Has your child recently been diagnosed with flat feet? You are not alone. If your child has flat feet, then special footwear is in order. Children with flat feet may experience and complain about pain in their feet and ankles. You may also notice a change in their walking pattern. This is where the best shoes for kids with flat feet enter the room, as special footwear is key to improving possible symptoms.
Flat feet are a common condition, which often runs in families, and tough is usually painless for some; others can feel pain when walking or running, which isn’t normal. In some cases, flat feet can affect the body’s alignment, which can cause knee and ankle discomfort. Among the things you can do to address pain and discomfort caused by flat feet is choosing the appropriate footwear for your kid.
Experts often recommend arch support orthotic devices that fit inside your child’s shoes to relieve pain and reduce symptoms. These devices can be customized to mold to the contours of your child’s feet. When it comes to the proper footwear, your child will find comfort in wearing structurally supportive shoes instead of sandals, flip-flops, and shoes without arch support.
Having flat feet can indeed make buying decent footwear somewhat tricky. However, there’s no need to panic. If this is your first time buying shoes for kids with flat feet, you are in the right place as we’ll be sharing with you some of the best shoes for kids with flat feet, along with a buying guide for your convenience.
Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet: New Balance Kids’ Running Shoe
- Best Seller on Amazon Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet: Adidas Unisex-Child Racer
- Best Affordable Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet: YAQILUBEI Boys Girls Shoes Sneakers
- Best School Shoes for Girls With Flat Feet: Akk Girl’s Mary Jane School Uniform Shoes
- Best Slip-on Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet: Deer Stags Dress Comfort Shoe
How To Choose The Perfect Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet?
When choosing the best shoes for kids with flat feet, you need to consider important features and criteria as you should be able to identify which models will match your kid’s needs. The words you want to focus on most are comfort, support, and the right fit.
Understanding key terminology will help you make the best decision, as important features will help your child get the most out of the chosen footwear. Essential to have in mind that shoes for kids with flat feet should be comfortable but not boring.
When deciding on a pair of the best kid’s shoes for flat feet, you want a solid, moderately shaped arch that will contour to your kid’s foot. The biggest mistake some individuals with flat feet make is looking for a shoe with a high arch.
That will just exacerbate your problem by placing extra stress on your arch. The other trait you want is a shoe with a width. Flat feet tend to be more comprehensive, and a narrow shoe can place stress outside your kid’s feet.
Opt for a shoe with removable insoles, so you can add your arch support if necessary; if you are browsing for the best shoes for kids with flat feet, you also want to focus on features like high-density midsoles that will ensure the foot isn’t given too much freedom to go back to its balanced state.
While purchasing shoes for kids with flat feet is also essential, making sure they wear the right size is just as important. A good tip is to have your child wear the socks they intend to wear with the shoe.
The shoe should have about a half-inch from the longest toe to the tip of the shoe. Make sure their heel is up against the back of the shoe when trying on the shoe.
You also want the insole materials to be breathable with anti-bacterial properties so air can flow freely and remove nasty odor. Stay away from shoes that lack airflow.
Types Of Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Athletic/Trainers Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Kids love getting active and letting their imaginations run wild, so they must have a good pair of supportive trainers as they burn off their energy. Trainers’ shoes for kids with flat feet are explicitly built for tiny feet constantly on the move.
Whether your little one is a breakdancer or an aspiring footballer, trainers provide cushioning and support for confidence and total comfort.
Athletic footwear is intentionally designed to stabilize the flat foot, coordinate with the rectus foot, and cushion the high arch foot.
School Shoe For Kids With Flat Feet
School is a big part of your little one’s life, and their shoes should support them as they grow and learn.
School shoes for kids with flat feet come in a range of half sizes and width fittings to ensure maximum comfort, and with classic and modern designs to choose from, there’s a perfect pair of shoes for everyone.
