The Best Kids’ Shoes for Intoeing – Let’s Improve your Child’s Walking Gait and Posture!
Have you noticed your child walking and running differently lately? If your child’s feet turn inwards instead of straight when walking or running, then it’s highly likely that your child has a foot condition called intoeing. The best kids’ shoes for intoeing must provide supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and straight lasts, as those features can help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait. You are in good hands as I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes.
Should You Be Worried About Your Child’s Intoeing Condition?
Intoeing simply means that your child’s feet turn inwards instead of pointing straight. However, parents always have a hard time when they notice that their children are struggling with their gait. I have helped hundreds of children with this condition and it can be treated and corrected by wearing the correct type of shoes. Something so simple such as fitting your child in the correct pair of shoes can make a world of difference. If you’re pressed for time here is a list of the best kids’ shoes for intoeing.
It’s important to note that not all intoeing is the same. Depending on the degree of your child’s intoeing and whether your child is experiencing foot or leg pain you might have to consider investing in orthotics as well. Some physical or occupational therapists might recommend casts, orthopedic shoes, and even surgery to correct intoeing. These 3 approaches can be very effective, but providing your child with the correct type of shoes and in some cases, orthotics is a less invasive and more affordable alternative that will help treat and prevent your child’s intoeing.
Main Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Leave Intoeing Untreated!
Most children who experience intoeing don’t experience foot and leg pain, but they do tend to stumble and lose balance more often. I strongly recommend that you don’t leave this condition untreated as it can lead to several complications in the future.
When children are growing, the normal development of the pelvis and the spine will suffer if there is a foot imbalance. In most cases, intoeing might correct itself as the child keeps growing. However, in some children, it doesn’t get better on its own and treatment is necessary to help treat and correct the condition. When children walk with their feet turned inwards, it’s important to protect the foot from damage due to compensation, since this can lead to short and long-term problems that involve:
- An unbalanced gait
- Reduced athletic ability
- Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet
- General foot and leg pain
The Importance of Being Proactive!
Even if your child is not complaining about foot or leg pain, I always recommend parents to be proactive and not take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their children’s foot conditions. I get contacted by families from all over the world who are told by their pediatricians that their child will eventually outgrow the condition, but these families are still concerned since their child’s walking gait is clearly abnormal.
Treating Your Child’s Intoeing – What a Difference These Shoes Can Make!
The correct type of supportive shoes might help your child walk and run straighter, as well as improve your child’s overall posture. I always recommend parents start by trying a pair of supportive shoes first and monitor whether the child’s walking gait and posture improve or not. If it doesn’t, the next step would be to try an orthotic.
Something so simple such as providing your child with the correct type of shoes can help correct your child’s walking gait and allow your child to walk and run straighter. Let me prove it to you!
Before and After Images of Children with Intoeing!
Let’s take a look at an image of a barefoot child who is experiencing intoeing issues. Do you notice how the child’s feet are collapsing and turning inwards? The feet are shifting the child’s whole body out of alignment.
Now, let’s see what happens when we fit that same child in a pair of supportive shoes that I recommend. Do you notice how the child’s feet are a lot straighter? These shoes will allow the child to walk and run straighter, which will improve the child’s overall posture as well.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Intoeing?
1️⃣ Supportive Outsoles: Shoes that provide substantial and supportive outsoles with arch support help prevent the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards, allowing your child to walk and run straighter. Below you can see the difference between a shoe with a substantial outsole versus a shoe with a sole that is too thin and doesn’t provide the correct amount of support:
2️⃣ Rigid Heel Counters: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that provides ankle and heel support, and the firmer it is, the better. Some children experience intoeing from having rolled ankles. Always make sure that the heel counter of your child’s shoes feels firm and not soft.
3️⃣ Straight Lasts: This feature helps prevent the forefoot from pushing out. You need to stay away from shoes that have an excessively curved last as they lack heel stability. Most Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour shoes come with a curved or semi-curved last. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
In addition to providing these 3 features, the shoes must also fit the shape of your child’s feet perfectly. Children can have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and depending on your child’s foot shape the selection of shoes that your child can wear might be very large or very small.
The good news is that the shoe styles that I recommend are available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide. This is also helpful if you need to fit an orthotic inside your kids’ shoes. 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.
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Intoeing – My Top Recommendations for Foot Support
I have helped improve the walking gait and posture of hundreds of children who were intoeing by providing them with a pair of everyday supportive sneakers. Below you can find a selection of the best kids’ shoes for intoeing that can fit children with narrow, medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) feet.
