Parents may have a hard time finding the proper shoes for their flat-footed child. It’s understandable because these kids can’t wear any regular footwear that other children use. They may find it confusing to choose the best kid’s shoes for flat feet because there are so many models available in the market. Let this review and guideline help you pick the right footwear for your child.
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Flat Feet Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Saucony Baby Jazz Hook-and-Loop Sneakers for Kids | Top Pick |
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2. Keen Seacamp II CNX-C for Kids |
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3. Adidas Originals Swift Run Sneakers for Boys and Girls |
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4. Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane |
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5. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Artin Athletic Sneaker |
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6. New Balance 680 V5 Alternative Closure Running Shoe |
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7. Bearpaw Emma Toddler Zipper Mid Calf Boot |
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1. Saucony Baby Jazz Hook-and-Loop Sneakers for Kids — Best Rubber Shoes for Toddlers with Flat Feet
Saucony Baby Jazz is one of the best kids’ shoes for flat feet because of its sturdy heels and flexible soles. I like that cute toddlers don’t trip as they run around with these rubber shoes. Moms don’t have to worry about tripping on shoelaces because this pair has velcro. Putting on and taking it off is a breeze because of the hook-and-loop feature.
The rubber outsole serves its purpose because of its triangular crampons. They offer flexibility and excellent feet development. Its sole flaw lies in its sizes because they run smaller. Moms need to check the measurements before buying a pair for their lovable kids.
Specs
- Rubber Shoes
- Suede and nylon upper
- Rubber sole
- Hook and loop closure
Pros
- Ample support and cushioning
- Effortless to put on and take off
- Durable and high-quality construction
- Attractive colors
Cons
- Runs small
- Not for broad feet
The Saucony Baby Jazz Hook-and-Loop Sneakers is one of the best shoes for toddlers with flat feet. You’ll like the suede and nylon upper material because of the extra padding to make kids comfortable while running and walking.
The lightweight, durable, and breathable pair of shoes also have outsoles that offer secure traction. You’ll find it surprising that for this particular model, you can choose from 41 available colors.
Overall Rating – 4.6
2. Keen Seacamp II CNX-C for Kids — Best Sandals for Flat-footed Children
The Keen Seacamp is a top choice for sandals because of the elastic laces and easy-to-adjust straps. They’re not too loose and not too tight. Kids will like it because they offer flexible but firm comfort for their arches.
Aside from the synthetic and polyester upper, the pair also has an AEGIS microbe shield lining. It repels odor-causing and harmful bacteria. It also has a hydrophobic mesh lining that ensures that the toddler’s feet remain dry.
This pair of sandals has an athletic appeal in 17 colors. It has a hook-and-loop strap with elastic lace. My issue with it is that it has no half sizes; therefore, it may be loose on a kid’s feet.
Specs
- Sandals
- Synthetic and polyester upper
- Rubber sole
- Hook-and-loop closure
Pros
- PFC-free materials
- Metatomical-molded ethylene vinyl acetate footbed
- Washable upper
- Easy to put on and take off
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
Cons
- Poor Velcro quality
- No half sizes
You’ll like the Keen Seacamp II CNX-C sandals because your child can wear it on the beach. The pair can handle sunshine, saltwater, sand, and even sweaty little toes. Aside from being adorable on your precocious toddler, it’s sturdy, practical, and comfortable to wear.
It’s quick-drying, so even if water runs in and out of it, your kid won’t slip while wearing it. Other features include a contoured arch, metatomical EVA footbed, and non-marking rubber outsole.
Overall Rating – 4.7
3. Adidas Originals Swift Run Sneakers for Boys and Girls — Best Unisex Sneakers for Kids with Flat Feet
Adidas is world-renowned for producing lightweight and stylish shoes, even for kids. The Adidas Originals Swift Run has a classic and fashionable design that is durable enough to stand wear and tear on the playground. Children with flat feet also get the kind of arch support that they need.
The Ortholite sock liner and EVA midsole ensure plenty of support and comfort for active and casual wear. The sock liner also keeps moisture away to ensure that the feet remain cool and dry.
The Agility Touch Skin upper is attractive and comfortable. Kids feel that they’re wearing socks only because of the sock-like fit. This feature means that there won’t be any break-in time. A downside, however, of these rubber shoes is that it’s expensive.
