shoes in various widths and their shoes come with supportive outsoles, crucial for supporting flat arches. This feature helps in maintaining proper foot alignment and reducing strain on the feet. You should definitely choose a shoe made by New Balance if your child has a “complicated” foot shape such as wide or extra wide feet, as well as high insteps.
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 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
The shoe features a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making it perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos.
- 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 toddler’s current foot size.
5. Shoe Style Coco and TWO WXY v5 by New Balance
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Coco and TWO WXY v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
Supportive Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet by Asics
Asics shoes feature a gel cushioning system that provides shock absorption, reducing the impact on flat feet. These shoes are ideal if your child happens to have narrow or medium feet.
1. 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.
2. Shoe Style Gel-Noosa by Asics
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on 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.
3. Shoe Style Contend by Asics
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on 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.
4. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on 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.
5. Shoe Style Gel-Excite by Asics
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on 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.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
As a shoe fitter, I am here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your child. Understanding that every child’s needs are unique, I offer personalized recommendations based on their specific foot shape and condition. Feel free to contact me for individualized advice. My goal is to ensure your child receives the support they need for healthy foot development:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Proper fit is crucial, especially for children with flat feet. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too loose can lead to instability and improper foot development. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet
These are the four features that the shoes I recommended provide that make them stand out from other shoe brands:
1. Substantial Outsoles: This feature helps prevent the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a thicker and more supportive outsole compared to the shoe on the left?
2. Firm Heel Counters: This feature provides ankle support and helps correct rolled ankles. Always make sure that you press on the heel counter to make sure it feels firm and not soft.
3. Lightweight and Flexible: The shoes need to be supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your child’s feet from easily getting tired. Your kids’ shoes should always bend at the ball of the foot but no further.
4. Straight Lasts: This feature helps improve foot posture by preventing the forefoot from pushing out:
Comparing New Balance and Asics to Popular Brands
While New Balance and Asics are top contenders, it’s worth mentioning how they stack up against other popular brands like Nike and Under Armour. These brands, although highly recognized and widely available, may not always meet the specific needs of children with flat feet. Understanding the differences can help parents make more informed choices.
Nike and Under Armour: Style Over Substance?
Nike and Under Armour are household names, but when it comes to supporting flat feet, they may not always be the best choice. While these brands offer stylish options, they often focus more on aesthetics than on providing the structured support needed for flat feet. This emphasis on style can sometimes come at the expense of the functionality required for children with specific foot conditions.
Nike Shoes VS New Balance Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet – Find Out Which One Is Better
I have noticed that a lot of children ask their parents for popular shoe brands such as Nike. However, if your child has flat feet, you should stay away from these popular shoe brands. I created a video to help you better visualize why you should stay away from shoe brands such as Nike (if your child has flat feet), and the reasons why certain New Balance shoes can make a world of difference in preventing pain and improving posture.
It can be frustrating for children to not be able to wear the shoes they want, but unfortunately, there is a very small selection of shoes appropriate for children with flat feet.
Prevent Your Kids’ Shoes from Falling Apart – Durable Shoes!
Do you notice that the insides of your kids’ soles get worn out faster than the outer edges? When children are flat-footed they usually tend to wear their shoes down faster than expected. This is because flat feet create a foot imbalance that makes children put pressure on parts of their feet where they are not supposed to.
That is the reason why it’s especially important to provide your child with a pair of durable shoes from a trusted shoe brand. Do you usually notice uneven wear on the soles of your kid’s shoes? This is a sign that the shoes your child is wearing are not providing the correct amount of support.
Can Flat Feet be Cured? – Let’s Find Out!
All babies have flat feet, but by the time they turn 4 or 5, the arches should have already developed. If your kids’ feet remain flat after the age of 5 then it’s highly likely that your child will remain flat-footed for the rest of his/her life.
Flat feet is a hereditary condition and there are no shoes or orthotics that can mold your child an arch. However, the correct type of shoes can help prevent foot and leg pain and improve your child’s walking gait.
Is Walking Barefoot Good for Flat Feet?
I usually don’t recommend allowing children to walk barefoot if they have flat feet. This doesn’t mean that you can’t allow your children to walk barefoot for a couple of hours when they are home, just make sure they wear their sneakers for most of the day.
Flat Feet and Foot Pain Are not Normal!
I have seen how a lot of pediatricians tell parents that their child’s foot and leg pain will go away as the child keeps getting older. Waiting for your child’s foot condition to correct on its own or to magically disappear can only lead to your child’s foot condition getting worse.
Something so simple as providing your child with the correct pair of shoes can make a world of difference when it comes to treating a flat-footed child!
Don’t leave your child’s flat feet untreated. Imbalances in the feet can affect your child’s hips and lower back. You have no idea how many of the families who come to the store tell me how they only wished their parents would have treated their foot condition sooner, as now they have to deal with foot, leg, and lower back pain. Some of them have to deal with bunions. hammertoes, and tendonitis.
