Best Shoes to Help Treat Foot Drop in Children – Let’s Improve Your Child’s Walking Gait

July 24, 2025 Foot Drop Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child drag their toes while walking? This may be a sign of foot drop, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. If your child has been diagnosed with foot drop, finding the right shoes is crucial—not just for comfort, but to support proper foot positioning and help prevent trips and falls. While it may sound complex, my goal is to break it down in a way that’s easy for parents to understand. As a children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve seen how the right footwear can make a real difference in improving mobility and confidence for kids with foot drop.

Are Your Child’s Shoes Scuffed at the Front?

When this happens, many parents think the shoes are just poorly made—but in reality, it’s often a sign that their child is dragging their feet while walking.

This shoe has only been worn for two weeks—notice the scuffing and wear on the front? It’s a clear sign that the child is dragging their feet while walking.
Take a closer look at the green stitching near the top of the shoe—it’s still fresh and intact. Now compare it to the worn stitching at the front. That contrast is a clear sign your child may be dragging their feet while walking.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Foot Drop?

Children with foot drop often struggle to lift the front part of their foot, causing them to drag their toes as they walk—sometimes in one foot, sometimes in both. To compensate, many children develop a high-stepping gait, lifting their legs higher than usual with each step. If you’ve noticed this unusual walking pattern, it could be a sign that your child is dealing with foot drop.

What Causes Foot Drop in Children?

Your medical professional will help you figure out whether your child’s muscles are simply not strong enough to lift the foot and toes and whether there is an underlying problem that is affecting the nerves or muscles. Foot drop is associated with numerous disabilities including cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.

Treating Foot Drop in Children: A Simple, Effective Approach

With early detection, foot drop can often be successfully managed—and even corrected—in children. I’ve had the opportunity to help many families find the right shoes for their child with foot drop, and I believe I can help yours too. While there are several treatment options available, I focus on the least invasive and highly effective approach: combining supportive footwear and orthotics with targeted physical therapy.

Here’s the 3-step method I recommend for treating foot drop in children:

First Step: Supportive Shoes. Look for shoes with substantial outsoles and firm heel counters to help keep the feet in a proper position and improve overall stability.

Second Step: Orthotics or Ankle Braces. Full-length orthotics or ankle braces can assist with foot control and reduce the risk of tripping.

Third Step: Physical Therapy. Strength-building exercises help develop muscle control in the legs and feet, supporting long-term recovery.

The goal is to give your child the right foundation—shoes and orthotics that support their unique needs—so they can regain strength, control, and confidence in every step.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Foot Drop?

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
A stable base of support is essential for children with foot drop. Shoes with a wide and stable base help prevent falls and provide the necessary balance for your child as they walk. This stability is particularly important for children who may have difficulty maintaining their balance due to weakened muscles.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Firm heel counters are crucial in foot drop footwear as they help maintain proper foot alignment and prevent excessive movement that can worsen the condition. A firm heel counter offers the support needed to stabilize the foot. This stability ensures that the foot remains in the correct position, minimizing the risk of further misalignment or injury. When trying on shoes, press on the heel area to ensure it is rigid and provides adequate support.
Extra depth in shoes allows for the use of orthotics and provides enough space for the foot to move comfortably. This feature is particularly important for children with foot drop, as it accommodates any additional support devices they might need. Shoes with extra depth also help prevent pressure points and rubbing, which can lead to blisters or discomfort.
shoes-with-laces-vs-shoes-with-velcro-closure
Laces are often a better choice than Velcro when it comes to kids with foot drop. They allow for a fully adjustable fit, keeping the shoe snug and secure—especially important if your child wears orthotics or experiences swelling. Being able to fine-tune the tightness helps maximize comfort and ensures consistent support all day long.

You will also notice that all of my shoe recommendations are made from lightweight materials that can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue for children with foot drop. Lightweight shoes minimize the effort required to lift the foot, making walking less tiring.

Selecting the right shoes can be challenging, but I’ve compiled a list of my top shoe recommendations for 2025 that cater to children with foot drop. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shoes to Treat Foot Drop in Children: Supporting Proper Foot Position

These shoes incorporate the essential features needed to support your child’s unique needs.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are the best shoes for foot drop, and can accommodate full or 3/4 length orthotics, as well as AFOs and SMOs. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

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.
  • ENCAP midsole technology provides excellent support and durability.
  • 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 foot drop are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort, and can accommodate full or 3/4 length orthotics, as well as AFOs and SMOs. Podiatrists and orthopedists often recommend the Gabi shoe for its superior support and compatibility with orthotics.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

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.
  • Reinforced heel counter helps maintain correct foot positioning, essential for effective orthotic function.
  • 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 sneakers for foot drop offer excellent support and a comfortable fit. I only recommend fitting 3/4 length orthotics inside these high-top booties.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

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, and it offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with foot drop. This shoe can fit full or 3/4 length orthotics, as well as SMOs.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

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. I only recommend fitting full or 3/4 length orthotics inside this shoe.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

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 foot problems who must wear orthotics, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. However, I only recommend fitting 3/4 length orthotics inside this shoe.

Supportive Saucony Cohesion for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Saucony kids Cohesion for girls with flat feet.

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 for foot drop that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s feet and orthotics. Moreover, I only recommend fitting full or 3/4 length orthotics inside this shoe. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

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. These New Balance shoes for foot drop are another great option for children at a more affordable price point than the 990v6. However, this shoe won’t accommodate AFOs or SMOs, only full or 3/4 length orthotics.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

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. These high-top shoes for foot drop offer great support for kids who wear orthotics. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear. Additionally, I only recommend fitting full or 3/4 length orthotics inside this shoe.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

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. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. The shoe features a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making it perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability. Furthermore, I only recommend fitting full or 3/4 length orthotics as well as SMOs.

New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in white and pink for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos.
  • 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 toddler’s current foot size.

The effectiveness of shoes in treating foot drop largely depends on your child’s unique foot anatomy. While supportive footwear can make a big difference for many children, there are cases where more advanced treatment—such as electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve or even surgery—may be recommended by a doctor.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

If you’re unsure about the best shoes for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations. As a shoe fitter, I can provide tailored advice based on your child’s unique foot shape and condition.

Should Your Child Wear Orthotics As Well?

When introduced early, orthotics can play a powerful role in managing foot drop. These devices are designed to support and align the foot, improve movement, and reduce the risk of further issues by preventing unhealthy compensations. If you suspect your child may benefit from orthotics, I strongly recommend consulting with a medical professional. The good news? Every shoe I recommend is orthotic-friendly, so you won’t have to compromise on fit or function.

One telltale sign that your child may need shoes designed for foot drop is if their shoes are consistently scuffed at the front. This scuffing indicates that they may be dragging their toes as they walk, a common symptom of foot drop. Pay attention to the wear patterns on your child’s shoes, as they can provide valuable insights into their gait and foot positioning. If you notice uneven wear or excessive scuffing, it may be time to consider footwear that offers better support and alignment.