The Worst Shoes for Kids – Stop Buying Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas!
As kids grow, they often gravitate toward trendy brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. While these shoes might score high on style, they frequently fall short in the areas that matter most—support, fit, and comfort. This is especially true for children with wide feet or foot conditions. As a passionate shoe fitter with many years of experience fitting children’s shoes, I’ll break down why these popular brands often make some of the worst shoes for kids—and show you better-fitting, more supportive alternatives to keep your child’s feet healthy.
The Worst Shoes for Kids – Lack of Support and Narrow Platforms
Wait… What? It’s true—brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas often prioritize style over substance when it comes to kids’ shoes. Nike tends to run narrow and lacks proper support. Under Armour may offer cushioning, but often misses the structure growing feet need. Adidas favors sleek designs that don’t leave much room for wider feet. While these brands make quality shoes for adults, it seems they rely on brand appeal rather than function when it comes to kids’ footwear.
Do Your Kids’ Feet or Legs Hurt?
If your child starts complaining about foot or leg pain, the first thing to check isn’t always the doctor—it’s their shoes. Are they supportive? Are they the right size? Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes are one of the most common reasons kids develop foot problems and experience pain. Addressing their footwear can often resolve the issue before it becomes a bigger concern.
Testing shoe support is simple and quick.
Another effective method is pressing on the heel counter, which is the back part of the shoe that supports the heel.
In my experience, about 90% of Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas kids’ shoes share the same issues shown in the image above—minimal structure, poor heel support, and flimsy outsoles. While they may look stylish, they often lack the key features needed to support growing feet.
I know how persistent kids can be when they’ve set their sights on a pair of shoes they really want. As a parent, it’s only natural to want to make them happy. After all, it’s not just about the shoes—it’s also about giving them a sense of independence and letting them express themselves through what they wear. Saying “no” isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to balance their happiness with what’s best for their growing feet.
Under Armour – ONLY for Kids with Narrow Feet
Did you know Under Armour shoes run very narrow? Many parents unknowingly fit their kids with shoes that are too tight. Whenever a child wearing Under Armour complains of foot pain at my store, the culprit is almost always the narrow width. If your child has wide or extra wide feet, avoid this brand. Even kids with medium widths sometimes can’t get a comfortable fit.
Narrow platforms restrict toe movement, which isn’t ideal for growing feet. This can cause the toes to bunch up, possibly leading to deformities or pain. Freedom for toes to spread is crucial for balance and stability.
Durability is a major drawback with Under Armour shoes—many families report they wear out or fall apart much sooner than expected.
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Kids?
Looking for the best shoe brands that properly support your child’s growing feet? I’ve curated a top selection of durable, comfortable, and well-fitting kids’ shoes designed to provide the correct amount of support. Plus, these styles come in a variety of widths—including medium, wide, and extra wide—so you can find the perfect fit for your child’s unique feet.
Choosing the right shoe is crucial for your child’s foot development. Prioritize shoes made from breathable materials and also ensure the shoe has a wide toe box. This allows toes to move freely, preventing deformities and encouraging proper growth. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Stylish and Supportive Shoes for Kids in 2025
These shoes balance style with essential support, and they are capable of accommodating different foot shapes.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
These New Balance shoes for kids offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. See Kai Russell and Robyne
These See Kai Run shoes feature extra depth and wide toe boxes, and the double Velcro straps allow for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best New Balance shoes for kids in terms of fit and support. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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
4. Mako by Tsukihoshi
These Tsukihoshi Mako sneakers offer superior flexibility, comfort, and easy on-and-off design.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Mako by Tsukihoshi on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Removable insoles
- Extra cushion and padding around the heels
- Ultra-lightweight outsole made with flexible non-marking EVA/TPR
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
5. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony
These Saucony gym shoes are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with wide feet and high insteps.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes. Parents like that these shoes are offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi
These sensory-friendly Tsukihoshi shoes feature a lightweight, flexible sole and a wide toe box to avoid pressure points. The seamless, breathable interior and soft materials help reduce irritation.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- The insoles are infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
9. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes with deep toe-box are ideal for kids with high insteps and wide feet. Families appreciate how these shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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 the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style Wind by Saucony
Known for its lightweight design and excellent traction, the Wind model is great for active kids. Its supportive fit ensures comfort during extended periods of activity.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe Wind by Saucony on Amazon 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 child’s current foot size
The Most Common Shoe Mistakes Parents Make
One of the most common mistakes parents make is choosing the wrong shoe size, which can lead to discomfort or even pain. Another big oversight? Ignoring the unique shape of their child’s feet. Just because a shoe fits one child well doesn’t mean it will work for another. And while it’s tempting to prioritize style, sacrificing proper support for trendy designs can negatively impact your child’s foot health.
Get a Personalized Suggestion
If your child insists on wearing only Nike, Under Armour, or Adidas, don’t worry—I’m here to help! Reach out for personalized shoe suggestions tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. I’ll help you find a popular pair that not only fits well but keeps their feet comfortable and supported.
Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas dominate the footwear market. Parents often gravitate towards these brands due to their popularity. However, they might not always offer the best options for developing feet.
It’s funny. I never wear Nike or Adidas (except shell toe), so I didn’t think about the fact that I don’t wear them because they’re too narrow for my foot and that my kids will probably have the same problem. I have to admit in kids shoes they look super cool, but that explains why we thought our oldest was a size 5 in big kids versus his actual size 3 when we had him measured – that’s how big he had to go in order to have enough room in the shoe! But it’s hard to find the shoes nearby, so I’ll be buying online direct from the brands from now on. Saucony has a new cool blue shoe that might work for us!
Hello Mandy,
Thank you for sharing your experiences! Nike and Adidas manufacture really cool shoes for kids, it’s a shame they don’t make their shoes available for children with wide or extra wide feet.
