Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers with Foot Problems – My Top 4 Choices!

July 15, 2025 Toddler Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Have you noticed your toddler walking differently or with feet that turn inward or outward? Has a friend or medical professional recommended supportive shoes, but you’re unsure which ones to choose? The first seven years are critical for healthy foot development, and the right footwear can make a huge difference. As an experienced children’s shoe fitter, I’ve witnessed how the proper shoes can transform a child’s comfort, mobility, and foot health. In this guide, I’ll share the top 4 best shoe brands for toddlers with foot problems, featuring styles designed to help with flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, low muscle tone, and toe walking.

What Are the Most Common Foot Problems in Toddlers?

I have noticed that flat feet and in-toeing are the most common ones.

^{Flat feet refer to a lack of arch in the foot, which can be normal in toddlers but concerning if persistent.}

^{In-toeing, often known as “pigeon-toed”, describes a condition where the feet turn inward when walking.}

I also have seen many toddlers who walk on their toes, but again, this can be part of exploring movement and balance. However, you must watch closely how this behavior progresses over time.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Toddlers with Foot Problems

I’ve spent over a decade working in a specialized children’s shoe store, where I’ve gained extensive experience finding the best shoes for toddlers with foot problems. Fitting children’s shoes isn’t just my job—it’s my passion, because I’ve seen how the right footwear can truly be life-changing. Kids’ feet are always growing and developing, and the shoes they wear in these early years can have a lasting impact on their posture, comfort, and overall health as they grow.

The shoes you choose today can impact your toddler’s foot health tomorrow. Pediatricians and podiatrists -whom I work closely with- emphasize the importance of not dismissing foot issues as mere “phases.” They advocate for early detection and the use of supportive footwear to prevent any long-term complications that could arise from neglecting these concerns.

The Importance of Taking Early Action – It Can Make All the Difference!

Sometimes families take their toddlers to their medical professional and they are told to hold off as the child will likely outgrow the condition. So, here comes the fine line on whether you should wait and monitor if the condition goes away on its own or take some sort of action. Let me tell you why proactive choices in your toddler’s footwear are not just beneficial but critical.

The correct types of shoes can provide the correct structural design to help realign your toddler’s gait and mitigate potential problems brought on by these issues.

^{This “before” photo highlights how the toddler’s feet are collapsing and appear flat against the floor, a common sign of flat feet in young children.}

^{The same toddler now wears a pair of supportive New Balance shoes. Notice how the feet appear more aligned and stable—offering better arch support and improved posture. This “after” image shows the difference the right pair of shoes can make.}

Pretty incredible, right? The shoe shown above is made by New Balance, and it’s a great example of how the right footwear can make a big difference. Choosing supportive, well-fitted shoes early on can significantly improve your toddler’s posture, enhance balance, and help them meet developmental milestones with greater ease and confidence.

Top 4 Shoe Brands for Toddlers with Foot Problems

Number One: Memo Shoes. This shoe brand stands out for manufacturing orthopedic shoes. They’re designed for corrective support, which is ideal for toddlers dealing with foot problems. These shoes often include features like straight lasts, stiff heel counters for proper foot protection and stabilization, and a Thomas heel for helping treat flat feet.

Number Two: New Balance. Certain New Balance shoes provide extra cushioning and support, making them ideal for toddlers with foot problems. Their toddler shoes often come with wide sizes and extra depth, accommodating orthotics if necessary.

Number Three: Stride Rite. Stride Rite has one specific model which is a high ankle bootie that provides excellent structure and support, which can help improve your toddler’s foot posture, walking gait, and stability.

Number Four: Saucony. Saucony shoes are supportive, lightweight, and affordable. There are only two or three models made by Saucony that work well for toddlers with foot problems.

^{✅ Firm heel counters (back part of the shoe) can help stabilize a child’s foot, providing them with the necessary support to develop a proper walking pattern. This feature is ideal for toddlers with flat feet, in-toeing, and toe walking.}

^{❌ Stay away from shoes that have soft heel counters. If you press on the back part of the shoe and it flexes then it means that the shoe doesn’t provide a firm heel counter.}

^{✅ Supportive outsoles and a stable base of support can help improve your toddler’s foot posture and walking.}

^{❌ Stay away from shoes that you can bend as a spiral as they won’t provide the correct amount of structure or support.}

Which Shoe Brand Will Work Best for Your Toddler’s Foot Condition?

Wondering which shoe brand will work best for your toddler’s foot condition? It really depends on the specific issue and how severe it is. For example, if your toddler struggles with toe walking, I often recommend Memo or New Balance—but keep in mind that only certain styles within those brands are truly effective for addressing and preventing toe walking. That’s why I’ve created detailed resources over the years with targeted shoe recommendations for toddlers dealing with flat feet, in-toeing, low muscle tone, and toe walking.

Want Specific Shoe Recommendations for Your Toddler?

If you’re unsure which shoe brand or style is best suited for your toddler’s specific foot condition, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations. As a shoe fitter, I am here to help guide you through the process, ensuring you find the best fit for your child’s needs.

The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size

I understand that finding exactly what shoe size your toddler should wear can be complex, especially if your child has special foot needs. That’s where the expertise of a professional shoe fitter makes a world of difference. I don’t just measure your toddler’s feet; I consider width (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), arch type, and the specific foot problems that need to be accounted for.

If you can’t find a shoe store in your area, I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your toddler’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.

Families Testimonials

Connecting with other parents can be incredibly helpful, whether through online forums or social media groups focused on children’s foot health. These communities often share valuable insights, from shoe brand recommendations to personal fitting experiences and updates on new footwear technologies. However, be cautious about relying solely on advice from other families, as they might not know their toddler’s exact foot length and shape, and what works for one child may not work for another. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of families find the right shoes for toddlers with foot problems, and many have shared their positive experiences and success stories.

Top 4 Shoe Brands for Toddlers with Foot Problems – Watch Video!

I created a YouTube video to give you a clear, visual guide on the essential features your toddler’s shoes should have to help treat and prevent foot conditions. It’s a great way to see exactly what to look for when choosing the right pair for your little one’s growing feet!