Best Shoes for Metatarsus Adductus – Be Proactive and Don’t Play the Waiting Game!
Has your child started walking with their feet turning inward instead of pointing straight ahead? Has your doctor diagnosed them with metatarsus adductus (MTA) and recommended supportive footwear? Metatarsus adductus is a common foot condition in children where the front half of the foot curves inward, which can affect balance, gait, and comfort. As a children’s shoe fitter with years of experience helping kids with foot conditions, I’ve seen firsthand how the right shoes can significantly improve walking patterns and comfort for kids with MTA. The best shoes for metatarsus adductus offer a stable base of support, firm heel counters for proper alignment, and—most importantly—a straight last design that helps guide the foot into a healthier position.
Don’t Take the “Wait and See Approach” – Be Proactive!
Are you tired of being ignored by your medical professional even though you have pointed out several times that there seems to be something wrong with your child’s feet? Let me tell you that the earlier you take action, the better. The first seven years of a child’s life are golden years of treatment opportunity. During this time, the foot and lower extremity are more malleable, making structural changes easier to achieve. This is why being proactive is essential. Waiting can lead to complications or the need for more invasive interventions later on. Early intervention can include simple measures such as stretching exercises, physical therapy, or the use of corrective footwear.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of helping many children manage metatarsus adductus (MTA) simply by finding them the right pair of shoes. Working at a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses on foot and leg conditions, I’ve seen firsthand how properly fitted footwear can make a world of difference in a child’s comfort, mobility, and confidence.
While I’m not a doctor, I’ve worked with many children diagnosed with MTA and witnessed the incredible difference that the right pair of shoes can make. In many cases, supportive and properly fitted footwear has helped improve foot alignment and mobility—sometimes even preventing the need for more intensive treatments like serial casting. With the right shoes, your child may take a big step toward better foot health, comfortably and confidently.
How to Figure Out if Your Child Has Metatarsus Adductus?
I have noticed that some of the most common signs of children with MTA are having a high arch and a wide gap between the big toe and the second toe. Tripping is also a common sign of MTA.
How much the right shoes can help with MTA depends on your child’s age and how severe the condition is. Many doctors believe that children with MTA often outgrow it without treatment, and in some cases, that’s true. However, there are times when the foot doesn’t fully straighten out on its own. Some kids with MTA need extra support to improve lower body alignment and stability. I’ve seen that children who walk or run with their feet turning inward often trip or lose balance more easily.
How to Treat Children with MTA? – Be Proactive!
MTA can be flexible or nonflexible. If your child’s forefoot can be aligned, your child has flexible MTA. If it is hard to align with your hand, your child has a nonflexible, stiff foot. In simple words, if you can straighten your child’s feet with just a little pressure with your hands, it’s highly likely that your child’s forefoot will likely improve with the correct type of shoes or even without any treatment.
As children get older, it’s more likely that they develop a nonflexible foot, which is a lot harder to treat. This is why I am always emphasizing to parents to not play the waiting game, as it just makes it harder to correct.
Key Shoe Features for MTA
Based on my experience fitting children’s shoes, here are my top picks for shoes that can help manage metatarsus adductus in 2025. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Metatarsus Adductus to Improve Foot Posture
The ability of the shoes below to help straighten your child’s forefoot and improve walking gait and posture largely depends on how severe your child’s metatarsus adductus is.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for Metatarsus Adductus as they provide straight lasts and robust outsoles to help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce 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, black, 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 for Metatarsus Adductus 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 foot problems.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe 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 supportive sneakers for Metatarsus Adductus offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with poor foot posture habits.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order the shoe 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
These New Balance shoes for Metatarsus Adductus combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with foot problems.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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 Cohesion by Saucony
These supportive Saucony shoes are ideal for treating foot conditions such as flat feet, 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 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
6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These versatile New Balance shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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
7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for Metatarsus Adductus are another great option 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
8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
These Adidas basketball shoes for Metatarsus Adductus offer great support for kids. The versatility of these shoes make them 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 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
9. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
These Asics are good running shoes for Metatarsus Adductus and are ideal for kids with foot problems who have a narrower foot shape.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 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
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re unsure about which shoes to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to provide personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with metatarsus adductus or another foot condition, the right advice can make all the difference.
