What Are the Best Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet? – Shoes with Extra Arch and Heel Support!

March 14, 2023 Flat Feet Juan Valenzuela 4 - Comments

Children with flat feet might have a difficult time finding comfortable running shoes. Whether you are looking for a pair of running shoes to support your child’s daily activities or your child is into running long distances, I will show you a list of supportive running shoes that provide extra arch and heel support. 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?

The Complications of Having 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 that 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.

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. It’s clear that children who are flat-footed and like to run either recreationally or competitively need extra support from their shoes. 

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 with flat feet. Let’s start by looking 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

child-with-flat-feet

Now let me show you what happens when I fit that same child in a pair of supportive running 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

supportive-shoes-with-straight-lasts-for-children-with-flat-feet

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 should 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:

child-with-flat-feet

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.

child-with-flat-feet-wearing-unsupportive-shoes

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.

Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet for Medium, Wide, or Extra Wide Feet

Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)

  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style TR14 LTT  by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)

  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Lace-up closure
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Kinvara 14 by Saucony on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight mesh upper
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Running Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet for Narrow and Medium Feet

Boys

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 71XNajS97wL._AC_UX535_.jpg
  • Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Contend 8 by Asics on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Fits children with narrow or medium feet
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Novablast 2 GS by Asics on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • Order the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with narrow or medium feet
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Contend 8 by Asics on Amazon
  • Fits narrow and medium feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Removable Insoles
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Girls

  • Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style GEL-Cumulus by Asics on Zappos
  • The Asics shoe style Gel-Cumulus 25 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow and medium feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Removable Insoles
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style GEL-Excite 10 by Asics on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Contend 8 by Asics on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Wind FST by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Fits children with narrow or medium feet
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half 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.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their child’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height.

What Makes the Running Shoes I Recommend Effective for 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?

supportive-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet

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?

children's-shoes-with-heel-support

Does Your 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 sports insoles or orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com 

Have you tried a particular running shoe that 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.