Have you taken your child to your medical professional and were told that your child’s toe walking will eventually stop? Please note that early intervention in children who toe walk is key to prevent this condition from getting worse. This is quite a complex issue, but my goal is to explain it in a simple way and show you a list of the best orthotics for toe walking.
I always recommend parents to be proactive and start treating this condition from an early stage as this highly decreases your child’s necessity for more invasive treatments such as serial casting, Botox injections or surgery in later childhood. Taking the “wait and see approach” and waiting for the condition to resolve on its own may only lead to the condition getting worse
I have helped several children who were walking on their toes that are now walking the correct way —heel to toe— and I believe I can help your child too.
Providing your child with the correct type of shoes can make a big difference, but providing your child with the correct type of shoes and orthotics highly increases the chances of preventing children from walking on their toes.
Keep in mind that is common to see toddlers who are learning how to walk, get on their toes, and in most cases, the toe walking reduces and is of no concern. However, I suggest that parents keep a close eye and be proactive if they don’t see this condition improve.
When toe walking persists in children older than two years, it’s a cause for concern and should be treated right away. Did you know that older children are more likely to experience significant stiffness and tightness of the tendons and might not respond with equal success to conservative treatment measures as a younger child who toe walk?
Children between the ages of 1 and 5 are undergoing rapid neuromuscular development and toe walking during these years can often be easily managed with proper foot orthotics and correct footwear. Unresolved toe walking after age 5 or older, although still manageable, can become a bit more difficult to control. The longer the child continues to toe walk may lead to a sustained habitual pattern and ultimately risk of acquired tendon tightness and ankle stiffness. Early intervention to control toe walking with proper shoes and foot orthotics is strongly encouraged.
Children who toe walk might experience frequent falls or stumbles with ambulation, another reason why parents shouldn’t leave this condition untreated.
Toe walking becomes a problem when the calf muscles begin to shorten, reducing your child’s ankle movement. Toe walking can cause long-term damage to the foot and ankle due to the abnormal forces acting on them.
Another issue with toe walking which I already mentioned is that makes children more prone to falling.
Keep in mind that pain is not the only reason to treat! Toe walking is not a painful condition, and just because the child doesn’t complain about pain it doesn’t mean it should be left untreated or that the child will outgrow the condition.
My Experience Helping Toe Walking Children – Supportive Shoes and Orthotics
I have helped improve the walking gait of several children who were toe walking. I want to clarify that I am not a doctor, my experience comes from working for a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years. We specialize in helping children with foot and leg problems, as well as “complicated” foot shapes. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes and orthotics for toe walking children.
My goal has always been to use the minimal intervention that is effective, that is the reason why I always recommend to start by trying a pair of supportive shoes and orthotics and leaving casting and surgery always as a last resort.
Find Out Why Your Child Keeps Toe Walking
Did you know that most doctors can’t identify the reason why children toe walk? Persistent toe walking is referred to as “idiopathic,” which means that the exact cause is not known, and the child continues to toe walk because he or she has a preference to do so. I disagree with this statement as I have always found there is a specific reason why the child toe walks.
The most common reasons why children toe walk are:
1️⃣ Flat Feet: Children with flat feet have poor balance and coordination. To combat this, children might raise up on the toes to put the foot in a more stable position. Toe walking enhances the arch which creates a more stable foot (base) and temporarily improves the child’s balance and stability. This however is not normal and promotes improper muscle balance development and needs to be addressed.
2️⃣ Short Achilles tendon: A short Achilles tendon can prevent your child’s heels from touching the ground.
3️⃣ Sensory perceptions: Check the surface your child is walking on. Maybe the child doesn’t like the feeling of the cold tile or furry carpet and this exaggerates the symptoms.
4️⃣ Vision impairments.
In my experience, most children walk on their toes due to having flat feet. I would say that 80% of the toe walking children I have helped were flat-footed.
It is also advised to have your child assessed for any neurologic abnormalities that could be contributing to toe walking such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or a spinal cord abnormality.
One thing is clear, whatever reason might be causing your child to keep toe walking, you need to take action immediately. Please trust me that taking action early is key to prevent future problems for your child. Look at it this way, when children toe walk, they are doing something that is biomechanically incorrect, and that will have a lasting effect on your child’s muscle structure.
The most effective way I have found to help treat and prevent toe walking is by wearing the correct type of footwear and orthotics.
Follow My 2 Step Approach to Correct Toe Walking! – Orthotics and Shoes
Below you can find my simple 2 step approach which has prevented hundreds of children from walking on their toes. Please note that how effective this orthotic will be in preventing your child’s toe walking condition depends on your child’s age and your child’s individual foot anatomy. The goal of the orthotics is to prevent children from getting on their toes and promote the habit of walking the correct way: heel to toe.
