Best Kids’ Shoes in the UK for Toe Walking – Supportive and Rigid
As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of families find the right footwear to address toe walking. After receiving many inquiries from parents in the UK, I’ve researched the best shoes available locally that can help discourage toe walking. Although I’m based in the U.S., I’ve collaborated with UK shoe fitters to create a reliable list of supportive, well-structured shoes available in the UK to help your child walk more naturally.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Below I highlight some of the best options available in the UK. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Kids’ Shoes in the UK for Toe Walking – Expert Picks from a Passionate Shoe Fitter
Click on the image of each shoe to find out the style name and number. If that specific model is sold out you should go to your local shoe store and check if that specific shoe style is available there.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters, making them a top choice for toe walking toddlers.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style by UOVO
These anti-toe walking shoes have a sturdy design that ensures children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on 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
3. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance
This is one of the best kids’ shoes in the UK for toe walking. The robust outsole and rigid front help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the muscles and joints.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 1906 on the UK New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Uovo Sneakers
These kids’ waterproof sneakers are durable and have a rigid front to help discourage toe walking.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Uovo on Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Bungee closure
- Anti-collision and strong toe-cap
- Slip-resistant outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes are made by a European company and are specifically designed to prevent toe walking. This is one of the best kids’ shoes in the UK for toe walking.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on the Memo website
- Fits medium and wide feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for toe walkers at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance in the UK New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a high-top basketball shoe that works well in helping prevent toe walking.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Do You Want to Check If You Can Order Shoes from the United States?
While the shoes listed above are great UK options for toe walking, I’ve also created a resource featuring some of the most effective rigid shoes available in the United States. These styles are specifically designed to help discourage toe walking, and depending on your location, you may be able to order them internationally.
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.
Hi, I would like some recommendations on shoes for child with tippy toeing.
Would you recommend the new balance 2000r, 574 new balance or 860/880
Thanks
Hello Emiri,
I received your email and responded. We can continue our conversation via email. There are other factors that determine what specific shoe style your child can benefit from such as your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and the reason why your chid toe walks (idiopathic, neuromuscular, neurological).
Hello – I have a 2 year old granddaughter who constantly walks on her tippy toes. I’m lppking for recommendation on what type of shoes she should be wearing to pervent the toe walking. Your help would be appreciated.
Hello Rita,
Have you already taken your granddaughter to your medical professional? In order to recommend specific shoes for your granddaughter I first need to know her foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide).