Orthopedic Shoes for Toddlers – Put Your Toddler’s Feet and Legs in a Straighter Position!

April 6, 2025 Orthopedic Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your toddler have a diagnosed foot condition, and their medical professional recommends orthopedic shoes? In some cases, doctors advise supportive footwear, while in others, parents take the initiative to address potential issues early. No matter the situation, I’m here to help! I’ll share my top orthopedic shoe recommendations—proven to provide the right support and stability for little feet. Plus, I’ll guide you on how to find the perfect shoe size online with my virtual shoe fitting service, making the process easy and hassle-free.

What Happens When Toddlers Have Flat Feet or Foot Issues?

Flat feet are one of the most common foot conditions in toddlers, and in many cases, they’re completely normal. Most children naturally develop arches by the age of five. However, not all flat feet are the same—some are significantly flatter than others, which may require early intervention to prevent future complications. The same goes for other foot conditions like weak ankles, toe walking, low muscle tone, and knock knees.

Image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
An image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot.

When children have moderate to strong cases of flat feet, the feet become pronated and the knees and hips also become misaligned. This means that the muscles that move those joints no longer work efficiently, and it will take more energy for your toddler’s body which leads to an increase in muscle fatigue, tightness, and strain.

Can Toddlers Benefit from Wearing Orthopedic Shoes?

Orthopedic shoes are not just about aesthetics; they play a pivotal role in ensuring the proper alignment of your toddler’s feet and legs. The early years, particularly the first seven, are a golden window of opportunity to address any structural issues with supportive footwear and orthotics. During this time, bones are still soft and malleable, making it easier to correct any misalignments.

Toddler with flat feet standing barefoot vs toddler with flat feet wearing supportive shoes.
A side-by-side comparison showing the noticeable difference in a toddler’s foot alignment before and after wearing supportive shoes—barefoot, the child’s flat feet and moderate pronation are evident, while in the right shoes, their posture and stability improve significantly.

While trendy shoes might catch your eye, it’s the functionality that truly matters for toddlers. Orthopedic shoes are designed to provide the support needed for proper foot alignment. They help in distributing body weight evenly, reducing stress on the feet, and encouraging a healthier posture, which is critical during the rapid growth phases.

My Experience as a Passionate Shoe Fitter

I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct types of shoes can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older. 

About me of shoe fitter Juan Valenzuela
Juan Pablo Valenzuela fitting children’s shoes at a local children’s shoe store in Potomac, Maryland.

Many physical and occupational therapists refer children to the shoe store that I work for to be fitted for supportive shoes.

Are Orthopedic Shoes a Cosmetic Fix or Functional Change?

I believe that orthopedic shoes provide a functional change. Your toddler’s foot might point inwards when going barefoot, but when wearing orthopedic shoes that changes things substantially by putting the feet in a straighter position.

I like to make the analogy that orthopedic shoes are like glasses for bad eyes. Wearing glasses won’t cure your eyes, but it will make you see better and function normally. Orthopedic shoes are like glasses for your toddler’s feet.

After years of fitting shoes for toddlers, I’ve curated a list of orthopedic shoe brands that consistently deliver comfort and support. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Orthopedic Shoes for Toddlers in 2025

The orthopedic shoes below have been tested and approved by countless parents and children, standing out for their commitment to quality and functionality. Here are my top recommendations.

1. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo

These orthopedic shoes for toddlers offer a high, supportive heel and a firm outsole that help stabilize the foot.

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

  • You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Polo by Memo

These high-quality orthopedic shoes for toddlers are designed to support children who struggle with foot conditions such as flat feet, knock knees, or toe walking.

Memo orthopedic shoe for kids with foot problems.
Memo orthopedic shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • You can order the shoe style Polo by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and stabilization
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Princessa by Memo

These orthopedic Mary Jane shoes for toddlers are stylish and comfortable. They offer the perfect combination of support and flexibility to help children develop a more balanced and healthy gait.

Orthopedic black dress shoe for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Princessa Corrective by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra depth and width for orthotics
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Princepard

These high-top toddler orthopedic shoes are designed to help treat foot conditions such as toe walking, flat feet, or knock knees. Their high-top design offers additional ankle support, while the firm heel and structured sole stabilize the foot and prevent excessive pronation.

Orthopedic shoe for kids with foot problems.
Pink orthopedic shoes for toddlers.

Key Features

  • Order this orthopedic shoe by Princepard on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Triple Velcro straps for better support and stability
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Ensure Your Toddler’s Shoes Provide Maximum Support and Stability

For the best support and stability, make sure to secure the Velcro straps snugly on your toddler’s shoes. Don’t hesitate to pull them firmly—this helps keep the foot properly positioned. Loose straps can cause too much movement inside the shoes, reducing their effectiveness in providing the support your child needs.

Personalized Recommendations

Every child is unique, and so are their foot needs. If you’re unsure about which orthopedic shoes are best for your toddler, feel free to contact me via email for personalized recommendations tailored to your toddler’s foot shape and condition. These recommendations consider specific concerns such as flat feet, high arches, or pronation, ensuring that the chosen footwear addresses your child’s needs effectively.

Will Orthopedic Shoes Instantly Correct Your Toddler’s Feet?

This truly depends on the degree of your toddler’s foot condition. With that said, many families have seen an immediate difference in their toddler’s foot posture and walking gait.

Before and after image of a toddler with flat feet standing barefoot and wearing a pair of supportive New Balance shoes.
Side-by-side comparison of a toddler with flat feet and moderate pronation, showing the difference between standing barefoot and wearing supportive shoes. Notice how the shoes help improve alignment, providing better stability and posture.

Why Are Orthopedic Shoes More Expensive?

Orthopedic shoes typically cost between $80 and $125, but they offer a unique combination of built-in support and orthotic-like features. Unlike regular shoes, the orthopedic options I recommend provide essential elements such as supportive outsoles and firm heel counters, along with deep heel cups and medial and lateral flanges—features commonly found in orthotics. This built-in support helps improve foot alignment and stability, making them a worthwhile investment for your child’s foot health.

What to Do If Toddler Orthopedic Shoes Are Too Expensive?

Not all families can afford specialized orthopedic shoes. Fortunately, there are affordable alternatives that offer great support. These options can provide a middle ground, offering some of the benefits of orthopedic shoes without the higher price tag

Use My Virtual Shoe Fitting Service

Most medical professionals agree that proper fit is just as important (if not more important) than the support or material that the shoes are made of.

I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that helps parents determine the correct size for their child’s unique foot shape. By using this service, you can avoid the hassle of returns and ensure your toddler’s shoes fit perfectly. The process is simple and convenient, utilizing video consultations to measure and assess your child’s feet accurately.

The Importance of Taking Early Action

I always remember something that a podiatrist told me when I first started fitting children’s shoes: It’s important to be proactive with children and their treatment since the first seven years of their life are “golden years of treatment opportunity”. During these seven years, permanent structural changes of the foot and lower extremity may be relatively easy to obtain with treatments such as orthotics, supportive shoes, and therapeutic exercises.