Find Out Your Child’s Shoe Size
Finding the right shoe size is just as important as finding the right style. Too tight, and the shoe can worsen the condition; too loose, and it won’t provide the necessary support. Proper sizing ensures that the shoe can offer the corrective benefits it’s designed for, without causing additional discomfort or issues.
I’ve developed a virtual guide to help you determine your child’s shoe size accurately. This tool is easy to use and can save you the hassle of returns when ordering online. By following simple steps, you can measure your child’s feet accurately and find the perfect fit without leaving your home.
MTA Can Lead to Fatigue and Pain
The main issue that children face when they walk with their feet pointing inwards is the compensation that occurs in the foot. When foot posture is not in alignment then your child’s body will have to recruit more muscles for each movement, which leads to an increase in muscle fatigue, tightness and strain.
To protect the foot and stop that compensation I recommend trying straight last and supportive shoes. Depending on the degree of your child’s foot condition we might have to try an orthotic as well, but it all starts with wearing the correct type of shoes.
Does Your Child Wear Orthotics?
In some cases, shoes alone may not be enough. Orthotics can work in tandem with corrective footwear to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for metatarsus adductus. They can help alleviate discomfort, improve gait, and prevent further complications. A healthcare professional can guide you on the best orthotic solutions for your child’s specific needs.
Remember to please be proactive as children with MTA may have an increased risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Keep in mind that children with very rigid or severe MTA may need surgery.
I speak with parents of children with MTA frequently and some of these parents had MTA themselves and now they have to deal with terrible pain because of it. These parents are always telling me how they wish their parents did more when they were younger, but back in the day, they didn’t know how to treat it.
Hi, my 17 month old daughter has MTA, she started to walk with the front of feet inwards, I had her fitted with shoes and now she is walking with her whole foot inwards (turning her ankles inwards) have you heard of this? And is this because of the shoes she has been given? What would you recommend as a boot style shoe? Thank you
Hello Liz,
What specific shoe is your daughter wearing?
To recommend specific shoes for your daughter I first would need to know her foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), the shoe size she wears, and the country that you are contacting me from to check what specific shoes you might be able to order.
Hi, thanks for the reply, she is quite small, and measures as a size 19, I’m not sure if she’s narrow or medium.
I’m contacting you from the United Kingdom.
Thanks
Hello Liz,
Unfortunately, I am not sure what specific shoes are available in the United Kingdom for you to order. Did you already try finding a local shoe store? They will be able to help you determine your daughter’s exact foot shape, which is crucial as it will allow her to get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer. If the shoes are the wrong size they can even impact your daughter’s foot posture and walking gait negatively.
Hi thank you for your reply, yes I have gone to a local shoe shop, they were not so sure, they gave her boots with Velcro fastens (the make name is Froddo) which I’m not sure supports well.
She is tripping a lot and walking with her feet inwards more then without the shoes.
What type of shoe would you recommend? Do you have have any recommendations of American shoes that I could buy online? Do you recommend laces or Velcro fastens?
Thanks
Hello Liz,
I suggest shoes with laces instead of velcro closure as they help provide your daughter with better support and stability. The shoes I recommend are listed in the article, and you can find all of the information you need such as the style name and the size you should order to allow for growing room.
I also suggest making sure that the shoes are not too big or too small as that can contribute to your daughter’s poor posture and stability.
My 9 month old son has flexible MTA. I’m looking ahead to this summer when he starts walking. We’re stride rite fans and like that they’re apma certified so I’ll be getting the Elliot. We live in Texas though and need a good sandal option if possible. Do you have any recommendations for sandals for toddlers? His foot currently measures 3.5 XW (11cm length) but will be obviously a bit bigger when he starts walking this summer.
