4 Best Arch Support Sandals for Kids to Consider
Promote your kid's healthy foot development with a selection of arch support sandals that offer superior comfort and ensure optimal stability.
Published September 21, 2024.
When summer comes, little ones everywhere are eager to let their feet breathe. But for parents, the annual dilemma looms. How can we balance choosing a sandal for our kid that's both supportive and breezy?
Ill-fitting sandals aren't just uncomfortable. Podiatrists warn that a lack of arch support during formative years can lead to long-term foot problems, affect posture, and even cause back pain later in life. [1]
Below, we'll explore a new wave of kids' arch support sandals, helping you make an informed decision to keep those little feet happy and healthy.
» Make your little one's feet snug all season with arch support kids' sandals
Our Picks for the 4 Best Kids' Sandals With Arch Support
- Best overall arch support sandals for kids - Alva Gigi
- Best shock-absorbing arch support sandals for kids - Flopsy Rosy
- Best Velcro arch support kids sandals - Neptune Evelyn
- Best arch support kids sandals for a secure fit - Jerry Tigery
Importance of Arch Support for Kid's Foot Health
Prevention of Flat Feet
Flat feet are a common condition in children where the foot arch is absent or underdeveloped. The condition can lead to pain and difficulty walking. Arch supports provide necessary support to the medial arch, helping to maintain the foot's natural structure and prevent flat feet from progressing.
Research shows that using medial arch supports can improve stability and enhance walking functions in children with flat feet. [2]
» Strengthen your kid's arches. Start their flat feet exercise regimen today
Improvement in Motor Skills
Arch supports are essential for improving gross motor skills in children with flat feet. These children may struggle with activities like running, jumping, and balancing due to instability caused by inadequate foot structure.
Studies show that interventions involving arch supports can significantly enhance these motor skills, allowing children to participate more effectively in physical activities. [3]
» Check out the difference between regular and supportive shoes
Postural Balance and Stability
Arch supports help children stand up straighter and stay balanced. A study found that children with flat feet balanced better when they wore arch supports with silicone. [4] This is important for playing and helps prevent falls.
» Strengthen your kid's ankles with effective exercises
Long-term Foot Health
Arch supports can help children's feet stay healthy in the long run. Using them over time can help children walk better and more evenly. [5] Plus, addressing foot problems early can help prevent bigger problems later, like chronic pain or misshapen feet.
» Learn more about gait abnormalities in children
4 Best Sandals With Arch Support for Kids
1
Alva Gigi Sandals
Style meets support for confident walkers
Price
$178 AUD
Type
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Key features
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Four Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's a top pick
The Alva Gigi arch support sandals for kids have soft soles that make walking comfortable, even for children with flat feet or high arches.
The higher ankles help keep their feet steady, and the inside of the sandals helps prevent foot odour and keeps them cool and dry.
They are perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, whether they're active, have special needs, or just need everyday shoes. Plus, they come in many different colours.
2
Flopsy Rosy Sandals
Supportive sandals for happy wobbly walkers
Price
$186 AUD
Type
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Key features
- Adjustable Velcro closure
- Four Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's a top pick
The Flopsy Rosy arch support kids sandals come with shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles that provide cushioning, reducing impact during running and jumping. They improve comfort and protect young feet from harsh surfaces.
They are great for all little girls, whether they are active, have special needs, or just need everyday shoes. Plus, they are stylish and made from real leather, so they look good and last a long time.
3
Neptune Evelyn Sandals
Confident steps for little explorers
Price
$178 AUD
Type
High-top sandals
Material
Nubuck leather
Key features
- Four adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's a top pick
The Neptune Evelyn sandals with arch support for kids have four adjustable Velcro straps, allowing for a customized fit for different foot shapes and sizes.
The air valves, which reduce moisture and keep feet dry even during warmer weather or extended wear. Plus, the anti-bacterial insoles maintain foot hygiene, which is crucial for kids prone to sweat and odour.
4
Jerry Tigery Sandals
Growing feet, big adventures
Price
$186 AUD
Type
High-top sandals
Material
Leather
Key features
- Four adjustable Velcro straps
- Extended ankle support
- Anti-bacterial insoles
- Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
- High built-in arch support
- Air valves for moisture reduction
- Thomas heel
Why it's a top pick
Equipped with multiple adjustable straps, the Jerry Tigery sandals allow for a tailored fit. This adjustability is best for accommodating various foot shapes and sizes, ensuring comfort as children grow.
The sandals are built with durable materials, ensuring they withstand active play. You can expect these sandals to hold up well over time, making them a cost-effective choice.
How Should Sandals Fit Your Kid's Foot?
Arch support sandals should fit comfortably without being too tight. They need to match the shape of your child's foot and hold it firmly. When measuring the fit, check if there's a thumb's width between your child's toes and the front of the sandal.
Measure your child's feet regularly and look for signs that the sandals are worn out, like stretched straps or worn-out soles. Proper-fitting sandals are crucial for healthy foot growth, so look for pairs with:
- A molded footbed
- An integrated arch support
- Adjustable straps
» Learn how to stretch out your kid's shoes
A Smart Choice for Healthy Feet
Investing in quality footwear during these formative years is more than just a short-term solution for summer comfort—it's a step towards ensuring your child's long-term foot health and overall well-being.
By choosing sandals with proper arch support, you're not only preventing potential foot problems but also encouraging an active, pain-free lifestyle for your little ones.
Remember, every child's feet are unique, and what works for one may not be ideal for another. Don't hesitate to consult with a pediatric podiatrist if you have specific concerns about your child's foot development or gait.
» Give your child the gift of healthy feet. Invest in arch support sandals
References:
- K.-C. Chen, Y.-C. Chen, C.-J. Yeh, C.-L. Hsieh, and C.-H. Wang, “The effect of insoles on symptomatic flatfoot in preschool-aged children,” Medicine, vol. 98, no. 36, p. e17074, Sep. 2019, doi: 10.1097/md.0000000000017074. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6738981/
- “Immediate Effects of Silicone Arch Support Insoles on Postural Balance in Children with Flexible Flat Feet-International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research-Hill Publishing Group.” Available: https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/929
- R.-L. Hsieh, H.-L. Peng, and W.-C. Lee, “Short-term effects of customized arch support insoles on symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children,” Medicine, vol. 97, no. 20, p. e10655, May 2018, doi: 10.1097/md.0000000000010655. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29768332/
- “Immediate Effects of Silicone Arch Support Insoles on Postural Balance in Children with Flexible Flat Feet-International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research-Hill Publishing Group.” Available: https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/929
- A. Jafarnezhadgero, S. M. A. Mehr, and M. Majlesi, “Effect of long term use of arch support foot orthoses on walking ground reaction force asymmetry index in children with flexible flat feet: A cohort study,” 2019. Available: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effect-of-long-term-use-of-arch-support-foot-on-in-Jafarnezhadgero-Mehr/d97d6728d676e8b94af259b2e264ce74db3a2f65
Disclaimer: First Walkers' information is intended for educational and informational purposes related to toddler footwear and feet. We encourage you to consider individual circumstances and consult qualified orthopaedists about specific conditions.