➡️ First Step: Find the correct pair of orthotics.
I have fitted one specific orthotic that has proven to be the most effective one for treating and preventing children from walking on their toes. The orthotic I recommend provides the following features:
- 30mm heel cup helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg, and supports the arch:
- Medial and lateral flanges help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic. I have noticed how most children’s prefabricated orthotics lack this feature and the child’s foot basically pushes through the orthotic and does whatever it wants.
The Best Orthotics for Toe Walking Children
This is the best prefabricated on the market for helping treat, prevent, and control toe walking.
1️⃣ Deep heel cup that helps control the alignment of the heel and lower leg.
2️⃣ Medial and lateral flanges to help keep the foot aligned over the orthotic.
You Must Enter a Referral Code to Order this Orthotic
To place an order for littleSTEPS® Orthotics, you must submit a Referral Code during the ordering process. Enter the referral code JVFCS100121 in the Discount Window and you will get 10% off your order.
Take a look at the chart below to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size:
This orthotic can be shipped everywhere. Within the USA shipping can take about 10-15 days depending on the location and the shipping method. Overseas shipping is available but will be more expensive. Do not hesitate to contact me directly via e-mail if you are having a hard time figuring out what size to order or if you have any other questions about this orthotic. My e-mail address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
➡️ Second Step: Provide your child with the correct type of shoes.
Your kids’ shoes must meet the following 5 checkpoint criteria:
1️⃣ The shoes need to be rigid at the front (avoid overly flexible shoes). Your kids’ shoes should bend at the ball of the foot but no further:
2️⃣ The shoes need to provide a firm heel counter to help control the alignment of the heel and lower leg:
3️⃣ The shoes must provide a substantial outsole to help keep the foot aligned:
4️⃣ The shoes need to provide extra depth to allow the orthotic to fit deeply inside the shoes:
5️⃣ The shoes need to come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure as shoelaces provide better support and stability:
I have put together a selection of the most effective shoes for children who toe walk that meet a 5 checkpoint criteria.
Best Shoes for Toe Walking Children
Keep in mind that all of these shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths.
Remember that it’s also important that you don’t leave too much extra growing room as that makes it easier for children to get on their toes. Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
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, 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
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a 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, 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
- Removable insoles
- 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
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- 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 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
- 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, 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
- 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
- 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
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning in the heel
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- 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 and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- 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
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Don’t attempt to leave too much growing room in your kids’ shoes as this will actually make it easier for them to go on their toes.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
These shoes won’t work for children with narrow feet, so don’t hesitate to contact me if your child has narrow feet and I will send you different shoe recommendations:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Just to clarify, the shoes above are not orthopedic shoes, they are everyday sneakers that provide key features to prevent your child from toe walking. I suggest parents to apply the shoe lacing technique described in the article below to get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer:
How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
Make sure that your kids’ shoes are properly tied at all times. If the shoes are not tied properly you will be defeating the whole purpose of the orthotic.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size – In 2 Simple Steps!
The shoes can’t be too big, which means that we have to compromise on the amount of growing room that we provide for your child. Shoes that are too big make it easier for children to get on their toes. If you are unsure of your child’s foot length, foot shape, and what size to order online I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Final Thoughts on Toe Walking Children
The orthotics I recommend have a better carryover effect once children are out of the device compared to children who wore an articulated AFO that completely blocked plantar flexion at the ankle joint. Another benefit of this orthotic is that it encourages rather than force the child into a normal gait pattern. This means that children use their own muscles to walk rather than relying on orthotics or braces.
When parents watch their children toe walk it is totally normal for them to be concerned about any autistic tendencies. It is true that toe walking can be a result of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and autism spectrum disorder. From my perspective, most of the cases I have dealt with toe walking are strictly related flat-feet or the child having a short Achilles tendon. When this tendon is too short, it can prevent the heel from touching the ground.
It’s always better to start by fitting children in the correct type of shoes and orthotics and then, 10 or 12 months down the road, if the toe-walking persists, you can always switch your child to an AFO. Serial casting for children who toe walk is an effective treatment to improve their walking gait. Botox injections in conjunction with other conservative treatment measures have also proven to be effective to achieve a heel-toe gait pattern.
Please note that surgery should always be used as a last resort and reserved for older children who have not shown any improvement after conservative measures.
Have you found a specific orthotic or shoe style that has worked well in preventing your child from toe walking? Share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
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Dear Juan,
I’d like to express my deepest appreciation for the excellent services you have been providing for my son , all for free.