Best Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet List
1. New Balance Kids’ Running Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Durability
- Comfort Design
- Soft Underfoot Cushioning
Cons
- Weak Front Toe Seam
The New Balance running shoe for kids features a minimal leather and open mesh upper, offering flexible support and easy-breezy comfort; the leather/mesh upper on these New Balance kids’ running shoes features a stitched-down tip and foxing details to provide adjustable support and durability.
The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through cushioning and compression resistance, giving these kids’ running shoes a comfortable feel that lasts all day.
These kids’ shoes for flat feet feature a robust rubber outsole to offer long-lasting durability, built to stand up to daily use and playground wear-and-tear.
What Our Testers Say
They fit perfectly. True to size and fabulous shoes. I got these for my son’s flat feet, which are amazing.
The cushioned running shoes for kids are available in a range of shades to suit the style and color preferences of your little one.
Tips
If you cannot get your kid’s foot all the way down into most shoes, let alone close or fasten over the top of his foot, make sure to order these in X-wide.
2. Adidas Child Racer Shoe For Kids With Flat Feet
Pros
- Unisex
- Rubber Sole
Cons
- These Run Slightly Bigger
Iconic style built for little athletes in the making. These kids’ shoes for flat feet are running-inspired and have a Cloudfoam midsole for gentle cushioning. A rubber outsole grips the ground so they can take their play to any surface.
What Our Testers Say
These were purchased for my 11yo boy. Shoe size is always a guess for us, but we measured and used the sizing guide, and the shoes fit exactly as we expected them to. He is a typical 11yo height/weight, the sizing we calculated by measuring his feet was a size three, and the size three fit him perfectly. After the right fit, the next hurdle is ensuring they are comfortable. He says these are “way comfortable” and likes how his feet feel in them. (as I’m typing this, I hear him running up and down the hall, testing them out). I think the tests are going well!
The Adidas brand is really the best with sizing and quality. These are lightweight, attractive, and fit well. These are lovely kids’ shoes and worthy of five stars.
Tips
If your child has a more average size foot, it is recommended to size up at least 1/2-full size if they are on the cusp of that growth spurt.
3. YAQILUBEI Boys Girls Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Breathable
- Strong Anti-Slip
- Easy Closure
Cons
- Not for Wide Feet
These shoes for kids with flat feet are ultra lightweight and breathable mesh upper sport shoes that expand with your foot.
Toe cap offers protection for kids’ feet when kicking complex objects. It fits perfectly to protect your feet from injury. Soft stretch knit and stretch straps give this style the ultimate flexibility for any activity.
What Our Testers Say
My 10yo son doesn’t care about name brands. I found these for a great price with good reviews, so I tried them. He liked how they looked; the best part was that he said they were really comfortable. It has been a few months since we purchased them, and they are still in great shape. Not cheap plastic on the bottom- so no sliding noticed like some of those other cheap shoes with hard plastic. I would recommend it and will be purchasing more!
Non-slip rubber soles with high elasticity and softness can be bent freely, which strengthens the shoe’s ability of anti-skid non-slip rubber outsole offers impact cushioning, anti-twist, abrasion-resistant, and anti-slip performance.
These are perfect to pair with any sports or casual clothes. Suitable for daily, school, gym class, running, playing, walking, indoor, sports, outdoor, travel, exercise, workout, vacation, and grip.
Tips
If your child is rough on shoes, these will definitely last. These are good for walking, good for running, and good for riding a bike.
4. Akk Girl’s School Uniform Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Memory Foam
- Non-Slip
- Easy On/Off
Cons
- Pricey
These shoes for kids with flat feet are super lightweight school shoes that reduce the weight burden on your kid’s feet. These also feature a breathable soft memory form insole to make your kid’s little feet free from squeezed feeling.
A convenient velcro strap design makes these flat shoes easy to wear or take off. These school uniform shoes are suitable for kids to play on the playground or long time wearing.