Specs
- Rubber shoes
- Synthetic and textile upper
- Rubber sole
- Lace closure
Pros
- Lightweight but offers support and comfort
- Agility Touch Skin upper adapts to the unique foot shape
- Durable rubber sole has excellent traction
- Plenty of colors to choose from
Cons
- Expensive
Adidas Originals Swift Run Sneakers is one of the best shoes for children with flat feet because it’s stylish and lightweight. Your child will have the right arch support while running around the playground or walking in the park. It’s a high-quality pair of shoes with a classic design that can withstand continuous use.
Its Ortholite sock lining and EVA midsole offer support and comfort for your active kid. The feet will remain cool and dry because the sock lining wicks moisture, and the sock-like fit means that there’s limited break-in time.
Overall Rating – 4.6
4. Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane — Best School Shoes for Girls with Flat Feet
Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane shoes are ideal for school girls, but they can also wear them to any occasion. The upper part is 100% leather, and the grippy outsole is rubber for better protection. To enhance comfort, Stride Rite provides a memory foam insole and padded collar. Little daughters don’t have a hard time putting the shoes on and taking them off because of the hoop-and-loop closure mechanism.
The open upper part ensures that the air circulates to reduce the possibility of bacteria and odor buildup. If there’s a drawback to owning this pair of school shoes, it will be its worn-out look, even after using it for a month or so.
Specs
- School shoes
- 100% leather
- Rubber sole
- Memory foam insole
Pros
- Non-marking, grippy rubber outsole with comfortable, padded collar
- Lightweight for optimal flexibility
- Adjustable strap closure
Cons
- Gets worn out quickly
If you’re searching for the right school shoes for your little daughter, you may opt for the Stride Rite Clair Mary Jane. It’s leather with a rubber sole for durability and comfort. Your precious girl won’t feel any discomfort even if she uses it as an everyday shoe.
It’s also ideal for kids with flat feet because it has a padded collar that also serves as a shock absorber. The memory foam insole also enhances comfort. Because it’s leather, you have to ensure that you maintain and keep it clean and dry always.
Overall Rating – 4.5
5. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Artin Athletic Sneaker — Best Antimicrobial Rubber Shoes for Flat-Footed Boys
Stride Rite Made 2 Play Artin sneakers have a memory foam padding that has enough flexibility for ample support to the foot arch of a child. I like it because it cushions the feet for every step and provides support for the future development of the feet.
The upper material offers breathability, and they’re machine washable. I also prefer its odor and antibacterial technology because it keeps the feet stink-free. My complaint is that it may not withstand wear-and-tear if the kid uses the shoes every day.
Specs
- Athletic sneakers
- 100% leather and mesh
- Rubber sole
- Memory foam footbed
- Hook-and-loop closure
Pros
- Offers ultimate durability, comfort, and traction
- Easy to put on and take off because of the hook-and-loop closure
- With antimicrobial lining to limit odor and bacteria growth
- Machine washable
- For formal and casual wardrobe
Cons
- Not durable enough for daily use
Stride Rite is a famous brand of shoes for children, and flat-footed kids can have the Made 2 Play Artin sneakers. This pair of rubber shoes have a memory foam insole that adapts to the unique foot shape and provides stability and support. It has an antimicrobial lining to ensure the feet don’t stink. Its rubber sole offers an excellent grip on slippery and smooth surfaces.
Overall Rating – 4.2
6. New Balance 680 V5 Alternative Closure Running Shoe — Best for Active Flat-Footed Kids
New Balance 680 V5 has an injected molded EVA midsole and heel that’s excellent for absorbing shocks and impacts. I like its ABZORB heels that support the EVA midsoles as crash pad cushions. The lightweight and comfy upper material make the feet breathe. Kids can opt for bright and flashy or subdued color schemes. Moms, however, have to be careful about buying this pair for their little boy because the sizes run big.
Specs
- Rubber shoes
- Leather and synthetic upper
- Rubber sole
- EVA midsole
- ABZORB heel
Pros
- Ideal for active children
- Breathable mesh upper
- ABZORB heel cushion absorbs shock
- Lightweight
Cons
- Runs big
If you’re searching for rubber sneakers for your flat-footed child, you may want to try the New Balance 680 V5 for exceptional arch support. It has an ABZORB crash pad for optimal shock absorption, especially during rough play. You’ll also like its lightweight and breathable mesh upper that offers support and structure. The synthetic outsole provides ample grip for sports activities.
Overall Rating – 4.7
7. Bearpaw Emma Toddler Zipper Mid Calf Boot — Best Winter Boots for Toddler Girls with Flat Feet
The Bearpaw Emma Zipper Mid-calf Boot for toddlers keeps the feet protected and warm during winter. It’s comfy, cute, and elegant-looking and any kid will enjoy wearing it because of its contemporary style. I like the design because it considers the comfort and development of children.
