What Are the Best Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet? – Shoes with Extra Arch and Heel Support!
Children with flat feet might have a difficult time finding comfortable running shoes. However, you must be patient and make sure that you provide your child with a pair of supportive and comfortable running shoes if you want to prevent foot and leg pain. Several families who come to the shoe store that I work for seem to have this same question in common: What are the best running shoes for kids with flat feet?
When children have flat feet their feet tend to turn inwards and once the feet are pronated, the knees and hips also become misaligned. This means the muscles that move those joints no longer work efficiently, and it will take more energy for your child to do the same work as other children who don’t have this condition. Having flat feet can also affect your child’s overall posture.
The Importance of Fitting Children with Flat Feet in Supportive Running Shoes
If your child has been diagnosed with flat feet and likes to run then it means that your child won’t be able to absorb shock as well, which can lead to foot and leg pain as well as foot injuries. Any foot injury caused in children can create problems later in life.
Children who are flat-footed and like to run either recreationally or competitively need extra support from their shoes. The good news is that a pair of supportive and substantial running shoes can absorb this shock and keep your kids’ feet healthy by preventing injuries as well as foot and leg pain.
The shoes I will recommend shortly are not orthopedic, they are regular running sneakers that simply provide better support than the rest. My goal is to provide your child with a pair of shoes that provides enough support but it allows your child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own.
What a Difference These Running Shoes Can Make! – See it for Yourself!
Let me show you what a difference a pair of shoes I recommend can make for a child who has flat feet. Let’s start by taking a look at an image of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Before Image
Now let me show you what happens when I fit that same child in a pair of the supportive running pair of shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? Something so simple as providing your child with the correct type of shoes can make a tremendous difference in the way your child walks and runs.
After Image
Children with flat feet need running shoes with proper support to help distribute their weight and support the arches of their feet. The issue is that there is a very small selection of running shoes that provide the correct amount of support.
I want to clear a common misconception as some parents believe that shoe brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are good for their kids’ feet only because they are “popular” shoe brands. You will be surprised to know that if your child has a foot condition you need to stay away from these shoe brands as they don’t provide the correct amount of support. Most of their styles are too flimsy and unsupportive.
Stay Away from These Shoe Brands – Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour!
Remember the image that I showed you before of the child standing barefoot? Let’s take a look at that image one more time:
Let me show you what happens when we fit that same child in a pair of Nike shoes. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards the same way as when the child was standing barefoot? The shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support to prevent the child’s feet from collapsing.
What Are the Best Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet?
Before I show you a selection of the best running shoes for kids with flat feet I want to make sure that you know your child’s exact foot size. You won’t be able to order your child’s correct shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s foot size.
The selection of shoes for a child with flat feet is pretty limited, and it gets even more limited if your child has a “complicated” foot shape such as narrow or extra wide feet.
Children can have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and depending on your child’s foot shape we will decide on which shoe brands and which shoe styles to try.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I came up with the most effective way to determine your child’s exact foot size from your home and will personally assist you with a custom fitting tailored to your child’s individual needs. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their child’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height.
Now that you know your child’s foot size let’s take a look at the best running shoes for kids with flat feet. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
The shoes I recommend are supportive but they are lightweight and flexible at the same time, which is going to help prevent your child’s feet from easily getting tired. 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 Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet
Medium – Wide – Extra Wide Feet
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Roav by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LLT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style FuelCell Rebel by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Best Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet
Narrow – Medium Feet
Boys
- Shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Noosa Tri 13 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable insoles
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Novablast 2 GS by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Novablast is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable insoles
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Axon is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Girls
- Shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Noosa Tri 13 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Cumulus by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Cumulus 25 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Noosa Tri 15 GS by Asics
- The Asics shoe style GEL-Noosa Trim 15 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Infused gel for extra cushion and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind FST by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Wind is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning in the heel
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Endorphin KDZ by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Endorphin is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Our ultimate goal is to find shoes for your child to run comfortably. If the shoes don’t feel comfortable from the moment your child tries them on, then it’s highly likely that they won’t feel comfortable when your child is running.
What Makes the Running Shoes I Recommend Effective for Flat Feet?
There are 2 key features that the shoes I recommend provide which make them extremely effective for children who have flat feet.
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This feature helps prevent your child’s flat feet from collapsing and turning inwards. Let me show you the difference in support between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a supportive outsole compared to the shoe on the left?
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: Sometimes children’s pronation can come from the ankles too. The shoes need to provide a firm heel counter with targeted support right below the heel to prevent your child’s ankles from rolling inwards. Let me show you the difference in heel support between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a lot more padding below the heel compared to the shoe on the left?
Does my Child Need a Different Pair of Shoes for Walking?
The answer is no, your child can use these running shoes as their everyday sneakers. However, if you start noticing visible signs of wear and tear you should consider providing your child with two different pairs of shoes so he/she can alternate.
Finding a pair of running shoes for children with flat feet can be a time-consuming experience, as there are very few styles that provide the correct amount of support. However, if your child has been complaining about foot pain I recommend you to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” that many pediatricians seem to recommend. The sooner that you start treating your child’s foot conditions the better.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If you already tried a pair of supportive shoes and your child still complains about foot or leg pain then contact me directly so I can recommend a pair of orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes: [email protected]
When children are running they impose an enormous amount of stress on their feet and legs from the impact that their feet and legs take when they come in contact with the ground. That is the reason why it’s so important that you fit your child in a pair of supportive running shoes.
Have you tried a particular shoe brand or shoe style that has worked well for your child’s flat feet? Please share your findings in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
thank you so much, we finally got what our son needed
I am happy to hear that!
Great article, Thank you so much for explaining what to look for!
Hello Lin,
I am happy to hear that you find the article informative!