Worst Shoe Brands for Kids with Flat Feet – Stay Away from These 2 Shoe Brands!
Has your child been diagnosed with flat feet but still wants to wear trendy shoes from big-name brands that lack proper support? When it comes to flat feet, finding the right footwear becomes much more challenging—and unfortunately, many popular styles just don’t make the cut. As a shoe fitter, I’ve seen the frustration on kids’ faces when they realize most of their favorite brands offer little to no support. In fact, two of the most popular shoe brands among children are some of the worst options for flat feet—and I’ll reveal which ones shortly, along with better alternatives to keep your child’s feet supported and healthy.
Is It Common for Children to Have Flat Feet?
Before we get into which shoe brands to avoid, it’s important to understand flat feet—when the arch collapses and the entire foot touches the ground. This is common in kids under 5, but if flat feet persist beyond that age, they’re likely to be permanent. While many parents are told not to worry, early intervention matters. The right shoes can make a big difference in improving your child’s gait, posture, and overall comfort—even at a young age.
The biggest challenge for children with flat feet is that they often walk with their feet turned inward, throwing their entire body out of alignment.
Helping Kids with Flat Feet: My Practical Experience
With over a decade of experience in a specialized children’s shoe store, I’ve helped hundreds of kids with flat feet find the right footwear—and the results speak for themselves. The right shoes can dramatically improve posture, comfort, and even confidence. While some children may also need orthotics, everything starts with proper, supportive shoes. Early intervention truly makes all the difference.
What Are the Worst Shoe Brands for Kids with Flat Feet?
The answer might surprise you—because the two shoe brands I’m about to reveal are some of the most popular in the world. Backed by massive marketing campaigns and celebrity athletes, these brands have kids lining up for their shoes… but popularity doesn’t always mean they’re good for growing feet.
How many times has your child begged for a pair of Nikes? It’s no surprise—Nike is a top favorite thanks to its sleek designs and athletic edge. But when it comes to kids with flat feet, Nike shoes often miss the mark. Most styles prioritize fashion and lightweight performance over the support and stability flat-footed children truly need. At the shoe store where I work, we carry Nike shoes—but they’re consistently among the least supportive options on the wall.
I recently ran a quick experiment by fitting a flat-footed child in two different pairs of shoes—one supportive, and one that lacked proper structure. The difference was immediate and eye-opening. It’s a powerful way for parents to see just how much impact the right shoes can have on a child’s posture, stability, and overall comfort.
Why Nike Shoes Aren’t Ideal for Kids with Flat Feet
As you can see, most Nike shoes lack the support needed to prevent a child’s feet from collapsing and turning inward. While not every Nike style is flimsy or unsupportive, the majority simply don’t offer the structure flat-footed kids need.
Similar to Nike, Under Armour is another popular athletic brand that might not be the best choice for children with flat feet. Their shoes are often designed with adults in mind, focusing on performance rather than the specific needs of children’s feet. As a result, they can lack the necessary cushioning and arch support required for flat-footed children, potentially leading to discomfort or even injury over time.
One common complaint from parents about this brand is how quickly the shoes wear out. Flat-footed children often place uneven pressure on their shoes, and if the shoes aren’t well-built, they break down much faster than expected. Let me show you a few examples of Under Armour shoes worn by flat-footed kids.
That’s not to say all Under Armour shoes fall apart—but if your child has a foot condition, it’s best to steer clear. Children with flat feet or other foot concerns need shoes that offer greater durability and support, and there are other brands that do a much better job at meeting those needs.
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Flat Feet?
Some brands shine when it comes to supporting children with flat feet. Podiatrists and shoe fitters frequently recommend New Balance and Asics for their focus on arch support, stability, and comfort. New Balance offers models with strong shock absorption and roomy toe boxes. Asics features GEL cushioning and a stable heel cup with flexible designs that encourage natural foot movement. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your child’s unique foot shape—some brands fit narrow feet better, others suit wider ones—so consulting a podiatrist or professional fitter is a smart move.
Explore my hand‑picked list of the most supportive styles from those two brands—test‑tried over the years for unbeatable fit and comfort.
Reach Out for Specific Recommendations
If you’re unsure about which shoes to choose for your child with flat feet, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to share personalized shoe recommendations that fit your child’s unique foot shape and needs perfectly.
This is absolute crap. 1. The Nike shoes you bought were fly knit so what do you expect they’re made for running Sherlock
2. Any shoe does this of course bits will start peeling away after you wear and I bet that will happen to the new balance trainers when you actually start wearing them
Hello Ben,
Thank you for your feedback.
The article doesn’t only refer to the Nike models made out of knit. In addition, running shoes are not supposed to be less supportive or durable than walking/everyday sneakers.
I also would like to point out that I am not only referring to the material/quality of Nike shoes, I am also referring to the support that the shoes provide.