Thank you,
I will keep you updated.
Regards
Lovelyne
It’s my pleasure! You are doing the right thing by being proactive and taking early action. Hopefully we will see your son walking gait improve in the upcoming months.
Thank you for this. I was told that my nephew will outgrow toe walking but it never happened. We wasted valuable time and left the condition untreated and now we are hoping the shoes and orthotics you recommend will work. Thank you for raising awareness and I will keep you updated on his progress.
Sounds good! Make sure the shoes are properly tied at all times and apply this specific shoe lacing technique:
How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage
It does not seem that medical professionals are giving this much attention in the early stages of the problem. I agree with you about taking early action. I keep hearing stories from parents who took their children to their doctor but they are told to wait, but some children end up needing physical therapy or even surgery because when they are older it’s harder to treat. I am sharing your article with a Facebook group of parents of children who toe walk, I hope that’s okay with you.
Sure, I am happy to help!
Thank you for addressing this issue. We have tried AFOs with no luck so it’s good to know there is an alternative orthotic that might help prevent my child from toe walking. Another parent recommended your website because it was very helpful for her child. Is there an email address I can contact you?
Hello Dozzy,
I am happy to help: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Hi I am parent of 15 yrs old child and he had started toe walking around 2byrs and we had done physio which helped but it did not improved much so we had gone for surgery then a physiilo around 6-8 month in which he had become fine but during lock down his height increase drastically and he again started toe walking his issue is with shirt tendon as per his doctor . We have started physio again but doctor mention his left foot it’s almost 15degree up which would be solved only by surgery. We took other opinion and they mentioned as still his height will shoot continue physio for a year along with it have him wear supporting shoes. Can you guide. I am from India
Hello Rakesh,
My area of expertise is how to treat toe walking by fitting the child in supportive shoes and/or orthotics. If I understand correctly, one of your medical professionals suggested to continue doing physiotherapy for a year and fit your son in supportive shoes.
Have you been told by your medical professionals whether your son’s toe walking is due to a neurological or neuromuscular condition? Do you know if your son has flat feet?
I can help you find the correct pair of shoes for your son but first I need to know whether your son has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also need to know if your son is flat footed or not.
I noticed that you also sent me an email so we can continue our conversation there.
Thank you for the information you provided. Although the items did not provide the help I wanted for my son, I appreciate that in my time of need, I found this site
I am sorry to hear that the shoes or orthotics did not work for your son.
Hi, My daughter has a mild case of MD (congenital myopathy//weakness in her hips & legs) and thus has tiptoe walked since she started walking. She is now 12. She is being put in casts right now to slowly stretch and move her to flat foot. When the casts come off, they want to fit her for a AFO. This is the 2nd time we are doing the casting/AFO as she reverted back to tip toe walking after the first time we had this done 1 year ago. The AFO was very uncomfortable for her and as a result, she did not wear it as she should have. We don’t want her to go through this again so I wanted to post here to see if you felt your orthotics could be the solution. They look so much more comfortable than the AFO’s and are hidden in the shoe (which at 12 years old would be much appreciated for my daughter). Do you feel these would work as well as an AFO to keep her flat foot after her casts come off? I appreciate your feedback and thank you in advance.
Hello Becky,
While AFOs can be great devices for treating and supporting different foot problems, they can also provide issues of their own, such as the one you mentioned with shoe-fitting struggles. AFOs can also cause skin irritations (blisters, redness, sores), bulky/uncomfortable feeling, difficulties putting AFOs on and off.
You can definitely try the littleSTEPS orthotics that I recommend or a carbon fiber footplate, which will also be hidden inside the shoes and they are really effective to help treat toe walking. Whichever orthotic you decide to try, make sure that it’s fitted inside the correct pair of shoes so your daughter can get the full benefits that the orthotics have to offer. Feel free to continue this conversation via email: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
¡Hola! Me llamo Laura y estoy encantada de saludarte.
Quería escribirte porque me ha parecido interesante comentar contigo la posibilidad de que tu negocio aparezca cada mes en *periódicos digitales como noticia* para posicionar en los primeros lugares de internet, es decir, con artículos reales dentro del periódico que no se marcan como publicidad y que no se borran.
La noticia es publicada por más de sesenta periódicos de gran autoridad para mejorar el *posicionamiento de tu web* y la reputación.
¿Podrías facilitarme un teléfono para ofrecerte *hasta dos meses gratuitos*?
Gracias
Hola Laura,
Para este tipo de consultas por favor contacte este email: customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com