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 (pigeon toes). Even though this condition is quite common in young children, supportive footwear can play a pivotal role in managing intoeing effectively, ensuring proper foot development and alignment. I am going to show you a list of shoes with supportive outsoles, firm heel counters, and straight lasts, as those features can help improve your child’s foot posture and walking gait.
Should You Be Worried About Your Child’s Intoeing?
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.
Treating Your Kids Intoeing with Supportive Shoes
The correct type of supportive shoes might help your child walk and run straighter, as well as improve your child’s overall posture.
Main Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Leave Intoeing Untreated!
Most children who experience intoeing don’t experience foot or 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.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids with Intoeing
1. Cushioned Midsoles: Shoes that provide supportive outsoles with arch support help prevent the child’s feet from collapsing and turning inwards, allowing your child to walk and run straighter.
2. 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. This feature helps maintain the foot’s alignment, reducing excessive inward rotation.
3. Straight Lasts: Shoes with a straight last are designed with a straighter sole, which helps maintain the foot in a neutral position. This feature is crucial for children with intoeing, as it prevents further inward twisting. Opting for straight last shoes ensures that the foot is encouraged to move in a straight line, promoting a more natural gait
Several shoe brands specialize in footwear that provide these three features. When children are comfortable and stable in their footwear, they are more likely to engage in physical activities, which can further aid in their overall development. 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.
Best Kids’ Shoes for Intoeing to Improve Posture and Gait
The right pair of shoes will offer the right balance of support, flexibility, and comfort, making them an essential tool in managing intoeing effectively.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best shoe for kids with intoeing. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
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)
These orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. 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 flat feet. Memo orthopedic shoes are specifically designed for children with orthopedic issues, including intoeing.
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 kids with intoeing. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.
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 intoeing. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
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.
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
These shoes are ideal for kids with intoeing, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
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 is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while helping improve your child’s intoeing. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
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 intoeing at a more affordable price point than the 990v6. The straight last design helps promote proper foot alignment.
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 intoeing. 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 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. 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.
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.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Based on your child’s unique foot shape and specific needs, I can suggest the most appropriate shoe styles and brands to address intoeing:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
In addition to providing good support, the shoes must also fit the shape of your child’s feet perfectly for your child to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer. 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. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s foot shape and shoe size from home.
Families’ Success Stories
Real-life success stories from families can offer valuable insights and encouragement. Many parents have witnessed remarkable improvements in their children’s walking patterns and overall comfort by choosing the right shoes. These stories serve as a testament to the impact that proper footwear can have on a child’s development and quality of life.
How About Wearing Shoes On the Opposite Foot?
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?
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.
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 three approaches can be very effective, but providing your child with supportive shoes and in some cases, orthotics, is a less invasive and more affordable alternative that will help treat and prevent your child’s intoeing.
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. If you already found a good pair of shoes that worked well for your child’s intoeing I ask you to share your findings in the comments section below.
Are there any New Balance shoes you *don’t* recommend? Or do most of their kids shoes fit the parameters you discuss above? Thanks!
Hi Megan,
Great question! I only recommend a few New Balance shoes for kids with in-toeing because it’s important that the shoes offer a stable base and a firm heel counter for proper support. Only 3 or 4 styles meet those criteria, and I’ve included the best ones in the article for you to review. Let me know if you need help choosing the right one!
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.