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bootie by Timberland on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style New Balance Fresh Foam 650 on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ankle Support by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Own the Game 2.0 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Oder the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
To figure out your child’s exact foot size and provide your child with the correct shoe size, I always recommend parents take their children to be properly fitted for shoes at their local children’s shoe store. If you are unsure whether you have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in your area, start by taking a look at a resource that I created that describes the best kids’ shoe stores by state.
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a store in your area, then take a look at another article I created that will help you identify how to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
One method that used to be very effective in treating and preventing intoeing was the reverse-the-shoe wearing technique. In this method, parents fitted the child’s right shoe on the left foot, and the left shoe, on the right foot. While this method used to be effective in helping children walk and run straighter, it caused children to develop hallux valgus and other foot problems in later years.
What is Causing Your Child’s Intoeing? – Let’s Find Out!
Intoeing is believed to be hereditary, and as a parent, there is nothing that you could have done to prevent it. The most common cause of intoeing is due to the thigh bone being turned in at the hip, which tends to throw the child’s body out of alignment.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions that you might have about your child’s feet or walking gait. If you are in doubt about whether your child might have intoeing or not, feel free to send me pictures/videos of your child’s feet and I will be able to evaluate your child’s feet:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
You can also use the comments section below to ask any questions or share any concerns you might have about your child’s feet and shoes.
Thank you for writing this article. How can I tell if these shoes will fit my child’s extra wide feet?
Hello Talha,
Just look at the description below each shoe that I recommend to find out if it can fit your child’s foot shape.
Thanks 🙂
Which specific shoe brand do you recommend for a child with narrow feet?
In that case I recommend sticking with Asics or Saucony.
Thank you
Hi there, can it still be possible to help an 8 y/o with her in-toeing. I went to multiple specialists when she was little and they all told me to wait and said she would grow out of it. The advice I get now is surgery. I’m not willing to put her through surgery. Now I feel terrible because nothing has changed and sometimes she says her knees hurt.
Hello Charmayne,
I am not a medical professional but I have seen how the correct types of shoes paired up with the correct types of orthotics can make a tremendous difference in helping improve a child’s foot posture, stability, and walking gait.
Is your daughter experiencing foot or leg pain?
If you tell me your daughter’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), the degree of her pronation, and the shoe size she wears, I am happy to recommend specific shoes and possibly orthotics for her. If you are unsure of your daughter’s foot shape I suggest that you use this resource: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi ! My son is 18 months old, he has wide feet, high instep, and is intoeing reeeally bad. He is constantly tripping on flat ground, if the ground is uneven he really struggles. I showed the doctor, who agreed, but said there’s nothing to do and it will hopefully figure itself out by 3 years old, Only if it doesn’t by 3 years old will they do any interventions. Is there a shoe I should try or wait it out? I am in USA!
Hello Atti,
You can maybe try a shoe with a stable base of support and a firm heel counter to help improve your son’s foot posture and stability.
For example, this shoe has the features I mentioned above, and the laces will help “hug” your son’s feet more effectively and help improve his stability: Stride Rite Make sure you select the extra wide width
Another alternative is this shoe which has velcro: New Balance Make sure that you pull the velcro straps comfortably tight.
It’s also important that you make sure that the shoes fit properly (not too short or not too long) as this can have a negative impact on your son’s stability.
Hi ! My son is 19 months with wide feet, a high instepc and he is intoeing pretty bad, his doctor agrees but said that they don’t typically treat intoeing until around 3 years old, I am fine waiting but he’s constantly tripping over himself or the ground if it’s uneven. Are there any shoes you can recommend? I am in the USA.
Hi
My son is 24 months (less than 2 year) old ,he stands straight but walks inward toe can you suggest for him?
Hello Raman,
To recommend specific shoes for your son I first need to know his foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), as well as the country that you are contacting me from to check what shoes you might be able to order.
Hello! Can I please get your recommendation for a 16 month old boy with metartasus adductus? Thanks 🙂
Hello Vicky,
Does your son have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet?
Hello, thanks for the reply. I honestly do not know. I was not told he has particularly narrow or wide feet. Perhaps standard?
I could share a pic if that helps, or if you can tell me how to “measure” or know about the width?
Hello Vicky,
You can use this free resource I created: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
What brand and style of sneaker and sandal would you recommend for a 7 year old with very narrow feet and heel, who also has intoeing?
Thank you for your help in advance
Hello Melinda,
You didn’t specify whether you needed shoes for a girl or a boy.