Reverse Last Shoes for Kids – Align Your Child’s Feet in the Correct Position
Are you concerned about your child’s feet turning inwards? Reverse last shoes are designed for specific foot conditions and foot types. The two most common reasons why podiatrists and pediatric orthopedic specialists recommend reverse last shoes are metatarsus adductus which is also referred to as pigeon-toes (the front half of the foot turns inward), and severe pronation, (the foot rolls inward too much when walking). If your child has been diagnosed with any of these foot conditions and you can’t seem to find a pair of reverse last shoes, don’t panic, I am here to help you find them.
Depending on the degree of your child’s foot condition, you will need to find more than just the average shoe, and reverse last shoes can be the answer. These specially designed shoes provide support where it’s most needed, working to alleviate pain and correct structural foot problems in children.
What Are the Benefits of Reverse Last Shoes?
Reverse last shoes are not just a temporary fix; they provide long-term benefits. By helping align the feet into a more natural alignment, these shoes can promote healthier walking patterns and potentially reduce the need for more invasive treatments like orthotics or surgery as your child grows.
Reverse last shoes provide the structural support needed to help align your child’s feet in the correct position. Proper foot alignment can help avoid long-term complications, from ingrown toenails to postural issues. By the way, reverse last shoes are an effective and stress-free treatment, compared to serial casting. They are also a less restrictive alternative compared to orthotics such as AFOs.
How Can Reverse Last Shoes Help Improve Your Child’s Foot Posture?
Reverse last shoes have a distinctive design that curves in the opposite direction to the natural shape of the foot. This design helps in aligning feet into a more natural position.
These shoes are built to reinforce the proper alignment of the foot by offering a broader base at the heel and narrower forefront, which makes them particularly effective for these types of conditions.
My Experience Helping Families Find Reverse Last Shoes
I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type 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.
I never needed a degree or a certification to fit children’s shoes, but I had a moral obligation to provide children with the best fitting shoes.
There’s a common misconception that reverse last shoes are for every child, or that they’re a cure-all for any foot problem. In my experience, these shoes are designed for select conditions and foot types. Knowing when they’re necessary, and why, helps ensure that children who truly need them get the benefits, while others continue to wear the type of footwear best suited to their needs.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Needs Reverse Last Shoes?
This is a question that your child’s medical professional should be able to answer as it directly depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition. With that said, I strongly believe in being proactive and not playing the waiting game when it comes to treating children’s foot conditions. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to manage your child’s condition.
2 Key Features of the Reverse Last Shoes that I Recommend
1️⃣ Medial extension of the heel cup beyond the correction point by the big toe’s
2️⃣ High collar to support the ankle joint
What Shoe Companies Manufacture Reverse Last Shoes?
Markell is the most popular and go-to shoe brand in the United States that manufactures reverse last shoes. Their experts will be able to help, and you can contact them at markellshoe@optonline.net
Mt. Emey also offers children’s reverse last shoes in velcro or lace closure options as well as a variety of vibrant colors. You can contact them at: customerservice@flowfeet.com
Foot Conditions That Benefit From Reverse Last Shoes
Metatarsus adductus (pigeon-toes) and severe pronation are the two most common foot conditions that that can benefit from reverse last shoes.
Do Reverse Last Shoes Help Treat Flat Feet As Well?
Flat feet could also see improvement with the right pair of reverse last shoes.
Can You Shop for Reverse Last Shoes Online?
The best thing when it comes to buying children’s footwear is to visit your local shoe store. The challenge is that most local children’s shoe stores have been closing down.
If you don’t have a local shoe store in your area, then let’s continue your search online. Retailers with a strong focus on children’s orthopedic shoes often have comprehensive websites where you can learn about their products and how they cater to the specific needs of children with foot conditions. Detailed product descriptions and customer reviews are invaluable online resources that aid your decision-making process.
The Fitting Process of Reverse Last Shoes
The fitting process of reverse last shoes is crucial, and the ability to try shoes on before purchasing is a compelling reason to visit a store in person. Look for local shoe stores that offer professional fitting services, or even specialized children’s orthopedic footwear shops where staff can provide personalized advice.
If professional fitting is unavailable in your area, you can use my free virtual fitting consultation to ensure you’re getting the correct size for your child.
The right fit in reverse last shoes is crucial; they should be snug, but not too tight, and offer enough space for toes to move freely. Check for any red marks or complaints of pinching from your child.
Is It Better to Invest in Reverse Last Shoes or Orthotics?
This is a question that your medical professional should be able to answer. However, if you provide me with detailed information about your child’s feet I might be able to help as well, so don’t hesitate to contact me via email or the comments section below.
In the meantime, I can tell you that there have been studies that show that both reverse-shoe wearing and orthopedic insoles show similar levels of treatment success, but reverse-shoe wearing has a significant adverse effect on hallux valgus. This is something to keep in mind as we don’t want your child to develop bunions down the road.
