Toddler with Flat Feet – The Best Shoes for Toddlers with Flat Feet
Has your toddler been diagnosed with flat feet by your physical or occupational therapist and they recommend trying supportive shoes? Maybe you noticed something wrong with your toddler’s feet and want to be proactive. Shoes for a toddler with flat feet should provide supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and straight lasts to help improve foot posture, gait, and stability.
Some toddlers outgrow having flat feet while some others don’t. About two out of every ten children continue to have flat feet into adulthood, so there is no reason to wait for the condition to “resolve on its own” when you can take action now. A pair of supportive shoes can help redistribute pressure so your toddler can perform at their highest physical potential with minimal compensation mechanisms.
Image of a Toddler with Flat Feet
Below is an image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot. Does this picture look familiar to you?
Providing your children with a pair of shoes with supportive outsoles will allow them to walk and run straighter, and prevent them from developing foot issues.
What a Difference a Supportive Pair Shoes Can Make!
Let’s take a look at a picture of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot. Do you notice how the toddler’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Before Image
After Image
Before Image
After Image
I am going to provide you with links to those specific shoes shortly, but you should know that these shoes are not orthopedic shoes, they are regular sneakers that simply provide better support than others.
Do Toddlers Shoes Actually Provide Arch Support?
Most toddler shoes don’t come with a built-in arch, but there are other features that will help keep your toddler’s feet properly supported.
Key Features to Look for in Toddler Shoes with Arch Support
1. Substantial and Supportive Outsoles: This feature helps improve foot posture and reduce the impact that your toddler’s feet and legs take every time they become in contact with the ground.
2. Straight Lasts: This feature also helps improve foot posture by preventing the forefoot from pushing out.
3. Firm Heel Counters: This feature helps protect and support your toddler’s ankles as well as strengthen and straighten them. The heel counter of the shoes can be firm or soft. Always make sure that you press on the heel counter of your kids’ shoes before you buy them and make sure that it feels firm.
4. Lightweight and Flexible: While the shoes must be supportive, they also need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your toddler’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.
After considering the essential features, here are some of the top toddler shoes for flat feet that provide excellent support and comfort. These selections are based on both expert recommendations and parental feedback. 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.
Best Shoes for Toddlers with Flat Feet to Help Improve Foot Posture and Stability
It’s important that the shoes fit your toddler’s foot shape correctly so your child can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer. I have noticed that most toddlers tend to have wide feet, so make sure that you choose shoes that are deep and wide enough for your toddler’s feet.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best shoe if your toddler has flat feet. 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:
- 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 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 are ideal for toddlers with flat feet as they 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.
Key Features:
- You can order the shoe style 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 high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for a toddler with flat feet and overpronation. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.
Key Features:
- You can order the shoe style 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
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for toddlers with flat feet and overpronation. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features:
- 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.
- 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.
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
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your toddler’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features:
- 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.
- 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 option for flat-footed toddlers with overpronation at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style 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.
Keep in mind that if your toddler is pronating severely, you should go for the shoe styles that come with shoelaces, since they provide more support and more stability for the feet. All of these shoes are capable of accommodating an orthotic for extra support.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
As a dedicated shoe fitter, my mission is to guide families in finding the perfect pair of shoes for their little ones, focusing on comfort and support. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of supportive shoes for your toddler based on your child’s unique foot shape so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Don’t Choose Your Toddler’s Shoes Based on a Specific Brand
Don’t assume that simply because I recommend a shoe from a specific shoe brand that all shoes among that brand will work well for toddlers with flat feet. One of the main reasons why I don’t like to recommend specific shoe brands is because most parents assume that all shoes from those brands work well, when in fact, there are certain styles that work a lot better than others.
Reviews from Families – Get inspired!
Feedback from families plays a significant role in understanding how these shoes perform in real-world scenarios.
The Importance of Getting the Correct Shoe Size
Don’t make the common mistake of leaving extra room in the front of the shoe thinking that your toddlers will be able to wear the shoes for a longer period of time. A certain amount of growing room is okay, the issue comes when parents decide to leave extra growing room and end up compromising their children’s stability. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that has been helping families find out exactly what shoe size they should order online.
Are High-Top Shoes Better for Toddlers with Flat Feet?
A lot of parents believe that high-top shoes are the most supportive type of shoe, but this is not always the case. There are certain regular sneakers that provide better support than high-top shoes.
Best Orthotics for Toddlers – Help Them Walk and Run Straighter!
Sometimes a pair of supportive shoes might not be enough to improve and correct the way your toddler walks. If you have tried a pair of supportive shoes but your toddler’s foot posture and stability don’t improve, then you might want to consider trying an orthotic.
