The Best Shoes for Kids with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)
Last updated: October 14, 2026 · By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Finding shoes for a child with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) can be hard. High arches and curled toes make many shoes too shallow, weak ankles make flimsy shoes unsteady, and some children also wear braces. As a certified children’s shoe fitter, I often work with families referred by their child’s physical or occupational therapist. Here’s what I look for in shoes for kids with CMT, and the styles I recommend.
What Is CMT?
CMT is an inherited condition that affects the nerves that run to the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Over time, it can weaken the muscles in the feet and lower legs and change the shape of the feet. There’s no cure yet, but physical therapy, braces, and the right shoes can help children walk more steadily and comfortably. You can read more in this overview of CMT from KidsHealth.
Signs to Watch For
CMT looks different in every child, and symptoms can be mild or more noticeable. Signs that show up in the feet and walking include:
- High arches
- Curled toes, called hammer toes or claw toes
- Foot drop, where the front of the foot drags or slaps down when walking
- Tripping, falling, or seeming unsteady more often than other kids
- Trouble with stairs, running, or balance
If you notice these signs, talk to your child’s pediatrician. A doctor, physical therapist, or orthotist will guide your child’s treatment. The right shoes are one part of that plan.
What to Look for in Shoes for Kids with CMT
Extra Depth and a Roomy Toe Box
High arches and curled toes need more room on top of the foot than most shoes have. A deep shoe with a roomy, rounded toe box keeps the tops of the toes from rubbing.
A Firm Heel Counter
The heel counter is the stiff part that wraps around the back of the heel. A firm one holds the heel steady, which helps when the ankles are weak or unstable.
A Wide, Stable Base
A wider, flatter sole gives the foot a steadier base, so children are less likely to roll an ankle or lose their balance.
Ankle Support
High-top shoes and boots give extra support around the ankle, which many children with CMT find helpful.
Removable Insoles
If your child wears orthotics, removable insoles leave room for them.
Check for Rubbing
CMT can reduce feeling in the feet, so some children don’t notice when a shoe rubs. After wearing new shoes, check your child’s feet for red marks or blisters, especially on the tops of the toes and the sides of the feet.
What If My Child Wears AFOs?
Foot drop is common with CMT, and many children wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to help. AFOs need shoes with extra depth, a wide opening, and removable insoles. See my guides to shoes for kids with AFOs, shoes for SMOs, and how to order the right shoe size for AFOs.
The Best Shoes for Kids with CMT
These are the shoes I’ve seen work best for children with CMT. Lace-up styles give the most support, as long as the laces stay snug.
Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
990v6 by New Balance
My top pick, with a firm heel counter, a wide, stable base, and a sturdy sole. It’s expensive, but it’s the most stable shoe on this list.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Ideal for kids who need the most stability, or room for orthotics
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
Orthopedic high-tops with stiff heel counters, made for children who need extra ankle support.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Accommodates medium and wide feet
- Ideal for toddlers and young kids who need strong ankle support
- High-top design with stiff heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart
Elliott by Stride Rite
A supportive leather high-top that’s comfortable for new walkers and toddlers.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for toddlers who need ankle support
- 100% leather construction
- High-top design provides extra ankle support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with foot conditions. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for everyday wear on a budget
- Firm heel counters
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for outdoor play and kids who need ankle support
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-resistant
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Cohesion by Saucony
An affordable, cushioned sneaker with a firm heel counter and a stable base.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for everyday wear on a budget
- Firm heel counters and stable base of support
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s foot conditions. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for kids who want soft cushioning
- Semi-firm heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2002/1906 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for kids who need a stable shoe at a lower price
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for sports and active kids who need ankle support
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
GT-1000 by Asics
A stable sneaker with a firm heel counter, and one of the few picks that fits narrow feet.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates narrow or medium feet
- Ideal for kids with narrow feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Get the Right Size
Shoes that are too short or too shallow press on curled toes and high arches, which can be painful. Shoes that are too big let the foot slide, which makes children less steady.
Each pick above lists how much to size up, since some shoes run bigger than others. My guide to measuring your kid’s feet shows you how to find your child’s size, check whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and see whether they have a high instep, at home in two simple steps.
If your child wears orthotics or AFOs, have them try shoes on with the orthotics in.
What About Orthotics?
Every child with CMT is different, so orthotics should be chosen with your child’s physical therapist or orthotist. Many children need custom orthotics or braces made for their feet.
Bring your child’s shoes and orthotics to their therapist appointments, so the therapist can check how they work together.
If your child’s therapist recommends an over-the-counter orthotic, I’ve seen good results with littleSTEPS. It’s three-quarter length, so it fits in many shoes, and you don’t need to remove the original insoles. Use referral code JVFCS100121, and check this chart to find the right size based on your child’s shoe size. Keep in mind that littleSTEPS is designed for flat feet, so check with your child’s therapist that it’s right for a high-arched foot.
Need a Specific Recommendation?
Every child with CMT has different needs. If you need help finding shoes that fit your child’s feet, braces, or orthotics, email me, and I’ll suggest the styles most likely to work.
More Guides
Orthotics: shoes for kids who wear orthotics
High arches: shoes for kids with high arches
FAQ
No. There’s no cure for CMT yet, and shoes don’t change how the condition progresses. The right shoes help children walk more steadily and comfortably, as part of a plan with their doctor and therapist.
Many do, but it depends on the child. Your child’s physical therapist or orthotist can recommend the right orthotic or brace.
CMT can reduce feeling in the feet, so children may not notice rubbing. Check for red marks after wearing new shoes, and look for deeper shoes with a roomy toe box.
Excellent article. Thanks!
Hello Damaris,
I am glad that you find the article informative!