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 provide your child with more stability? Maybe your child’s doctor advised to place a shoe lift or heel lift inside the shoes and specifically recommended a pair of high top 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 discrepancy as they can also accommodate a heel lift. I am here to present you with a curated list of the best high top shoes for kids with leg length discrepancy. I will also show you the best heel lifts for leg length discrepancy that I have fitted before.

At the shoe store where I work, I have helped several children with a leg length discrepancy looking for 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.

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 for Helping 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 what foot shape that specific shoe is capable of accommodating —narrow (N), medium (M), wide (W), extra wide (XW). 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.

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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 Shoe Size and Improve Your Online Shopping Experience

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 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.

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.

Looking for a Personalized Recommendation? – Contact Us

If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact us 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.

We appreciate your readership! 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. Your child’s well-being is our top priority!