A pair of orthotics will help redistribute your toddler’s body weight, correct the abnormal placement of the foot, and make their gait balanced and efficient. Below you can find the most effective over-the-counter orthotics/supportive insoles for toddlers with flat feet.
3/4 Length Footlogics Orthotic Inserts for Toddlers
- Order the 3/4 length Footlogics orthotic inserts for toddlers on Amazon
- Fits toddler shoe size 5 through little kid shoe size 13
- 3/4 length makes it ideal to fit in most shoes
- If needed, you can easily trim them to the perfect size with a pair of scissors for a custom fit
- It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this orthotic
Full-Length Footlogics Orthotic Inserts for Toddlers
- Order the Footlogics full-length orthotic inserts on Amazon
- Fits toddler shoe size 5 up to big kid shoe size 3
- If needed, you can easily trim them to the perfect size with a pair of scissors for a custom fit
- You must remove the original insoles from your child’s shoes before placing the orthotic inside
Developed by orthopedic experts, Footlogics orthotic inserts have proven to support healthy foot development. Its arch support keeps your toddler’s feet naturally balanced, promoting a straighter walk and run. However, its effectiveness in realigning your toddler’s feet depends on their unique foot anatomy.
Supportive Shoes for Toddlers with Flat Feet – Watch Video!
I also created a video that demonstrates before and after images and videos of toddlers with flat feet wearing supportive shoes. You will also be able to visualize what features your toddler’s shoes should provide to support flat feet.
Is It Normal for Toddlers to Have Flat Feet?
It is a fact that most toddlers are flat-footed, but this doesn’t mean that this condition should be left untreated. Most medical professionals advise parents to be patient and just wait for their toddlers to develop an arch or to “outgrow” the condition, but the fact is that several of these toddlers don’t develop an arch, and parents end up regretting not having taken action sooner. Flat feet can lead to foot and leg pain, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, or your toddler having trouble keeping up with peers in performing age-appropriate activities.
While many children outgrow flat feet as they age, supportive footwear during these early years can be beneficial. This is particularly important during the first seven years of a child’s life — often referred to as the “golden years of treatment opportunity” — when structural changes can be more easily achieved. During this time, the foot is most malleable, and corrective measures like proper footwear can have a profound impact on a child’s overall foot health.
Have you found a particular shoe that has helped improve your toddler’s foot posture and stability? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so we can all benefit from them.
My toddler has very chunky/fat feet and most shoes leave red marks on the top part of his feet. How do I know these shoes will be wide enough for his feet?
Take a look at the description below each of the shoes that I recommend. You will notice that some models are available in extra wide widths.
Thank you for this resource! The visuals, general recommendations, and specific recommendations are so helpful for sharing with families in our Early Intervention program!
Hello Stephenie.
I am happy to hear that you find the website informative! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Hi my daughter is 2 years old and has flat feet, i’m Looking to find solution to solve this issue Professionally and Completely for her
Would you suggest shoes for her?
Hello Motasem,
There is a couple of extra information I need from you before I provide you with a specific shoe recommendations. I need to know your daughter’s shoe size (I need to know her shoe size in length and width). I also would like to know if she is overpronating.
Hi my daughter is 6 years old and has flat feet and often complains of knee,ankle and leg pain. Would you suggest geox winter boots for her?(we live in a mainly cold climate)
Hello Saba,
Yes I do, as long as that Geox style is waterproofed or insulated. Geox provide really good support. Does your daughter wear orthotics inside her shoes?
My Kid is 2 year old and have flat foot with valgus.
Can you please recommend from where I can purchase the right manufactured shoe
Hello Anand,
Do you have a local children’s shoe store in your area? If you have a shoe store in your area I will recommend that you take your child to be properly fitted there. I created a map that showcases the best children’s shoe stores by state:
The Best Shoe Stores In The United States – Where To Go For Proper Fittings
If you don’t have one in your area, please get back at me with your child’s shoe size (length and width), and I will recommend shoes that will help him/her walk and run straighter.
Same thing! My 3 year old has flat feet with valgus. What is the best shoe/sneaker for him?
Hello Karen,
The key is to find a deeper shoe that comes with a round toe-box. All the eight shoe recommendations that you see in this article fall in that category.
Do you know your child’s shoe size? If you tell me his exact shoe size (length and width), I can provide you with specific recommendations if none of the shoes shown in the article come in his size.
He wears 10.5.
Hello Karen,
I am assuming you don’t know your child’s shoe width. If your child has wide or extra wide feet, just choose “W”or “XW”
Supportive Shoe Style For Flat Feet: Option 1
Supportive Shoe Style For Flat Feet: Option 2
If after trying one of those styles your child walk patter does not improve or he is still experiencing foot or leg pain, you should consider trying an orthotic inside the shoes.
I hope this helps!