Hello Kacey,
I recommend sandals that provide a stable base of support. You can find my recommendations below:
Option 1
Option 2 This is an orthopedic sandal.
Option 3
Let me know if you have any other questions.
My son is 2.5 years and had significant MTA at birth. He still has some curve in one foot. He currently wears a 9-9.5 toddler medium width. I am really eyeballing a straight last shoe so I am hoping for some professional input. We are located in Texas, USA.
Hello Tory,
Do you already have a specific shoe style in mind or you would like specific shoe recommendations?
I am looking for a sneaker. My son wants to be super independent so I have been opting for Velcro straps. I personally do not have a preference.
Hello Tory,
Shoes with laces help provide better support and stability compared to shoes with velcro closure, but if your son wants to be able to put the shoes on and off by himself, the velcro option might be more appropriate:
Option 1
Option 2 Option 2 with Laces
Option 3
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I have a 12 month old with MTA. It’s flexible and more noticeable on left foot than right. We were advised to continue massaging her feet but as she begins to walk we would like to get her shoes that will help her. Do you have suggestions based in the US for size 4/5
Hello Kita,
To recommend specific shoes for your daughter I first would need to know her foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), and whether you are willing to try shoes with laces or not.
Hi Juan,
Her foot shape is a medium. We are willing to try shoes with or without laces. She gets hot easily and we live in a hotter climate area so if sandal type shoes would also be a plus.
Hello Kita,
These are the sneakers that I recommend as they provide a stable base of support, have firm heel counters, and straight lasts. Please be aware that the shoes below are not very breathable, so I will also provide you with some sandals recommendations.
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
These are the sandals that I recommend:
Option 1
Option 2
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Hi Juan Pablo,
My son is 9months old and has been diagnosed with MTA. He seem to have a flexible type of MTA too but as recommended by his doctor, during his 6th or 7th month he underwent serial casting to try correct the condition. It improved ever so slightly but still curving inwards. We stopped with the casting but was advised to just continue stretching therapy. I feel that he may need to wear shoes to help but we are finding it hard to look for the right one as he has small and narrow feet. Can you help recommend the best shoes for his case? Thanksomuch
Hello,
I am happy to recommend specific shoes for your son but first I need to know what shoe size he wears and the country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
I am a mother of a 50 year old adult male who 5 months ago was diagnosed with MTA !! He Never had this problem as a child!!
He is on his feet 12-15 hours a day……….has had equipment dropped on his feet, about a year ago. An exray last year showed broken toes that (they said) had not heeled !! The Orthopedic Dr diagnosed him with MTA and wanted him to be fitted for a boot. The Dr told him his metatarsal bones would keep on braking if he did not do that!!! (the boot). being 50 miles away from the Orthopedic place he has neglected to do that…plus he is totally dependant on his income to eat!!
I am leary of this diagnosis since ev erything I read is for children!! That Dr took xrays……he should know…
His bones stick out on the left side of his right food and it now curves……kind of like the look of the MTA in children, but, I wonder if that is just from the broken toes and metatarsal bones!!!!
What would you suggest ?? A second opinion. WE live in a rural area and he has been to 3 drs….. it was pathetic
The last Dr is in Cumberland MD a group of orthodedic DRs.
This is all….. Thank you so much for this site and the chance to write you
Hello Nina,
Thank you for sharing this and I am sorry to hear that your son is dealing with such a difficult situation.
Is your son experiencing pain on his feet?
what can you recommend for an adult with size 15 feet? I had this as a child, but either it never fully corrected or got worse in old age (now 58.) Now it’s bad enough that have to wear 4E or wider. The problem is that most shoes have plastic protective layer around the toe box, and of course my big toe quickly gets sore.
Hello Amos,
Does the front part of your big toe rubs against the front part of the shoe?
I usually don’t recommend shoes that I haven’t fitted before, but after doing some research online, I have found two styles that might work for your feet. The first style is available in extra wide widths and provides extra depth, and the other one is available in XX-Wide and also provides extra depth.