The EVA outsole is lightweight, and the sheepskin insole has sufficient padding and arch support. Toddler girls will like how this pair of boots makes them comfortable, and they can choose from its many color schemes.
Little girls with chubby feet may have a hard time putting these boots on and taking them off because the zipper doesn’t go all the way down the bottom. They may be ill-at-ease because this pair is tight and narrow too.
Specs
- Boots
- 100% plush suede upper
- Non-marking rubber sole
- Sheepskin footbed
Pros
- Quick to put on and take off
- Durable rubber outsole
Cons
- Tight and narrow
- Zipper doesn’t go all the way down
If you’re searching for a comfy pair of winter shoes for your little girl with flat feet, you may like the Bearpaw Emma Zipper Mid-calf Boots. It’s elegant-looking and keeps the feet warm and protected during the cold months. It has a lightweight EVA outsole and sheepskin insole for ample arch support and padding.
Overall Rating – 4.5
How To Pick The Best Kids’ Shoes For Flat Feet
Tendons in the feet are responsible for forming the arch. If your toddler has flat feet, you can bring the child to a podiatrist to check for tight Achilles tendons. Because of the motion limitation due to tightness around the heel, the child experiences pain and lack of foot arch. Rigid flat feet or tendon injury can also be the cause of discomfort. The podiatrist can help you find the best solution for the problem.
Babies Generally Have Flat Feet
The right footwear can also offer immense help, but the shoes provide a firm fit, a stable heel, proper arch support, and enough room for the feet to move. Generally, the curves start to develop by age two or three.
If the arches don’t appear by the time the child reaches five or six years old, you have to consult the podiatrist. Some parents buy shoes a size or two too big because they expect their child’s feet to grow. However, doing so can lead to more accidents and falls.
Wearing Orthopedic Inserts
Your child doesn’t need to undergo an operation for flat feet unless there’s another underlying issue. Your podiatrist or pediatrician can find out the cause of foot pain. Some children may need to wear an orthopedic insole to correct any feet problems.
Knowing The Correct Shoe Size
Buying the perfect pair of support shoes requires choosing the correct size. Here are some tips you can use in buying your child’s shoes:
- Ask the kid to wear socks if you’re buying shoes that need socks
- Give about half an inch allowance from the tip of the shoe to the longest toe
- The pinky toe must have enough wiggle room and not press against the side of the shoe
- The heel must be against the back of the shoe
Features You’ll Find In The Best Shoes For Kids With Flat Feet
If your child has flat feet, you have to consider several factors when buying the right shoes. Let’s take a look at each one of them.
Support
Searching for the kid’s shoes for flat feet isn’t hard to do if you know how to find them. You need to check the rubber heel and ensure that it’s very sturdy because it secures the arch and the heel. The toe box must also be roomy to allow the toes to move freely.
It’s also vital that you pick the appropriate size for your child’s feet to avoid any unnecessary discomfort. Shoelaces can provide an extra boost in support, especially if the feet tend to overpronate. Hook-and-loop closures, on the other hand, are easier to adjust.
Material
You may come across shoes that have memory foam insoles. This type of material adapts to the feet and cushions them to protect them from the hardness of the ground. The pressure may put too much strain on your child’s feet, so having memory foam is an excellent choice.
An ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole is a synthetic foam that protects the feet against impacts and jolts. If your child runs around all day, you have to opt for an antibacterial insole, so the feet don’t stink. It also prevents the growth of bacteria. A mesh upper also ensures breathability. You also have to check if the shoes are machine washable or not.
Style
In buying the best shoes for a kid with flat feet, you have to consider the type of footwear your child will most likely wear every day. Toddlers love vibrant colors, but subdued hues can match easily with many outfits. Unisex shoes often have blue or green footwear.
Final Thoughts
Parents need not worry if they’re kids have flat feet because the condition, generally, doesn’t require any surgery. They can alleviate the pain their children feel by choosing the appropriate shoes for them. The buying guide has some suggestions that can help them in buying the right footwear.
Saucony Baby Jazz Hook-and-Loop rubber shoes for toddlers and little children up to eight years old is your best choice for your kid with flat feet. It has additional padding on the upper to make the child comfortable even when running. The breathable, lightweight, and durable pair have outsoles that provide excellent traction too. Your baby will also like its vibrant colors.