Best Shoes for Kids with Muscular Dystrophy – Comfort, Support and Stability
Has your kid been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and are you having a hard time finding good shoes that fit? When choosing shoes for kids with muscular dystrophy, it’s important to prioritize comfort, support, and stability. The good news is that I’m a professional shoe fitter and I’ll provide you with a list of the best shoes for kids with musical dystrophy, as well as expert guidance to ensure proper fitting, which is essential for your kid’s foot health.
What Role Do Shoes Play in Helping Your Child with Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy can cause muscle weakness, instability, and difficulty with movement, so it’s crucial to choose footwear that provides proper support and stability. The correct types of shoes can help improve your child’s foot posture and stability.
Before Image
Let’s start by taking a look at an image of a child with muscle dystrophy standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
After Image
Now let’s take a look at an image of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? The substantial outsole and the firm heel counter of the shoes are preventing the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards:
I have worked for a children’s shoe store for many years, and this experience has afforded me vast practical knowledge when it comes to treating and preventing children’s foot and leg problems. I am familiar with which shoe styles fit better than others and I can also guide you on how to order your shoes online. Though it’s important to know your kid’s exact foot size, especially if you are going to be buying the shoes online. Remember, quality measurements begin with expert consultation.
I understand that it can be challenging to find shoes to fit your kid’s unique feet, especially if diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Nonetheless, it’s critical to make sure that your kid’s shoes fit properly, as shoes that are too wide or too narrow can create blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time here is a list of the best shoes for kids with muscular dystrophy.
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
To be on the same page and raise awareness, let’s go over what is muscular dystrophy. It is a condition that weakens muscles over time and there are different types. Though it is relevant to note that each type begins at a different age and may cause mild or severe degrees of muscle weakness. The 2 most common types of muscular dystrophy are:
➡️ Becker Muscular Dystrophy: This is actually the most common and more severe form of muscular dystrophy. On average, it usually impacts more boys than girls.
➡️ Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: This type develops more slowly and symptoms may begin during the teen years.
5 Main Factors to Consider for Suitable Shoes for Your Kid
1️⃣ Cushioning: You want to look for shoes with ample cushioning to provide a comfortable and shock-absorbing base as this can help alleviate pressure on your kid’s feet and joints.
2️⃣ Stability: Shoes with a sturdy and supportive construction can noticeably help in maintaining balance and reducing the risk that your kid falls. You can opt for designs that have a wider base or a more substantial outsole for increased stability.
3️⃣ Lightweight and flexible: Shoes that are lightweight and flexible can enhance ease of movement and minimize the fatigue of your kid. You may also want to look for models made from breathable materials that allow for natural foot motion. Your kids’ shoes should bend at the toes but no further:
4️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes: I have noticed that some children with muscular dystrophy may have foot deformities or require orthotics. If this is the case with your child, then you need to look for shoes with wider widths to accommodate orthotics and offer more space for the feet, reducing discomfort and pressure.
5️⃣ Easy fastening: Velcro straps or elastic laces can make it easier for a kid with limited hand function or dexterity to put on and take off their shoes independently. I would suggest avoiding shoes with small or complicated laces that might pose unnecessary challenges for your kid.
It is important that you involve your kid in the shoe selection process and also seek their feedback on the feel of the shoe. Taking their preferences into account while prioritizing their comfort and well-being is crucial.
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Children with Muscular Dystrophy?
Certain shoe brands specialize in orthopedic or adaptive footwear for children with special needs. However, I don’t like to recommend specific shoe brands as most families assume that all shoes from that brand will be appropriate for their child’s feet. In reality, there are specific shoes among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoes for kids with muscular dystrophy. All of the shoes I recommend have been fitted by me at the shoe store where I work. Each shoe has been carefully selected in terms of comfort, support, comfort, and stability.
Best Shoes for Kids with Muscular Dystrophy – Comfort, Support and Stability
Some shoes on the list might be available in wide (W) or extra wide (XW) widths, but there are other shoes that even though they are not available in wide widths fit naturally wide. Read the description of each shoe to find out if it can fit your child’s foot shape, the features it provides, the type of closure, and the size that you should order to provide your child with the correct amount of growing room.
- 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 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 KDZ 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 KDZ 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 Fresh Foam 650 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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 Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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 Fresh Foam 650 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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 Shadow 6000 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 New Balance shoe style 574 is available for little and 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 Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is available for 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 Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is available for 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
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Keep in mind that you should contact your medical professional if your kid’s symptoms increase or worsen. A doctor will be most suited to provide personalized guidance based on the kid’s specific type of muscular dystrophy and medical history.
Important Tip: Make sure that you either pull the velcro straps or the laces of the shoes comfortably tight so your child can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.
How to Get Your Kid’s Shoe Size Right and Improve Your Online Shopping Experience
More often than not, parents report that they have to order multiple shoes online before finding one that fits their kid’s unique feet. I understand that it can be challenging to find shoes for a kid with muscle dystrophy, especially if they also have an uncommon size or shape. Nonetheless, it’s critical to make sure that your child’s shoes fit properly, as shoes that are too wide or too narrow can create blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails.
Medical professionals concur that shoes that are too small hinder the proper growth of the foot, diminishing blood circulation, causing painful blisters, ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, and many other foot problems. Shoes that are too large might prevent your kid from maintaining grip on the ground properly, compromising your child’s stability.
For this reason, I created a different article to assist parents in determining their kids’ foot size and shape at home effectively and with ease. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their child’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height.
Related Articles That May Be Helpful
Looking forward to finding additional resources? I also created articles that describe the best orthotics and sandals for children with low muscle tone.
Let’s Stay Connected – Questions, Feedback or Further Assistance
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 kid so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading! We really hope you found helpful this post on the best shoes for kids with muscular dystrophy. Please feel free to share this post with your community on social media as well as your experiences in the comments section below so other parents can benefit from your insights. Additionally, consulting with a pediatrician or a podiatrist can provide further guidance specific to your child’s needs.
Great article thanks
I am glad you find the article informative!