Option 1
Option 2
I hope this helps.
Hi Juan,
I am in the UK and we have been told that my 2 year old has MTA and to get her supportive shoes. Her feet are narrow, are there any you would recommend within the UK market? Thanks
Hello,
Check if you can find a shoe style made by Stride Rite called Elliot. You can also check if you can find this style made by New Balance: 888V2
Shoes with shoelaces will provide better support and stability for your daughter’s feet, and they will help accommodate the shape of her narrow feet better. If you buy a pair of shoes with shoelaces I suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique: How to tie shoes for kids with narrow feet
Hello Juan! I just would like to ask, where can a find a shoe like on the first picture with red color?
(My 5 years old boy has MTA, he wear the right pair of shoes on his left foot when he was smaller, but now I try to find a good shoe for him). Thanks for your answer!
Hello Adrienn,
I am not sure what specific shoe you are referring to. Are you trying to find a pair of shoes with straight lasts to help treat your sons’ MTA? I am happy to recommend specific shoes for your son but I first need to know whether your son’s feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.
Hello Juan!
My son’s feet are narrow or medium.
Yes, I try to find a good shoe, what is enough strong for take the feet straight. (the picture what I ask, is the first of this website, but it is not interesting-only looks good for us).
Hello Adrienn,
Below you can find shoes with straight lasts that can fit children with narrow or medium feet:
Option 1
Option 2
Thank you for your answer!
Happy to help!
Hi Juan,
I think my 10 year old son has mild MTA. I haven’t seen a podiatrist yet, but I will ask for a referral from our pediatrician in 3 weeks. Is it possible for his MTA to be corrected at this age by just wearing the correct size shoes?
Hello Sinette,
I am not a medical professional, but I believe that for a child who is 10 years old we can help treat the condition, not correct it. The idea is for your son to be able to perform his daily activities without any pain or discomfort.
To help treat MTA you need to find shoes that provide supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and straight lasts. The shoes need to be worn in the correct size in order for the child to get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.
Is your son complaining about any foot or leg pain?
My son is autistic and non-verbal. He doesn’t understand how to communicate pain through his iPad yet, nor specify where and what type of pain he is experiencing. I notice that he often rubs his feet and would always drag his feet when he walks. His gait seems a little off. I wonder if serial casting would be effective at his age. I’m really hoping we can see the podiatrist soon so that he can give me some answers. I’m just upset that I didn’t catch this condition sooner. I will send you a separate email with pictures of his feet and measurements so that I can at least get him to wear correct shoes. 2 years ago, a former employe of a shoe store told me that my son has wide feet just by looking at it. So 2 years ago I started buying him new balance shoes with the wide width. When I got his feet measured today at a shoe store, they told me he actually is a medium width. So for the past 2 years, he has been wearing shoes too wide for his feet. Could this have contributed to his MTA? Have you ever heard or seen a child’s foot shape being affected by shoes being too wide?
Hello Sinette,
The good news is that you will meet with a podiatrist soon, so hopefully you will get some answers.
As far as shoes are concerned, wearing shoes that are too wide won’t contribute to your son’s MTA. However, wearing shoes that are too wide can lead to other complications such as compromising your child’s stability. Shoes that are too wide can also lead to blisters and other foot issues as the foot will move too much inside of the shoes. I will wait for the email with the images to confirm your son’s foot shape.
Hi
My 13-year-old son has a flexible metatarsus adductus. He doesn’t have a complaint now; however, you can notice the problem when he steps on his feet. He also has narrow feet. We are looking for a shoe brand and cannot decide between Brooks and New Balance. His foot number is 6.5. Can you please give us an advice?
Hello Gokhan,
Since your son has narrow feet, I believe he will benefit from wearing certain shoes from Asics or Saucony instead of Brooks or New Balance. However, not all shoes from Asics or Saucony provide the correct amount of support and straight lasts. I saw that you also sent me an email so I will send you specific shoe recommendations to your email.