Shoes for Kids with Clubfoot – Give These Life Changing Shoes a Try!

December 6, 2024 Clubfoot Juan Valenzuela 19 - Comments

Clubfoot (also called talipes) is a condition where a child’s foot or both feet are rotated out of position, pointing down and inward. The cause of clubfoot remains unknown, but it is believed to be hereditary. Children born with clubfoot may struggle with balance issues, weak ankles, stiff heels, and general foot and leg pain if untreated. My go-to shoes for kids with Clubfoot provide a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and straight lasts to help improve foot posture and balance. They are also available in different widths such as wide and extra wide and have oversized openings in case your child has very wide feet.

When Does Clubfoot Get Corrected in Children?

The treatment for clubfoot typically begins soon after birth. The Ponseti method, a common treatment approach, involves gentle stretching and casting of the foot to gradually correct its position. This method has proven highly effective, with a success rate of around 90% when initiated early. Once the casting phase is completed, your child will need to wear special boots that attach to each other with a bar to prevent the clubfoot from returning.

The boots and bar hold the feet in the position needed to stop the muscles and ligaments becoming tight again and the foot position reverting to the original starting position.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to achieve full correction, particularly if the condition is severe or unresponsive to initial treatments.

The Importance of Choosing Supportive Shoes

If your child already went through the initial treatment (casting and bracing), it’s important to choose supportive shoes to maintain the corrected position of the feet and provide comfort and stability. Supportive shoes that provide straight lasts can help improve your child’s foot posture, walking gait, and stability. You don’t necessarily have to get orthopedic shoes, just regular sneakers that simply provide better support than others.

Images of Kids with Clubfoot – Find Out the Degree of Your Child’s Clubfoot

Not all clubfeet are the same, there are different degrees to this condition. Let’s take a look at a couple of images of children with different degrees of clubfoot:

An image of a child with a mild degree of clubfoot standing barefoot.
An image of a child with a moderate degree of clubfoot standing barefoot.

Key Shoe Features for Treating Clubfoot

1. Straight Lasts: This feature is going to help keep your child’s feet in the correct position. It’s important that you avoid shoes with curved lasts as they can aggravate the condition.

children's-shoes-with-straight-lasts
The difference between a Nike shoe (left image) with a semi-curved last and a New Balance shoe (right image) with a straight last.

2. Stable Base of Support: This feature is going to help improve your child’s walking gait and overall posture by preventing your child’s feet from turning inwards or outwards.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
The difference in cushioning and support between a Saucony (left image) and a New Balance (right image) shoe.

3. Targeted Ankle Support: This feature is also going to help prevent your child’s ankles from rolling inwards or outwards as well as prevent ankle pain.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
The difference between a Nike shoe with a soft heel counter (left image) versus a New Balance shoe with a firm heel counter (right image).

Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding clubfoot and children’s footwear.

Myth: All Kids with Clubfoot Need Special Shoes

While specialized shoes can be beneficial, not all children with clubfoot require them. The need for specialized footwear depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Some children may do well with standard shoes that offer the right support and fit, while others may benefit from orthotic or custom-made options.

Myth: Clubfoot Always Results in Wide Feet

Clubfoot does not automatically mean wide feet. Each child’s foot shape is unique, and shoe selection should be based on individual needs. Assessing the specific requirements of your child’s foot, rather than assuming a need for wide shoes, ensures a better fit and enhanced comfort.

The Challenges of Finding Shoes for Children with Clubfoot

Clubfoot can result in size differences between the affected foot and the unaffected foot, so this also creates an additional challenge. In some cases, a child with treated clubfoot will benefit from wearing two different sized shoes.

Image of a child with clubfoot and a considerable size difference between his feet standing barefoot.
Image of a child with clubfoot standing barefoot with a considerable size difference between his feet.

I can help you determine if there is a considerable size difference between your child’s feet and what shoe size to order online with a virtual shoe fitting resource I created.

Shoes to Help Improve Foot Posture, Walking Gait, and Balance

The shoes I recommend help in maintaining the alignment of the foot and prevent it from reverting to its original position. 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.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

This is one of my go-to shoes for kids with clubfoot. This shoe combines comfort and style with its cushioned midsole and sturdy build. It’s perfect for children who need extra support and stability, and its classic design means it can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
  • Also available in pink and navy blue.
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.

2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

Orthopedic shoes are specially designed to improve foot posture and accommodate various foot conditions, including clubfoot. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing clubfeet.

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

  • Available for toddlers and little kids.
  • You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon.
  • Fits medium and wide feet.
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for toddlers with clubfoot. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers.
  • You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with clubfoot. Its wide toe box provides ample room for foot movement, which is essential for kids with clubfoot. Many parents appreciate that the shoe is offered at a lower price point.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.

5. Shoe Style 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.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids.
  • Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon.
  • Fits medium and wide feet.
  • Water-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony

The Cohesion by Saucony is a versatile sneaker that offers a comfortable fit and superior cushioning.  The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Supportive Saucony Cohesion for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Saucony kids Cohesion for girls with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon.
  • Available in medium and wide widths.
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

This style is known for its plush cushioning and lightweight design. This shoe features a seamless upper that reduces irritation, making it perfect for sensitive feet. Its supportive midsole provides the stability needed for kids with clubfoot.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon.
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

The 2002 model by New Balance is also one of my go-to shoes for kids with clubfoot at a more affordable price point than the 990v6. The straight last design helps promote proper foot alignment.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website.
  • Available in medium and wide widths.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids with clubfoot. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids.
  • Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon.
  • Available in medium and wide widths.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. Keep in mind that this specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet and the shoe is highly recommended for children who are active and require extra support.

Supportive red Asics shoes for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Asics running shoe for kids in mint color for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids.
  • Fits narrow or medium feet.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.

Keep in mind that shoes with shoelaces help provide better support and stability than any other closure such as velcro.

Does Your Child’s Age Matter When It Comes to Intervention Techniques?

This is a question that your medical professional should be able to answer, but if the doctor is recommending supportive shoes, then that might be the route to go. In my experience, the younger the child is, the higher the likelihood that shoes can have a positive impact on the child’s balance and foot posture.

Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Suggestion

As a shoe fitter dedicated to helping families, I am committed to providing resources and guidance to support you in finding the best footwear for your child’s needs. With the right shoes, children with clubfoot can enjoy active and fulfilling lives. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

What Is the Cause of Clubfoot?

The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Is It Possible to Treat Clubfoot in Older Children?

While it is recommended to treat babies shortly after birth so their clubfoot can be corrected before they start walking, it is possible to treat clubfoot in older children. Remember that it is important to keep your child in supportive sneakers that provide good stability for your child to continue being active and prevent any foot or leg pain.

The golden years of treatment opportunity—up to age seven—are crucial for making permanent structural changes to the foot, as this is when the bones are most malleable. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure that any relapses are promptly addressed.

Additional Resources for Children with Clubfoot

I have created many resources over the years that describe the best shoes for babies with clubfoot as well as seasonal footwear such as sandals.

“Clubfoot.” ​Mayo Clinic​, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/clubfoot/symptoms-causes/syc-20350860.

“Clubfoot: Boston Children’s Hospital.” ​Boston Children’s Hospital​, www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/clubfoot.