Sandals for Kids with Clubfoot – Let’s Support Your Child’s Feet and Improve Balance
If your child already went through the bracing stage —which is crucially important to your child’s long-term mobility— then it’s highly likely that your child will grow up to have normally functioning feet. That being said, the best way to prevent your child’s feet from turning inward again is to ensure that your child wears supportive shoes during the day. Supportive sneakers are the ideal footwear for your child to wear throughout most of the day, but they shouldn’t be required to wear them all day during the summer. I am going to show you some sandals that offer great support for kids with clubfoot.
Clubfoot is a condition that affects the alignment of the foot, making it challenging for children to wear standard shoes. Supportive sandals can help keep the foot aligned, reducing the risk of further complications as the child grows.
Key Features of Sandals for Clubfoot
Your child should wear supportive sneakers for most of the day, but if you live in an area where it gets really hot, then your child should be able to wear a pair of breathable and comfortable summer shoes. Supportive sandals are essential for children with clubfoot because they help maintain the correct alignment of the foot and ankle.
1. Stable Base of Support: A supportive outsole provides stability and helps maintain the correct alignment of the foot. Look for sandals with a firm yet flexible sole that supports natural movement. This balance is important because it allows the foot to move naturally while still providing the necessary support to guide correct alignment.
2. Targeted Heel Support: Heel support is crucial for children with clubfoot as it helps keep the foot in the correct position. Sandals with extra cushion and padding help stabilize the heel, preventing it from slipping out of place, which can lead to discomfort or injury.
3. Oversized Openings for Easy On and Off: I have noticed that most children with clubfeet usually tend to have wide feet. It’s important that the sandals open up nice and wide for parents to easily slide their child’s feet on and off.
You will notice that some of the sandals that I recommend are orthopedic, while some others are your regular everyday sandals that simply provide better support and stability. Whether you should buy orthopedic sandals or regular everyday sandals that provide good support directly depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition.
The sandals I recommend below are durable without adding unnecessary weight. A lightweight sandal design is particularly important for children with clubfoot, as it minimizes the stress on their developing muscles and joints. 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.
Sandals for Kids with Clubfoot to Improve Posture and Balance
The goal should be to find sandals that help maintain and align your child’s feet in the correct position. The sandals that I recommend for children with clubfoot provide sturdy and solid to support your child’s feet and help with balance.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These are good sandals for kids with clubfoot as they are designed with a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps to help improve your child’s foot posture and stability.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Agnes by Memo
These orthopedic sandals for kids offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed and firm heel counters that aid in maintaining the foot’s correct position.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 100% leather made
- Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe supportive sandals for kids provide a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for active children with clubfoot, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Mogami by Birkenstock
Known for its contoured footbed and superior arch support, Birkenstock offers a range of styles that are both fashionable and functional. The sandal boasts a deep heel cup and a supportive arch footbed that helps maintain proper foot alignment.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Contoured PU footbed
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Newport by Keen
These sandals provide excellent arch support and a secure fit with their bungee lace system. They’re also water-friendly, making them perfect for summer adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva
The Hurricane by Teva offers a lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit. Its contoured footbed provides excellent support and the stable base of support helps distribute weight evenly.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand’s sandals combine style and functionality, offering supportive features that cater to children with clubfoot
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Betti and Pedro by Memo
Memo’s Betti and Pedro sandals are equipped with a robust support system, including a firm heel counter and arch support. These features work together to guide the foot towards a healthier walking pattern, making them an excellent choice for children with clubfoot.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Betti and Pedro by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Please note that this is not medical advice, this is what has worked well for many children who visit the shoe store, and it might work well for your child, but there are no guarantees.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
I offer personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and condition. By understanding your child’s specific needs, I can guide you in selecting sandals that will support their foot health and overall development. Feel free to contact me via email for specific shoe recommendations or through the comments section below.
Finding the Right Size Online
After the casting and bracing phase is completed children might experience a certain degree of size difference between the two feet, which is variable and dependent upon the severity of your child’s clubfoot.
In most cases, the differences in size don’t cause any problems and go unnoticed. However, I have worked with children whose shoe size differential between feet (one with clubfoot and one without) was greater than two sizes. To help parents find the perfect fit, I’ve developed a virtual shoe fitting service.
Bonus Resource: Everyday Sneakers for Children with Clubfoot
In addition to sandals, everyday supportive sneakers can also play a vital role in supporting your child’s foot development. I’ve compiled a list of recommended sneakers that cater to the specific needs of children with clubfoot. These sneakers offer the necessary support and comfort for daily wear.
How long should these shoes be worn will depend on the severity of the clubfoot. Please always consult the attending physician or orthopedic surgeon for advice on the usual time of recovery.
