Shoes for Kids with Clubfoot – Give These Life Changing Shoes a Try!
Clubfoot (also called talipes) refers to a condition where a child’s foot or both feet are rotated out of position, pointing down and inward. The cause of clubfoot remains unknown, but it is believed to be hereditary. Children born with clubfoot may struggle with balance issues, weak ankles, stiff heels, as well as general foot and leg pain if untreated. I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for kids with Clubfoot based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
The Ponseti method is the standard and most effective treatment technique for clubfoot. This technique involves a combination of stretching and a series of foot-casting to guide your child’s feet to the correct position. Clubfoot does not resolve on its own. However, with treatment, most clubfoot can be corrected.
While it is recommended to treat babies shortly after birth so their clubfoot can be corrected before they start walking, it is possible to treat clubfoot in older children.
What Happens After the Casting Phase is Completed?
Once the casting phase is completed, your child will need to wear special boots that attach to each other with a bar to prevent the clubfoot from returning. Take a look at the image below for clarification:
Most children need to wear these until they are 4 or 5 years old. Your child will most likely have to wear the brace all of the time for about 3 months. Afterward, they will only need to wear the brace during naps and at night.
When your child is only wearing the brace during naps or nighttime, it is very important that he or she wears the correct pair of shoes during the day.
It’s important that you fit your child in supportive shoes that provide straight lasts to help improve your child’s walking gait and overall posture. I am not talking about orthopedic shoes, just regular sneakers that simply provide better support than others.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time here is a list of the most effective shoes for kids with clubfoot.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Treating Clubfoot?
The shoes I recommend are regular everyday sneakers that provide 3 key features:
1️⃣ Straight Lasts: This feature is going to help keep your child’s feet in the correct position. It’s important that you avoid shoes with curved lasts as they can aggravate the condition.
2️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This feature is going to help improve your child’s walking gait and overall posture by preventing your child’s feet from turning inwards or outwards. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a thicker outsole compared to the shoe on the left?
3️⃣ Targeted Ankle Support: This feature is also going to help prevent your child’s ankles from rolling inwards or outwards as well as prevent ankle pain. Always press on the heel counter of the shoes before buying them to make sure it feels firm (like the shoe on the right) and not soft (the left shoe).
To buy the correct shoe size online, you will need to know your child’s exact foot size before ordering them.
The shoes below can fit children with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet. 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world.
These Shoes Can Improve Your Child’s Walking Gait and Balance!
Remember that these are not orthopedic shoes, they are regular everyday sneakers that simply provide better support than others.
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Stride Rite shoe style Elliot is available for toddlers
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Stride Rite shoe style Emilia is available for toddlers
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Timberland shoe style Tracks is available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 574 is available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Timberland shoe style Bootie fits toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Princessa fits toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Polo is available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Chicago is available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style Coco is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Adidas shoe style Own the Game 2.0 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Adidas shoe style Cross Em Up Select is available for little kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style FuelCell Rebel v3 is available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 327 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Most of the shoes that I recommend come with shoelaces instead of a velcro closure, as shoelaces provide better support and stability than any other closure.
Get in Touch With Us for a Personalized Suggestion
Without a doubt, children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact us via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Are Your Child’s Feet Considerably Different in Size?
I have noticed that a child’s treated clubfoot may be slightly smaller than their other foot. Also, their lower leg muscles may appear smaller due to atrophy. The changes are dependent on the severity of your child’s clubfoot.
Sometimes these changes do not cause any problems, however, in some cases, a child with treated clubfoot will benefit from wearing two different sized shoes.
The most recent child I helped had clubfoot and a 4 shoe size difference between his feet. The left foot measured at a shoe size 1 and was extremely wide and flat. The right foot measured at a shoe size 5 and had a very high arch.
Though it was challenging to find shoes that fit both feet properly, my fitting experience enabled me to find the best shoes for them.
Clubfoot is more common than you think! The good news is the Ponseti method offers a simple and straightforward method of correcting clubfoot which involves minimal surgical intervention. It is important to keep your child in supportive sneakers that provide good stability for your child to continue being active and prevent any foot or leg pain.
Have you found a specific pair of shoes that have worked well for your child’s feet? Let me know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences. Do not hesitate to email me if there is a considerable difference between your child’s feet and you are having a hard time finding shoes that fit.
“Clubfoot.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/clubfoot/symptoms-causes/syc-20350860.
“Clubfoot: Boston Children’s Hospital.” Boston Children’s Hospital, www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/clubfoot.
Shopping for shoes for my daughter age 7 with corrected club foot. She till walks on side of foot. Now she has outgrown toddler sizes.
I have found orthopedic shoes for girls on Amazon. Hope they work. They are high top sneakers.
It seems the older she gets the shoes get way more expensive and less selections. But I did fond some cuter ones. and ones
that will work for her.. Good Luck Club foot friends ! I hope your finding what you need.
Hello Rhonda,
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Can you please share which specific orthopedic shoe you bought for your daughter?
Thank you!
My 14 year old son has residual bilateral clubfoot with the right leg more pronounced than the left. He loves playing soccer and recently started having pain in the right ankle. What can I do to ease the pain and what can he wear on his feet to help his feet.
Hello Chi,
The first thing you should do is to make sure that the soccer cleats are fitting correctly. If your son is wearing the correct types of soccer cleats, the next step should be to fit a sport insole inside the cleats for extra support. I suggest that you contact me via email for further information: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for all this info! Are all New Balance shoes okay for kids with clubfoot? I have a toddler and I am wondering what kind of sneakers he can wear during the day, while he is out of his night shoes and bar.
Thanks!
Hello Myriam,
Not all New Balance shoes work well for children with clubfoot, just some specific styles. The 990V5 and the 888V2 are ideal for children with clubfoot as they provide supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, straight lasts, and they are lightweight and flexible at the same time. Does your toddler have a considerably size difference between his/her feet?
My mom, age 85 has club feet. Has trouble finding comfortable shoes
Hello,
Are you looking for a pair of sneakers or casual shoes for your mother?
Hi, very informative article. My 14 year old son had bilateral club foot and has very wide, flat feet. Some New Balance shoes have worked well for his speakers. Our current problem is finding a pair of cleats that fit him. Have tried 5 different pairs and none have worked, either too narrow or hurt his feet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also have trouble finding sandals and dress shoes, if you have suggestions for these.
Hello Jim —
I suggest looking into this specific model: Zephz This is the only soccer cleat available in extra wide widths (available in both kids and men’s shoe sizes).
As far as sandals and dress shoes are concerned, is your son wearing kids’ shoe sizes or men’s shoe sizes? What shoe size does he wear?
Thank you so much for this information. Very helpful for my 5 years old grandson who has bilateral club foot. I will pass this on to his parents
Hello Jamilla,
I am glad that you found the article helpful!
Thank you for this article, I will definitely try these out.
Hello Nadine,
You are welcome. Let me know if the shoes work well for your child.
Thank you for your insight I will keep this in mind for our 5 year old girl. This is so helpful I have printed it for future reference, I will educate my girl as she gets older on how to buy her shoes as well… Thanks again !
Hello Ronnda,
I am glad you find the article informative! I will be here to answer any questions that might come up.
please contact me , I have few questions
Hello Kakese,
You can contact me at fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com