Toddler Shoes with Arch Support – The Best Shoes to Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy!

June 27, 2025 Shoes with Arch Support Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

Are you frustrated because it seems like no toddler shoes come with proper arch support? While it’s true that most toddler shoes don’t have built-in arches (because little feet are still developing and often naturally flat), that doesn’t mean good support is out of reach. Many toddler shoes feature supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and straight lasts—all of which can help improve your child’s foot posture, walking gait, and balance. These key features give toddlers the stability they need as they learn to walk, run, and play with confidence.

Do Toddler Shoes with Good Arch Support Exist?

“If you’ve ever felt inside a pair of toddler shoes, you’ve probably noticed they don’t have built-in arches. But don’t worry — that doesn’t mean your little one’s feet are left unsupported. Many toddler shoes are specially designed with features that help prevent the feet from collapsing inward and keep your child walking and running more confidently. The right pair can make a world of difference in your toddler’s comfort and stability.”

Toddler shoe without arch support.
An example of a toddler shoe without any arch support featuring a flat insole.

Why Are These Shoes So Effective for Toddlers with Foot Issues?

These features are designed to accommodate the unique needs of developing feet, providing a balance of support, flexibility, and durability.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
Key Feature One: Stable Base of Support. A stable base creates a strong foundation for your toddler’s shoes, giving their feet a secure, balanced platform. This essential feature helps guide the feet into proper alignment, promoting healthier posture and a smoother, more confident gait as they walk and play.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Key Feature Two: Firm Heel Counters. A firm heel counter is essential in maintaining the alignment of the foot. It holds the heel in place, ensuring that the foot remains properly positioned within the shoe.
How to find out if your child's shoes provide straight lasts.
Key Feature Three: Straight Lasts. Shoes with straight lasts contribute to proper foot alignment. A straight last ensures that the shoe is not excessively curved, thereby preventing undue inward or outward rolling of the foot. This is particularly beneficial for toddlers with flat feet or those prone to overpronation.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible difference the right shoes can make for toddlers. After fitting countless pairs and watching kids take their first steps in them, I can confidently say the transformation is often immediate.

Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes

Images of toddlers with flat feet versus wearing supportive shoes can clearly demonstrate the positive changes in foot alignment and posture.

toddler-with-flat-feet
Before image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot. Notice how the arches have collapsed and the feet roll inward, creating an unstable posture and uneven weight distribution.
toddler-wearing-supportive-shoes
After image of the same toddler now wearing one of my recommended shoes. See how much straighter and more aligned the feet are, providing better support and a stronger, more balanced stance.

As a shoe fitter with extensive experience, I have compiled a list of top shoe recommendations for 2025 that offer excellent support for toddlers with foot conditions. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supportive Toddler Shoes with Arch Support for Flat Feet

These supportive toddler shoes are designed to comfortably fit medium, wide, or extra wide feet—so be sure to pick the right width to give your little one the perfect fit and all-day comfort!

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best shoes for toddlers with flat feet or other foot conditions. 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.

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.

Key Features

  • You can 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 getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These orthopedic shoes for toddlers 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.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

Key Features

  • You can order the shoe Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite ankle support shoes offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for toddlers with foot conditions. The shoes are affordable and despite the limited color choices, they are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • You can order the shoe SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

These supportive New Balance toddler shoes combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for toddlers with flat feet and overpronation. The shoes are offered at a lower price point.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland

The sturdy design ensures that toddlers can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Water-friendly
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These versatile shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your toddler’s flat feet. Families appreciate how the shoes are offered at a very reasonable price.

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.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

The 2002 model by New Balance is another great supportive option for flat-footed toddlers with overpronation at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

If you’ve tried my supportive shoe recommendations and still feel your toddler could use more support, it might be time to consider adding an insole/orthotic. These inserts can provide extra stability and cushioning, helping your toddler stay comfortable and properly supported throughout their daily adventures.

Personalized Shoe Suggestions

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right fit can be challenging. For personalized shoe suggestions tailored to your child’s specific foot condition, consider getting in touch. I can offer valuable insights and help you select the best shoes for your toddler’s specific foot shape and degree of condition.

Must-See Video: Top Features to Look for in Toddler Shoes with Arch Support!

Check out my YouTube video where I break down the three essential features every toddler shoe should have to make up for the lack of built-in arch support. It’s a quick, visual guide to help you choose shoes that keep your little one’s feet comfortable, supported, and healthy!

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

Ordering the right shoe size online can be tricky, but it’s crucial to ensure your child gets the full benefits of their shoes. Many families don’t have a trusted local children’s shoe store nearby, leaving them to navigate the tricky world of buying kids’ shoes online. If that sounds familiar, I’ve got you covered! I offer a free virtual shoe fitting service to help you find the perfect fit from home. In this article, I’ll guide you through measuring your toddler’s exact foot size and figuring out whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—and even help determine if they have a high instep.