Best Boots to Prevent Toe Walking – Supportive and Rigid at the Front
After writing a resource that describes the best sneakers for children who walk on their toes, several families asked me to write a similar one that describes the best boots for preventing toe walking. Certain boots can be more effective than sneakers to prevent toe walking as they tend to be stiffer on the front. Moreover, the key is to find a pair of boots that provide a stable base of support and are rigid at the front instead of overly flexible.
I am a passionate shoe fitter who has been helping children find the correct pair of shoes for over a decade. I noticed over the years that boots with a rigid front provide resistance against toe walking, helping the child to adopt a more natural walking style. If your child’s toe walking is due to a neuromuscular condition the correct types of shoes (and sometimes orthotics) can make a world of difference.
Rigid Boots to Prevent Toe Walking
When choosing boots, it’s crucial to consider elements such as the shoe’s structure, the materials used, and the overall design, as these can all contribute to a child’s walking pattern and comfort.
1. Rigid instead of overly flexible at the front: Boots that provide too much flexibility at the front make it easy for children to get on their toes. The boots that I recommend are rigid at the front to help discourage toe walking.
2. Stable base of support: This feature helps improve your child’s balance and coordination. Some children toe walk from being flat footed, and boots that provide a stable base of support can promote a more grounded step, encouraging heel-to-toe walking. This design helps distribute weight evenly and reduces the tendency to tip forward onto the toes.
3. Firm heel counters: This feature helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg. Always press on the back part of your child’s boots and make sure that specific area feels firm.
☑️ Optional: Boots that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure provide better support and stability, and they are a lot more effective when it comes to helping prevent toe walking.
The Importance of Correct Shoe Size
When shoes are too long, children may inadvertently walk on their toes, as they might struggle to control the excess length at the front, leading to an unnatural gait. It’s important that you provide your child with the correct amount of growing room, but too much growing room makes it easier for children to toe walk.
I have spoken with several pediatric physical therapists who are frustrated about children not wearing the correct type of shoes in the correct size. These therapists explain to me how they encounter many children with physical disabilities who wear shoes that don’t fit properly, which makes the condition harder to manage.
One example was toe walking children who were wearing shoes too big for their feet. 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. Sometimes providing your child with the correct shoe size might be all that your child needs! For that reason, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service for free that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Best Boots for Toe Walking Kids – Rigid at the Front
Here are some of the top recommendations for boots that help prevent toe walking. These options have been carefully selected based on their design, functionality, and effectiveness in promoting a natural walking pattern.
1. Kootenay by Keen
These rigid boots feature a sturdy sole and firm heel counter, making them ideal for promoting a proper walking gait. Known for their durable construction and excellent support, these boots feature a waterproof design, a secure fit, and an insulated lining to keep little feet warm.
Key features
- Order the boot style Kootenay by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Mt. Maddsen by Timberland
These anti-toe walking boots provide excellent ankle support and are equipped with a cushioned footbed, enhancing comfort while encouraging a flat-footed walk.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Maddsen by Timberland on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof to keep your child’s feet dry
- Traditional lace closure
- Padded tongue and collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters around the heel and ankle area
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s foot size
3. Littleplum Snow Boots
For those chilly winter months, Littleplum Snow Boots are a great choice. The triple Velcro straps and rigidity at the front help discourage toe walking.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot that can be used in the snow and rain as well
- Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
These boots are designed to withstand rough play and provide a stable walking platform for children.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Atlas by See Kai Run
This is one of the most versatile hiking boots with a stable base of support and firm heel counters. This is an awesome boot that can be worn to school, snow play, or rainy days.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain
- Double velcro straps
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Davos by Memo (Orthopedic Boot)
For children who require additional orthopedic support, the Davos by Memo is an excellent choice. These boots are specifically designed with orthopedic features, including a reinforced heel and arch support.
Key Features
- Order the boot Davos by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain
- Triple velcro straps
- Waterproof
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Howser II Chukka by Keen
These chukka-style boots are lightweight yet supportive, making them suitable for children who are transitioning from toe walking to a more natural gait. The design of these boots offers a comfortable fit, ensuring children can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Key features
- Order the boot style Chukka by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Toggle lace
- Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
By choosing boots that offer a rigid front, firm heel counters, and a stable base of support, you can promote healthy walking habits in your child. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Did You Choose a Pair of Boots with Laces?
There is a shoe lacing technique that helps secure your child’s feet inside the boots and provides better support and stability.
Personalized Shoe Suggestions
If you’re unsure about the best choice for your child, consider getting a personalized suggestion. As a shoe fitter, I can help you find the ideal pair based on your child’s specific needs and foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). This tailored approach ensures that your child receives the most effective footwear for their toe walking condition: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Access My Resource on the Best Anti-Toe Walking Sneakers
Check out my comprehensive resource for recommendations on the best anti-toe walking sneakers, designed with similar supportive features to ensure a balanced gait. This resource offers detailed insights into different sneaker models, highlighting their benefits and how they can complement the use of boots in preventing toe walking.
Can Orthotics Help Treat Your Child’s Toe Walking?
Certain orthotics can help prevent children from getting on their toes and promote the habit of walking the correct way: heel to toe. There is a different resource that helps parents determine whether their children might benefit from wearing orthotics.
I have noticed how several doctors believe that toe walking is “idiopathic,” which means that the exact cause is not known and the child continues to toe walk because their have a preference to do so. I disagree with this statement as I have always found that there is a specific reason why a child continues to toe walk.
Toe walking occurs when a child consistently walks on the balls of their feet without allowing their heels to make contact with the ground. While this can be a typical developmental phase for toddlers as they learn to walk, it usually diminishes by the age of two or three. However, if toe walking continues beyond this age, it may indicate underlying issues such as muscle tightness, neurological disorders, or developmental delays.
