Buying the right size is only part of getting a great fit.

Sometimes a pair of shoes is the correct length but still doesn't feel quite right. Maybe your child's heel slips when they walk. Maybe the shoe feels loose across the top of the foot. Or perhaps there's just a little extra room that makes the shoe feel less secure.

That's where shoe inserts can help.

At Laced Shoe, moms often ask us if they should buy a smaller size when a shoe feels loose. Most of the time, the answer is no. A better solution may be choosing the right insert to improve the fit while keeping the healthy growing room your child needs.

Think of shoe inserts as small helpers. They don't replace the right size, but they can fine-tune the fit and make comfortable shoes feel even better.

Quick Answer

The best shoe insert depends on where the shoe feels loose. Felt Tongue Pad Inserts help reduce extra space across the top of the foot, heel grips can minimize heel movement, insoles improve cushioning and adjust volume, and toe fillers are best for shoes with slightly too much space at the front. The key is choosing the insert that solves the specific fit issue rather than automatically sizing down.

Why the Right Insert Matters

Every child's feet are unique.

Some have higher insteps, while others have narrower heels or lower foot volume. Even children wearing the same shoe size may need different fitting adjustments.

That's why one simple solution doesn't work for everyone.

Before adding any insert, it's helpful to identify where the shoe feels loose.

Ask yourself:

• Does the heel lift while walking?
• Is there a gap across the top of the foot?
• Is the shoe roomy at the toes?
• Does the shoe slide forward?

Finding the answer makes choosing the right insert much easier.

If you're unsure whether the shoe is actually too big, our Kids' Shoe Size Guide can help you check the fit before making any adjustments.

Felt Tongue Pads

One of the most useful accessories we recommend is a Felt Tongue Pad Insert.

These soft pads attach underneath the tongue of the shoe and gently fill the empty space across the top of the foot.

They work especially well when:

• The shoe length is correct.
• The heel lifts slightly.
• The foot moves inside the shoe.
• The shoe feels loose over the instep.

Because loafers don't have laces, they rely on the shape of the shoe to stay on the foot. Even a small gap across the top can allow movement.

That's why we often recommend our Felt Tongue Pad Inserts for children wearing loafers.

If heel slipping is your biggest concern, you'll also find helpful tips in our blog How to Stop Kids' Loafers From Slipping, where we explain why sizing down isn't always the answer.

Heel Grips

Heel grips are another simple solution.

These small padded strips attach inside the back of the shoe.

They're helpful when:

• The heel slips slightly.
• The shoe rubs the back of the foot.
• A new pair needs a little extra hold.

Heel grips don't shorten the shoe.

Instead, they reduce small amounts of movement and help keep the heel comfortably in place.

If the shoe slips off completely while walking, however, the shoe may simply be too large.

Insoles

Sometimes the issue isn't the heel or the top of the foot.

Sometimes the shoe simply has a little more depth than your child's foot needs.

Adding an insole can:

• Improve cushioning.
• Slightly reduce extra volume.
• Create a more secure fit.
• Add comfort for everyday wear.

Many families choose insoles for school shoes because children spend hours walking between classrooms, playgrounds, and activities.

If you're shopping for loafers or school shoes, browse our Kids' Loafers Collection and School Shoes Collection to find styles designed for everyday comfort.

Toe Fillers

Toe fillers are designed for shoes with a little extra room at the front.

They're most useful when:

• The shoes are only slightly longer than needed.
• The heel fits well.
• The child is between sizes.

However, toe fillers should never be used to make shoes that are much too large fit properly.

Growing room is important, but oversized shoes can make walking less comfortable and less stable.

How to Choose the Right Insert

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is treating every loose shoe the same way.

Instead, match the insert to the problem.

 

If you're not sure which solution is right, we recommend starting with the fit.

Measure your child's feet first, then compare them with our Kids' Shoe Size Guide.

If you're shopping for European brands such as Froddo, Atlanta Mocassin, BluBlonc, Manuela de Juan, or Cienta, our blog How to Size European Kids' Shoes Correctly: A Simple Guide for Parents explains why sizing can vary slightly between brands and how accurate measurements make shopping easier.

You can also explore our Shoe Accessories Collection, where you'll find helpful products designed to improve everyday comfort without compromising a proper fit.

When an Insert Isn't the Right Answer

Shoe inserts can improve a good fit, but they can't fix the wrong size.

If your child has:

• Less than a thumb's width of growing room
• Toes pressing against the front
• Shoes that pinch
• Shoes that fall off easily

It's usually better to choose a different size rather than adding more inserts.

Healthy growing feet deserve shoes that fit naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shoe insert is best for loose loafers?

If the shoe length is correct but the top feels loose, a Felt Tongue Pad Insert is often the best solution because it fills the space over the instep and helps reduce movement.

Can shoe inserts make shoes too tight?

They can if they're used incorrectly. Choose an insert that matches the specific fit issue rather than adding multiple inserts to compensate for the wrong shoe size.

Are heel grips good for children's shoes?

Yes. Heel grips can reduce minor heel movement and help prevent rubbing, especially in new shoes.

Should I size down instead of using an insert?

Not necessarily. If the shoe length is correct, sizing down may make the shoe too short. It's usually better to improve the fit with the appropriate insert.

How do I know if my child needs an insert or a different shoe size?

Start by checking the fit using our Kids' Shoe Size Guide. If the length is correct and the movement is only in one area, an insert may help. If the shoe is too long or too short overall, choosing a different size is the better option.

The Bottom Line

The right shoe insert can make a comfortable pair of shoes feel even better, but it's important to choose the right solution for the right problem.

Whether it's a Felt Tongue Pad Insert for a favorite pair of loafers, a heel grip for new school shoes, or an insole for added comfort, small adjustments often make a big difference.

At Laced Shoe, we believe every child deserves shoes that fit comfortably from the first day they wear them. If you're unsure which insert is best, we're always happy to help you find the right solution for your child's growing feet.

Before your next purchase, explore our How to Stop Kids' Loafers From Slipping guide, browse our Felt Tongue Pad Inserts, visit our Shoe Accessories Collection, and use our Kids' Shoe Size Guide. Together, these resources can help you choose shoes and the accessories that keep your child comfortable through every school day, family celebration, and playground adventure.