Best Shoes for Kids with Misaligned Heels – Improve Your Child’s Walking Gait and Prevent Foot Pain!
Choosing the right supportive shoes for kids with misaligned heels can help improve their foot posture, stability, and prevent foot or leg pain. Early intervention with the right footwear can help in guiding proper foot development and alleviating discomfort. The first seven years of a child’s life are critical for foot development and missing this window may result in the need for more invasive interventions later on.
Treating and Fixing Misaligned Heels – You Are in Good Hands!
Working closely with physical and occupational therapists, I have developed a keen understanding of the needs of children with foot conditions. My experience fitting children’s shoes has taught me the importance of a personalized approach, considering each child’s unique foot shape and condition. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another, emphasizing the need for individualized care.
One of my key takeaways is that before you decide to try a more invasive procedure, start by checking the shoes your child is wearing. Sometimes children might need a pair of orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes as well but it all starts with wearing a pair of supportive shoes.
An Image of a Child with Misaligned Heels and Overpronation
Children with misaligned heels tend to roll their foot inward as they walk, a condition called pronation:
Over time, this foot imbalance can lead to your child developing the following foot issues:
- Heel pain
- Calluses
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Nerve damage
I can’t begin to tell you what a difference the correct pair of shoes can make in helping treat and correct this condition.
How Do You Fix a Misaligned Foot? – The Most Effective Way!
Let me start by showing what a difference the correct pair of shoes can make in helping treat and prevent misaligned heels.
Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes
When children are growing, the normal development of the pelvis and the spine will suffer if there is a foot imbalance, but the correct pair of shoes might be all that your child needs to walk and run straighter.
Just so you know these shoes are not even orthopedic shoes, they are everyday sneakers that simply provide better support than others. With that said, not all shoes are going to be effective in helping correct and treat misaligned heels.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids with Misaligned Heels
When selecting shoes for children with misaligned heels, it’s essential to consider specific features that provide stability and support.
1. Firm Heel Counters: A firm heel counter is a crucial feature of supportive shoes for kids with misaligned heels. It helps maintain the alignment of the heel and provides additional support to the ankle. This feature prevents excessive movement of the heel within the shoe, reducing the risk of further misalignment.
2. Substantial Outsoles: A stable base of support is essential for maintaining balance and promoting proper foot posture. Shoes with a wide and stable base help distribute weight evenly, reducing the strain on the heel and preventing further misalignment.
The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size
One of the most common mistakes parents make is choosing the wrong shoe size for their children. Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate foot problems and hinder the effectiveness of supportive features. It’s crucial to measure your child’s feet regularly and ensure the shoes fit well. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and restrict movement, while those that are too loose may fail to provide adequate support.
It is extremely important you try the shoes in the correct shoe size or your child won’t get all of the benefits that the shoes have to offer. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’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.
Working closely with physical and occupational therapists, I have developed a keen understanding of the needs of children with foot conditions. 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.
Supportive Shoes for Kids with Misaligned Heels
How effective these shoes will be in treating your child’s misaligned heels depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition. That being said, after having tested hundreds of different shoes, these are the most effective ones for children with misaligned heels.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best shoe if your child has misaligned heels. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available in pink and navy blue.
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing flat feet.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with misaligned heels. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers.
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos.
- 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.
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with misaligned heels and foot conditions such as flat feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that 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 Zappos or 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.
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes are ideal for kids with misaligned heels, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s misaligned heels. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for kids with misaligned heels 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 on the 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.
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for children with misaligned heels. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids.
- Fits narrow or medium feet.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Collaborating with Therapists
By collaborating with therapists, I ensure that the shoes and orthotics recommended align with the therapeutic goals for each child. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of treatment and promotes better outcomes. Therapists provide valuable insights into each child’s specific needs, allowing for a more tailored approach to shoe fitting.
Shoes with Laces VS Shoes with Velcro Closure
Shoes with laces can be tightened for a snug fit, offering superior support and stability. Laces allow for a more customizable fit, which can accommodate various foot shapes and sizes.
For your child to get the most out of the shoes, I suggest that you apply my special shoe lacing technique which helps secure the child’s feet against the back of the shoes and support the heels.
Depending on the degree of your child’s misaligned heels and the level of pain your child is going through you might have to try a pair of orthotics inside of the shoes. However, I always suggest to start by trying a pair of supportive shoes and observing how the child reacts to them.
Recommended Orthotics for Extra Support
For additional support, consider using orthotics such as Footlogics or Littlesteps. These orthotics provide extra heel support and can be used in conjunction with supportive shoes to enhance stability and comfort. Orthotics can bridge the gap between off-the-shelf shoes and custom solutions, offering a tailored approach to managing misaligned heels.
Footlogics Orthotics
Footlogics orthotics are designed to provide biomechanical support and alleviate common foot problems in children. They help correct heel alignment and improve posture. Their design focuses on promoting natural foot movement while providing the necessary support to correct misalignment.
Littlesteps Orthotics
Littlesteps orthotics offer a combination of cushioning and support, making them ideal for children with misaligned heels. They are easy to fit into most shoes and provide added stability. The design of Littlesteps caters to the unique needs of children’s growing feet, ensuring both comfort and functionality.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
If you’re seeking specific shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and condition, feel free to contact me via email. I am always eager to share my expertise and help families find the perfect pair of shoes for their little ones. Whether you’re looking for everyday sneakers, school shoes, or special occasion footwear, I can guide you through the selection process, ensuring that your child’s needs are met.
