High Top Shoes for Kids with Leg Length Discrepancy – Finding Stability and Equal Footing
Has your child been diagnosed with leg length discrepancy (LLD) and your medical professional recommended a pair of high top shoes to place a shoe lift or heel lift inside the shoes? High top shoes have gained popularity for their ability to provide superior support and stability, making them an excellent choice for kids who have leg discrepancies as they can also accommodate a heel lift.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and Heel Lifts
At the shoe store where I work, I have helped several children with leg length discrepancies find the correct pair of shoes and heel lifts. Leg length discrepancy in kids is more common than you’d think and the cause remains unknown. The greater the discrepancy between the legs, the more problems this can cause.
How Can High Top Shoes Help Your Child LLD?
Certain high top shoes can help align the feet and legs more naturally, reducing the strain on the shorter leg and minimizing discomfort. The snug protection of high top shoes can certainly make your kid’s feet feel more stable.
About Leg Length Discrepancy
Leg length discrepancy is a condition where one leg is shorter than the other. While some level of asymmetry is common, a significant LLD can lead to problems with posture, gait, and overall comfort. Causes can range from developmental issues to injuries, and early detection and proactive approach management are essential to prevent complications.
There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Treating a slight difference in leg length can mean lengthening the shorter leg or shortening the longer leg, but surgery should always be left as a last resort.
Shoe Lifts, Heel Lifts, or Surgery to Help Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?
A shoe lift can even out small differences and might be all that some kids need. Some other children might simply need a heel lift inside the shoes to even out the difference. The heel lift option is the most convenient and economical one, and it is not nearly as invasive. However, it’s important to note that if the difference in leg length is more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) or gets worse as the child grows, surgery can help.
The Role of High Top Shoes and 4 Awesome Features They Provide
High top shoes, characterized by their extended upper portion that covers the ankle, offer unique advantages for kids with leg length discrepancy:
1️⃣ Improved Alignment: High top shoes can help align the feet and legs more naturally, reducing the strain on the shorter leg and minimizing discomfort.
2️⃣ Stability and Enhanced Ankle Support: The snug protection of high top shoes can certainly make your kid’s feet feel more stable. The higher collar of the high top shoes extends above the ankle and this contributes to better ankle/heel support and increased stability.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: All of the high top shoes that I recommend are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time.
4️⃣ Adjustable Fit: Some high top shoes feature adjustable straps or laces allowing for a customized fit that accommodates any differences in leg length.
Best High Top Shoes for Kids with Leg Length Discrepancy
Take a look at the description below each shoe to check if that specific shoe can fit your child’s foot shape. 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.
- Order the shoe style Coco Unity by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Donovan Mitchell by Adidas on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up by Adidas on Zappos
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up 5 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up by Adidas on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Extra padding around the ankles
- Lace-Up closure
- Rubber outsole provides excellent grip
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up by Adidas on Zappos
- Available in wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Firm heel counter
- Cloudfoam base supports every step with pillow-soft cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Flash A/C Mid by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Stable base of support with firm heel counters
- Velcro closure
- Perforations for breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
It’s critical to make sure that your child’s shoes are fitted properly. I have spoken with several medical professionals who are frustrated about children not wearing the correct type of shoes in the correct size. These doctors explain to me how they encounter many children with physical disabilities who wear shoes that don’t fit properly, which makes the condition harder to manage.
Find Out Your Child’s Exact Shoe Size
I understand that it can be challenging to find shoes to fit your kid’s unique feet, especially if diagnosed with a particular foot condition or if they have an uncommon foot shape. For this reason, 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.
Have You Already Found a Pair of Heel Lifts for Your Child’s LLD?
If you are unsure about which heel lifts might work best for your child, below you can find a specific heel lift that has worked well for many children with LLD. Your child will have a much better experience walking and running around in a pair of heel lifts, as long as they are paired with the right shoes. The high top shoes that I recommended are capable of accommodating the heel lifts.
- Order this heel lift by Jota on Amazon
- This heel lift is available in 3 different height levels: .75″, 1″, 1.5″
Looking for a Personalized Recommendation?
If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact me via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of high top shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Please don’t hesitate to share this post within your community as well as your personal experiences in the comment section to help other parents gain valuable insights. Additionally, consulting with a pediatrician or a podiatrist can provide further guidance specific to your child’s specific needs.
