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Having flat feet is common in younger kids and some children never outgrow it. Choosing the right footwear is essential, even if your kiddo’s flat feet don’t bother them or cause pain. The best kids’ shoes for flat feet prevent the foot from rolling inward while walking (called overpronation), which can strain muscles in the legs and feet. Scary Mommy asked New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine for help in choosing the best shoes for supporting those little ankles and growing feet.
Why The Right Shoes Are So Important
Dr. Levine explains that all babies are born with flat feet and, “the arch develops over time and will change, and can even be covered with baby fat.” But if you kiddo is one of the roughly 5% who don’t grow out of their flat feet, supportive, well-fitting shoes are key.
Choosing supportive shoes can make a long-term difference in how your child’s foot develops by helping the arch and foot form properly. Dr. Levine says, “By restricting motion, you are eliminating the deforming forces that affect the forefoot.” She recommends seeing a podiatrist if your child suffers pain or any of the other complications associated with flat feet like “back pain, knee pain, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, juvenile arthritis, and juvenile bunions.”
According to Dr. Levine, choosing well-structured shoes that fit properly is critical so that children with flat feet “don’t over-pronate and [cause] problems with their knees, hips, and back.”
Some Lace-Up Sneakers Parents Say Are Magic For Flat Feet
Another flexible and supportive shoe from New Balance, this pair is worth an “add to cart” for any active child, but reviewers call them “magic!” for flat feet. The leather and mesh upper uses a stitched-down tip and other specially stitched details to deliver the flexible support that flat feet need. The brand’s proprietary ABZORB midsole cushions against impact to keep kids’ feet comfortable throughout the day and the durable rubber outsole will stand up to all the playground play and running your LO can throw at it. Ready to match any outfit, they come in 25 unique colors.
Helpful Review: “My daughter needed shoes with high arches that would support her feet. She has flat feet. These shoes have helped her feet. She hasn’t been complaining about her feet hurting. I would recommend them for kids with flat [feet]. Not [to]mention the shoes are cute too.”
Available sizes: Little Kid 10.5 — 3 (wide and standard); Big Kid sizes also offered
A Pair Of Performance Sandals With Ample Arch Support
Finding a sandal for flat feet can be a unique challenge. Finding one that 87% of Amazon reviewers gave five stars? Almost impossible. Enter these machine-washable Keen sandals that have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon with over 8,000 reviews. The EVA footbed has excellent arch support and molds to the natural contours of those cute little feet. They offer water resistance with a quick-dry liner and toe protection for climbing. A pull tab in the back helps little hands put them on and remove them with ease. The lug soles are designed to have traction even on wet surfaces and the bungee tightening system offers a customized fit. No worrying about finding a color they’ll like either: Choose from nearly 40 colors!
Helpful Review: “My son constantly complains about sandals. He has flat feet and it has been hard to find something that he can run in and gives any kind of support. I finally broke down and bought these Keens and he has worn them everyday since with no complaints.”
Available sizes: Little Kid 1 — 13; Toddler and Big Kid sizes also offered
B.Duck Kids Sneakers Boys Basketball Shoes Nonslip Kid Sports Shoes Girls Athletic Running Shoes(Little Kid/Big Kid)
A kind of children’s shoes specially made for children with both appearance and scientific design.
[The head of the shoe is upturned by 15°]-Protect the baby’s little toe, which is more suitable for the baby’s habit of walking on tiptoe, and protects the baby to walk steadily without falling.
[Anti-slip groove sole] – upgrade wear-resistant grip, light and flexible sole, upgrade deep texture wear-resistant non-slip light running without slipping.
[Stable Velcro] – Soft and adjustable, suitable for fat and thin feet, not tight, easy to put on and take off.
[Heel Reinforcement] – Heel reinforcement effectively improves support, maintains ankle balance, reduces the probability of falling, and makes baby travel safer