Thank you for this! I have always bought NeW Balance and Stride Rite for my sons. My older son, with wide feet, asked for a pair of Under Armour. This popped up in my search to decide whether to buy him some. After this I will stick with New balance!
Hi Melissa,
Unfortunately Under Armour shoes are not made for children with wide feet. Maybe in the future they start realizing that children’s feet come in different shapes and sizes.
I appreciate that your article is available just as we are sneaker shopping for our 4 & 2 year old boys. We have been buying UA sneakers assuming they were ‘best.’ Back to the shoe store we go to select the sneaker brand(s) you have suggested.
Thanks for your knowledge and recommendations, they have certainly helped in our desire for the best sneakers for little developing feet.
Hello Barbara,
I am glad that you found the article informative. Shoes play a key role in keeping your children’s feet healthy, so you must choose them wisely.
Up to now we have always bought Nike shoes for my son. However, he has very wide feet so after reading your article I have started to doubt if this is good choice for him. We have had width issues before with Nike – as few styles didn’t fit my son but we managed to find styles fitting him. Nikes we bought were long-lasting – they actually didn’t wear out quickly taking into account that my son wore them daily. So the quality of the shoes is OK. Yet – the fit is an issue, especially as he has extra wide feet. So I think we will try new balance as the next style. Do you have a post about new balance shoes?
Arta,If your child has extra wide feet and you are fitting him into Nike shoes, you are probably squeezing his toes. My advise is that you stay away from Nike shoes, at least for now, since his feet might stretch out as he grows and become more narrower. Here you can find a post about the best shoes for children with extra wide feet:
Extra Wide Shoes for Children
What an interesting article!
Having brought up four boys I understand the importance of having correctly fitting shoes.
I remember having to wear the least fashionable shoes when I was young and watching the ‘black patent brigade’ walk past me on a daily basis at school. Believe me, I didn’t like those shoes one little bit but looking back they were the best I could have possibly worn for my little feet!
Listening to the problems my friends have with their feet now it can be blamed on the choice of shoes they had when their feet were growing.
Thank goodness my mom knew what was best for me (I still have a hankering for black patent though!!)
Which are the best shoe brands for children?
Jackie
Hello Jackie,
Taking care of our kids feet from an early stage pays off in their future years. Parents don’t realize that they will end up saving a lot of money by providing their kids with the correct shoe size and the correct shoe style.I actually wrote a post where I describe the best shoe brands for children. You can find that post here:
The Best Shoe Brands for Kids – The 5 Most Durable Aad Affordable Brands
Hi there,
This is a great article on this particular, very important subject and I can see that you are very knowledgeable on this topic. Well done for highlighting these issues and I guess what happens is the kids see the brand names and nothing else, as all of their friends wear them and they must get a pair as well.
Fit is the most important thing, but young parents seem to prioritize fashion over fit. Little they know about the damage they are doing to their kids feet.
I can see you are passionate about this situation and I know that people will sit up and listen, but it may take time.
Cheers….Phil Browne
Hello Phil,
Thanks for stopping by. I agree with you that young parents seem to prioritize fashion over fit, without realizing the damage they are causing to their kids feet. Wearing shoes that don’t offer the appropriate support or that don’t fit well will lead to several foot issues including foot and leg pain, calluses, blisters, and corns, among others.
Parents will also end up saving a lot of money in the future by providing their kids with the correct pair of shoes!
I am always telling my kids to be aware of what type of shoes they are buying for my grandchildren. While they may be what is in style the other end of it is painful feet and horrible posture. I have had many problems with my own feet as a young kid and I can tell you now, I wish I knew then what I know now. I have noticed how when they wear Under Armour shoes the shoes cave in and always fall apart in no more than two months! Horrible shoes that offer no support!
Under Armour makes some of the worst shoes for children. They are non supportive, flimsy, and they tend to fall apart before the child outgrows the shoes! This is crazy considering how fast children feet grow. I always recommend parents to stay away from this brand, no matter how much the child asks for it!
Juan.
I bought my child some shoes from Under Armour and they were the worst purchase I have ever made. He insisted he wanted that shoe brand, because his friends also wear them. The shoes gave him blisters and fell apart a month after purchasing them! You are right about Under Armour kids shoes, they SUCK!
Hello Nico,
Like I stated in my post, Under Armour shoes for kids’ are terrible. I have never seen shoes that fall apart so quickly. They are also really flimsy and won’t fit a child with a wide or an extra wide foot. Sometimes even children with medium width can’t fit inside them!
I once bought new balance shoes for myself. They just sucked completely and nobody, not even me, thought they were cool. Then I bought Under Armour and EVERYONE liked them. I spent more money on the new balance and it was worse. In the under Armours, they have lasted for half a year, look sick, and I don’t have any discomfort. I would recommend my Under Armour shoes (UA Team Drive 4) for anyone, even a 6 year old. I had a similar experience with nikes and Asiacs and don’t want to ever buy Asiacs ore NB for anything again.
Hello Dan,
I don’t know if you are referring to adult or kids’ shoes, but in my article, I specifically talk about children’s shoes.
Sometimes when a particular shoe style doesn’t work it doesn’t mean that the whole shoe brand is bad. It might be a manufacturer’s defect with that particular shoe and if that is the case most companies will replace the shoe.
I do agree that children and some adults find Under Armour shoes “cooler” than New Balance, but I always emphasize to parents to not choose shoes motivated by fashion and rather choose their kids’ shoes by what their kids’ feet really need. I have found Under Armour shoes for children to be flimsy and non-supportive, but they are fine if you don’t have any foot issues or if you are not involved in any type of intense physical activity.
Thank you for sharing!