Did your physical or occupational therapist recommend that your child wears a gait trainer to improve his or her stability and mobility? Are your child’s shoes falling apart faster than you expected them? It’s common for children in gait trainers to push with their toes when trying to walk, and this can lead to the shoes falling apart quickly. Some families shared with me how they go through a pair of shoes every two weeks and how some shoes fell apart in one day! Certainly, the search for a pair of durable shoes can be exhausting, so I have put together a list of the best shoes for kids in gait trainers.
I know which shoes work best for children in gait trainers from having fitted them before. At the shoe store that I work for, we specialize in helping families of children with foot and leg problems.
I have helped several families of children with gait trainers find the correct pair of shoes for their feet, and I believe I will be able to help your child as well.
Most Common Areas Where Children with Gait Trainers Destroy their Shoes
Several families of children in gait trainers are frustrated about having to constantly replace their kids’ shoes. I want you to always remember that children should always outgrow their shoes before they are ready to be replaced. Here are a few examples of where children in gait trainers tend to destroy their shoes. Do these images look familiar at all?
Durable Shoes for Kids in Gait Trainers – What Features Should They Provide?
Below you can learn about the two key features that the shoes I recommend provide that makes them ideal for children in gait trainers:
1️⃣ Protective Toe Bumper
This is an awesome feature if your child tends to destroy the front part of the shoes. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes. I will provide you with a link to this robust sneaker shortly.
2️⃣ Supportive and Durable Rubber Outsole
The sturdy sneakers that I recommend provide a supportive and durable rubber outsole for maximum durability and comfort.
Where Can you Find Shoes that Provide these 2 Key Features?
You can visit your local children’s shoe store and check whether they have durable shoes in stock. The advantage of visiting your local shoe store is that you will have the peace of mind that your kids’ feet are properly sized and the shoes properly fitted. You will also be supporting local businesses!
If you don’t have a local shoe store that you trust you can take a look at the list I have put together of durable shoes. In addition, if you are unsure of your child’s exact foot size and shape, I suggest that you take a look at a resource I created where I explain how to retrieve a child’s foot length and shape from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Allowing children to walk around in shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to the shoes falling apart a lot faster.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoes for kids in gait trainers. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Shoes for Kids in Gait Trainers
It’s important that you take a look at the information below each shoe to determine:
- The foot shape the shoe can accommodate (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide)
- The best size to order allowing for growing room
- Other important information such as material
- Whether the shoes provide velcro closure or shoelaces
Velcro Options
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Contoured arch for added support
- Hook and loop strap
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Hook and loop strap with toggle closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Toggle lace for easy on and off
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Padded collar and tongue help to reduce irritation and discomfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Double velcro straps
- 100% leather
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Lace-Up Options
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- 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
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper for durability
- Lace-up closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Waterproof
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper for durability
- Lace-up closure
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Waterproof
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
- Waterproof
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Read This Before Ordering Any of the Shoes Above
Did you know that shoes that come with shoelaces provide better support and stability compared to shoes with velcro closure? The reason why I mention this is that if your child is in a gait trainer he/she can probably benefit from getting as much stability as possible. If this is the case with your child, I strongly suggest that you get a pair of shoes with shoelaces instead of velcro closure.
When Should You Choose Shoes with Shoelaces Over Alternative Closure?
I usually suggest that parents provide their children with shoes that have shoelaces instead of velcro closure in the following scenarios:
- Children who wear orthotic devices
- Children who have stability issues and need better support and stability from their shoes
- Children who refuse to keep their shoes on
If you decide to try a pair of shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure I strongly suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique:
Are Any Other Durable Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly via e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of durable shoes for your child. You can ask your question in the comment section below or email me at:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you found a specific durable shoe that worked well for your child? Let us know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences!
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