What Our Testers Say
Perfect school shoes. My daughter is very rough on her shoes. I’ve tried so many other mary joneses that just didn’t hold up. We’ve gone through 4 pairs in 5 months! And they weren’t cheap. Her other shoes start to show wear within the first day, but she’s been wearing these shoes for a couple of months with no scuffs or wearing. Great price, and I would repurchase these shoes when she outgrows these.
These are comfortable and not stiff like other similar styled shoes. The leather is soft, and the sole has a decent rubber/foam cushion. Perfect for school, wedding, church, playtime, everyday walk, dance, etc.
Tips
It is best to buy these shoes based on your child’s foot length.
5. Dress Comfort Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Pros
- Orthotic Support
- Rubber sole
- Slip-On
Cons
- Synthetic Leather
- Too Tight
The Little people at home deserve style too, and these Brian dress shoes for kids with flat feet will give him just that.
With its simple design, this classic leather shoe has elastic goring that will flex to fit his growing feet, while the slip-on style means no worries about laces coming undone.
What Our Testers Say
My son is extremely picky about the shoes that are on his feet. OCD is an understatement for his pickiness. He wears a 10-10.5 size shoe (depending on the shoe), and I ordered him a ten, and they fit perfectly. Not too tight, not too big. They are padded slightly around the back of the ankle and the sides so they don’t fit like a tight, stiff dress shoe fit that is typical of a guy’s dress shoe (for this price). He was spinning, dancing, and jumping and said they were so comfortable (and no laces, MOM!) I highly recommend this shoe!
Deer Stags shoes have been sold for decades. The brand is known for fully slip-lasted construction and comfort features. Deer Stags has become a top-selling brand in the casual dress category for national chains. These are shoes you can trust.
Tips
Use a shoehorn to put on if your son’s feet are a little wide.
kids’ shoes for flat feet Buying Guide
What Are The Best Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet?
The best kid’s shoes for flat feet are those that offer to support the structure of the foot, ankle, and leg with a stable sole and a firm heel.
The best shoes for kids with flat feet can help by providing the exact support your child’s feet need to prevent knee or ankle pain caused by flat feet. They can be used to postpone or even avoid surgery for problems resulting from alignment issues.
How Do Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet Work?
Most experts agree that shoes with a supportive sole are best for flat feet. This type of footwear has a firm but cushioned insole to support the surface of your foot. The sole of the best shoes for kids with flat feet is often flexible but not floppy.
These shoes are usually wide at the toes, allowing them to spread out. This reduces pressure on the front half of the foot, which can help prevent pain and bunions. A firm sole and heel support can prevent the foot from rolling inward.
The medical term for this is overpronation, which is common in people with flat feet.
Features To Look For In Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
Arch Support
Avoid shoes with no arch support, and stick with shoes that will provide your child’s foot with good support. Flat feet don’t offer the same support as feet that arch naturally, so you’ll need to find shoes that provide this support instead.
Flexibility
Make sure the shoes are slightly flexible so they can adjust to your kid’s feet. Don’t force your kid to wear very tight shoes. Compact shoes can help up to a point, but shoes should be flexible enough to allow your kid room to breathe.
Comfort
Arch support should provide comfort and ensure the shoe is made of a comfortable and preferably breathable material to keep their feet cool and dry. You may also consider additional padding in the shoe soles if your child’s feet need more support and comfort.
Traction
Kids are active, and the shoes they wear need to have a grip on whatever surface they encounter. Look at the outsole (bottom of the shoe) and ensure it is made of durable rubber and has some tread to grip the surface.
Shoes with no traction will result in more frequent slipping when running or walking on surfaces with no grip or in rainy or snowy weather conditions.
Materials
The best kid’s shoes for flat feet should be made of soft, lightweight materials. Check the outsole and insole of a particular shoe. The right type of outsole ensures durability and protection for the feet. Outsoles also help with balance as well as grip.
