Best Kids’ Shoes in the UK for Toe Walking – Supportive and Rigid

November 2, 2024 Toe Walking Juan Valenzuela 4 - Comments

As a passionate shoe fitter, I am on a mission to help families from all over the world find the right footwear for their children. After fitting many different shoe brands, I’ve discovered certain anti-toe-walking shoes that can help discourage this behavior. Recently, I’ve received several requests from families in the United Kingdom asking for shoe recommendations. The challenge is that most of the shoes I suggest are only available to families in the United States.

Understanding Toe Walking and Should You Be Concerned?

Toe walking refers to a gait pattern where a child walks on the balls of their feet, without their heels touching the ground. While it’s common in toddlers just learning to walk, persistent toe walking in older children may require attention. It can be a sign of underlying issues, such as muscle tightness or neurological conditions. Therefore, selecting the right shoes is crucial to provide support and encourage a proper gait.

Do You Want to Check If You Can Order Shoes from the United States?

I created a resource that has a list of rigid shoes available in the United States that can help prevent toe walking. You can check if you might be able to order those shoes from your location.

Key Features of Anti-Toe Walking Shoes

These features are crucial in promoting proper walking mechanics and preventing further complications associated with toe walking. 

1. Rigid Instead of Overly Flexible: The shoes I recommend are rigid at the front (less flexible), which makes it harder for children to get on their toes:

children's-shoes-with-the-correct-amount-of-flexibility
Avoid shoes that flex as a spiral as that makes it easier for children to get on their toes.

2. Firm Heel Counters: A firm heel counter is essential to provide stability and prevent excessive toe walking. It helps guide the foot into a proper heel-to-toe motion. Look for shoes that have a reinforced heel area to ensure optimal support.

New Balance shoe with a firm heel counter for kids with heel pain vs a Nike shoe with a soft heel counter.
Press on the heel counter of your kids’ shoes to make sure that it feels firm.

3. Adequate Arch Support: Proper arch support is vital for children with toe walking tendencies. It helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces the strain on the toes.

supportive-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
The difference in support between two pairs of kids’ shoes.

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

For personalized shoe recommendations, contact me via email so I can do research on what specific shoes are offered in the UK for toe walking children.

Read This Before Buying Your Kids’ Shoes Online

I have spoken with several medical professionals who explain to me how they encounter many toe walking children who wear shoes that don’t fit properly, which makes the condition harder to manage. For example, shoes that are too big tend to slip off and children will often stay up on their toes as a way to help keep the shoe on their foot.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

Determining the correct shoe size is crucial in managing toe walking. The right shoe size is essential for any child, but it becomes even more critical for toe walkers. Shoes that are too long can make it easier for children to rise onto their toes, exacerbating the condition. Take advantage of my virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve exactly what shoe size you should order online.

The Importance of Being Proactive

It’s actually really important to be proactive and take early action when it comes to treating your child’s toe walking. If your child continues to toe walk beyond the toddler years – by 3 years of age – your child might have stiff muscles – tight calf muscles in particular– and toe walking can compromise your child’s stability – making your child more prone to falling.