Two of my kids have low arches and I went to a pediatric podiatrist who recommended insoles. After comparing five different brands across two seasons of school and sports, these are the ones I would buy again.
| Kids Insole | Arch Support | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerstep Pinnacle Junior | Medium | EVA plus cushion | All-around pick |
| Birkenstock Kids Casual | Medium | Cork | Sandals and casual |
| Superfeet Junior Carbon | High | Carbon plus foam | Athletic kids |
| Pedag Junior | Medium | Leather plus latex | Dress shoes |
| Walkomfy Kids | Soft | Memory foam | Comfort focus |
Powerstep Pinnacle Junior
This is the one our podiatrist suggested first. Real arch support without being rigid, a heel cup that controls ankle roll, and a soft top layer that does not give my kids blisters. Available in real kid sizes that do not require trimming.
Birkenstock Kids Casual
For sandals and casual shoes that have removable footbeds, the Birkenstock kids insoles are the right pick. Cork molds to the foot over time and the contour matches the Birkenstock adult footbed scaled down. Best for older kids who can articulate comfort feedback.
Superfeet Junior Carbon
For kids who play soccer, basketball, or run, the Superfeet Junior Carbon adds a stiff carbon shell under the arch that resists collapse during sprinting. My older son uses these in his cleats and his after-game foot pain dropped to almost nothing.
Pedag Junior
For dress shoes, school shoes, and slimmer profile footwear, the Pedag Junior fits without taking up extra room. Leather top layer is more comfortable than synthetic options for all-day school wear. Latex base provides cushion without bulk.
Walkomfy Kids
If your child does not have a structural issue but just wants more cushion in their shoes, the Walkomfy memory foam is the right choice. No medical arch support, just comfort. My niece loves these in her sneakers.
What Matters Most
Arch position matters more than arch height for kids. A children’s arch is further back than an adult arch, so insoles sized for kids place the support correctly. Adult insoles trimmed down put the arch in the wrong spot and can cause foot pain.
My Setup
Both my kids have Powerstep Pinnacle Juniors in their school shoes. My son adds Superfeet Junior Carbons in his soccer cleats. We swap insoles between shoes when they outgrow a size but the insoles still fit.
Common Mistakes
Do not assume every kid needs arch support. Flat feet are normal in young children up to age six. After that, if there is pain or visible ankle rolling, see a pediatric podiatrist before buying insoles. Also do not buy oversized insoles assuming you can trim them. Trimming the back of an insole removes the heel cup, which is the most important part.
Final Recommendation
For most kids who need real arch support, the Powerstep Pinnacle Junior is the best buy. For athletic kids in cleats, add the Superfeet Junior Carbon. For dress shoes the Pedag Junior. For pure cushion with no medical need, the Walkomfy Kids works fine.
Frequently asked questions
When should a child wear orthotic insoles?+
Most kids do not need them, but if your child complains of foot or ankle pain, walks with rolled-in ankles after age six, or has been diagnosed with flat feet by a pediatrician, insoles can help.
Can I trim adult insoles to fit kid shoes?+
Sometimes yes, but the arch position is usually wrong because adult arches sit further forward. I would stick with kid-sized insoles unless your child wears youth size 7 or larger.