Check in advance which material shoes consist of. Foam parts for the sole are really important for the best comfort. Also, remember that all the best shoes for kids with flat feet must be made from a breathable material, especially if it’s shoewear for hot summer days.
Sizing
As you know, not all shoes have the exact sizing. Make sure to refer to the brand’s sizing chart to get an accurate fit. A rule of thumb is that there should be a thumbs-width of spacing between the longest toe and the top of the shoe. A
Also, consider if your child’s feet are a standard width, a wide width (familiar with flat feet), or a narrow width, as this will affect sizing and comfort.
Style
The style also matters when choosing the best shoe for a kid with flat feet. Most kid’s shoes offer different color variants. You should choose a color that matches your kid’s outfits.
Common Questions About kids’ shoes for flat feet
What are flat feet?
Flat feet or pes planus, pes valgus, or overpronation are precisely what the name implies; the feet are flatter on the bottom and allow the entire sole to touch the floor when standing.
Flat feet are standard in babies and toddlers because the arches in their feet haven’t yet developed. The foot arch develops throughout childhood for most individuals. However, some will never create arches on their feet.
What causes flat feet?
The causes of flat feet are varied. Some inherit the condition from their parents as an isolated trait, particularly for children with hypermobility or “double jointed.”
Others develop flat feet as part of another genetic condition. Still, others develop the condition over time.
Can kids fix flat feet?
Most children outgrow the condition by age six. Even those who don’t outgrow the condition (around 15 percent) rarely require treatment. If you think your child has flat feet, talk to their doctor. Do not attempt to treat the condition without the advice of a pediatric podiatrist.
Is flat-footed a disability?
Pes planus is a disability characterized by the arches of your feet flattening. While the disability can be severe, inhibiting your range of motion and ability to walk, it is typically painless.
Can flat feet be corrected?
Many people with flat feet don’t have significant problems or need treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments if you experience foot pain, stiffness, or other issues.
Do flat feet need arch support?
If your flatfeet are painful, your doctor might suggest Arch supports (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet.
What type of shoes is best for flat feet?
Most experts agree that shoes with a supportive sole are best for flat feet. Look for a shoe with a firm but cushioned insole to support the surface of your foot.
The sole of the shoe should be flexible but not floppy. It should move with your foot and provide support while you walk or stand.
Are a midsole, insole, and outsole the same?
- The midsole, insole, and outsole are three different shoe parts. The outsole sometimes referred to as just the “sole,” is located on the very bottom of the shoe. It is usually made of durable rubber and provides traction.
- The midsole is located directly above the outsole. It is usually made of foam and provides cushioning arch support and stability.
- The insole is a removable piece that is placed on top of the midsole that provides some cushioning but also can wick away moisture.
Is Nike a good shoe for kids with flat feet?
If you are looking for the best Nike shoes for flat feet, you must check if the shoes have Nike react technology. The shoes with this tech have extra cushioning on the inner edge that helps correct the imbalance by distributing the weight and support of the arches.
How to determine if your kid has flat feet?
There is a simple experiment you and your child can perform to see if they do have flat feet. It’s called the “Wet Test.”
- You will need a piece of cardboard bigger than your child’s foot and a dish of water that your child can dip the bottom of their foot in. Alternately, you can also perform this near a bathtub so they can wet the bottom of their feet.
- First, have your child dip their foot in the water. Make sure it isn’t dripping wet. Shake off the excess if needed. Then have them quickly step firmly on the piece of cardboard.
- When they remove their foot, examine their footprint. Your child may have low arches or flat feet if there is no apparent curve from the heel to the football.
Enjoy Your New Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
When selecting the best shoes for kids with flat feet, ensure the right shoes keep their feet as comfortable and supported as possible.
We hope this guide will enlighten you in your search for the best kid’s shoes for flat feet, so feel free to pick any of the choices listed above.
Please, send us your messages with questions, suggestions, or comments you may have. We are always here for you.
