Your kids will let you know. The first questions parents have about shoes concern what kind to buy. High-top shoes will not provide significant ankle support. They aren't high enough or substantial enough. As a child gets older, a high-top shoe might be desirable for protection if the play environment is rough.
Children learn best to walk when barefoot.
Therefore, it's wise to buy shoes with a flexible sole that can be easily bent by a small child's body weight as he walks over it. The child will find it easier to walk in more flexible shoes and will display coordination of gait during early walking. Rigid soled shoes are not harmful to the child and can be used, especially for dress-up occasions. An arch support will not cause harm. However, most feet, including mild degrees of flatfeet, do not need an arch support.