If you notice that your child’s feet point inwards when walking or running then it’s highly likely that your child has a foot condition called pigeon toes. If your child has been diagnosed with pigeon toes you shouldn’t worry too much about this, as this condition is common in young children. The best corrective shoes for pigeon toes will help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait.
It can be upsetting to see your child develop an abnormal gait and while most children grow out of a pigeon toed stance, some do not.
Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach” – Be Proactive!
My main concern is that most medical professionals recommend simply waiting for the child’s walking gait to improve on its own. Waiting for this condition to magically disappear might only lead to your child’s condition getting worse. There are simple steps that you can take to improve your child’s walking gait, pelvis alignment, and overall posture.
I have noticed how early intervention in children with pigeon toed is key to preventing this condition from getting worse. By early intervention, I don’t mean surgery or another type of invasive procedure. Simply providing your child with a pair of supportive shoes can make a world of difference in helping treat and correct this condition.
Can Pigeon Toes Be Corrected? – Taking an Effective Approach!
I have found that the most effective treatment for pigeon toes is to wear supportive shoes. There are certain children’s shoes that provide additional support to targeted areas of the feet, which helps redirect pigeon toes and improve the child’s overall posture.
In some cases, depending on how much your child’s feet point inwards, your child might need a pair of orthotics as well to help correct this condition.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
You are in good hands because I know which are the best shoes for pigeon toed children. I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses on helping children with foot and leg problems for the last 10 years. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes for children with pigeon toed and I have helped several children improve their walking gait.
Causes of Pigeon Toes – Is it Hereditary?
The main cause is believed to be genetic (passed from parent to child). Pigeon toes occur from 4 different places:
- Hip
- Thigh Bone
- Tibia
- Foot
Most cases I have seen of pigeon toed originated at the feet, which is sometimes due to weak musculature. For children who have weak arches, standing with their feet rotated inward helps ease the discomfort of standing, walking, or running.
The feet are the foundation of our entire body, so if we start by straightening the feet the rest of the body will follow. However, don’t take my word for this, let me prove it to you!
Shoes for Pigeon Toed – What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!
Let’s take a look at a child with pigeon toed standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are pointing inwards?
Now let’s take a look at the same child wearing one of the pairs of supportive shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? These shoes are going to help your child walk and run straighter.
Let me show you another example of a child with pigeon toes. In this case, the child’s knees were almost touching one another when standing barefoot:
Now let me show you how much straighter the child’s feet and knees are after being fitted in one of the shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the feet and knees are a lot straighter? The shoes are preventing the child’s feet from pointing inwards and as a result, the rest of the child’s body is a lot straighter. It’s pretty amazing what a difference the correct pair of shoes can make!
Can Pigeon Toes Cause Problems? – The Answer Might Surprise You!
Contrary to popular belief I strongly believe that pigeon toes can cause problems. I say this because I have seen several children who came to the store experiencing foot and leg pain from having pigeon toes. Some of these children also experienced constant tripping.
The parents of these children usually agree that they now suffer from foot, leg, and lower back pain from not having treated their pigeon toes from an early stage.
In summary, being pigeon toed can cause significant tripping as well as foot and leg pain.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Child’s Pigeon Toes Untreated?
It may take several years before the pigeon-toed foot is straight unless you provide your child with a pair of supportive shoes.
Most pediatricians say that if pigeon toe is still apparent by the time a child reaches 8 years, a doctor should be consulted. Please don’t wait for your child to reach a certain age to start treating this condition. I always recommend parents to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their child’s foot conditions.
If you leave your child’s pigeon toed condition untreated then the treatment in later years will be more invasive:
- Braces for the legs that slowly correct the position of the bones or feet.
- Molds that correct the shape of the foot.
- Surgery to correct the positioning of the bones that cause pigeon toe.
There have been several cases of children who continue in-toeing as adults, which is often due to a lack of intervention from an early stage.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best corrective shoes for pigeon toed children. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Corrective Shoes for Pigeon Toed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These are my go-to shoes for children who are pigeon toed. I have tested these shoes on several children at the shoe store that I work for, and in most cases, we notice an improvement in the child’s walking gait right away. All of the shoes below are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Constructed with a breathable textile lining and an OrthoLite® comfort foam insoles provide moisture transport, antimicrobial function, and long-term cushioning
- Water-friendly
- Double hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Stiff and high ankle support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Triple velcro straps
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Durable leather/suede mesh upper
- Stability Web outsole technology provides added arch support
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Padded tongue and collar for added support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- No-sew tip for durability where kids need it most
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of providing your child with the correct shoe size. Shoes that are too short or too long can affect your child’s walking gait and prevent your child from getting all of the features that the shoes have to offer. If you are going to buy your kids’ shoes online you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot size. If you don’t know your child’s foot size go to the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
All of the shoes I recommend come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure, as shoelaces provide better support and stability. They will also help prevent your child from tripping constantly.
How effective these shoes will be in helping correct your child’s pigeon toes directly depends on how severe your child’s foot condition is. All of the shoes I recommend provide extreme support and that’s what makes them the most effective shoes to help treat pigeon toes.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Pigeon Toes?
These shoes are effective for children who are pigeon toed because they provide 2 key features:
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This feature helps prevent your child’s feet from pointing inwards by keeping the feet straight. Let me show you the difference in support between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how thicker/supportive the outsole of the shoe on the right is compared to the shoe on the left?
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: The heel counter is the back part of the shoes and the firmer it is, the better. This feature is also going to help prevent your child’s feet from collapsing and pointing inwards. Let me show you the difference between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how when I press the heel counter of the shoe on the right it’s firmer compared to the shoe on the left?
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Parents are usually pretty good at noticing when something is not right about their kids. If you notice that your child walking or running differently don’t hesitate of asking your doctor and taking the necessary steps to help improve your child’s walking gait. If your doctor insists that your child’s foot condition will resolve on its own you can contact me directly and I will guide you on what steps to take: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
Please remember that leaving your child’s pigeon toed condition untreated can lead to constant tripping, repetitive ankle sprains, foot deformity, and painful feet as an adult.
I understand that watching your child walk differently can cause worry and anxiety. I have experienced extremely high success in fitting pigeon toed children in supportive shoes.
Have you found a specific shoe that has helped improve your child’s pigeon toes? Please let us know in the comments section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
I am an adult who walks pigeon toed, can you please advise the best shoe for me.
Hello Lucy,
To recommend specific shoes for your feet I first need to know your foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), the shoe size that you wear, and the country that you are contacting me from to check what specific shoes you will might be able to order.
Good Evening,
My soon to be 5 year old son has long narrow feet. He wears a size 12 and we are located in CA, USA.
Hello Christina—
You should take a look at the models below:
Option 1
Option 2 If you can find a pair of Asics shoes with laces in your son’s size that would be better, as laces help provide better support and stability compared to shoes with velcro closure.
I also suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique: How to Tie Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet – Make their Shoes Fit and Feel Better!