The Best Shoes for Knock Knees – Let’s Help Your Child Walk and Run Straighter!
Have you noticed that your child’s knees angle inwards and almost touch one another? Is your child falling more often and walking or running differently lately? If your child has been diagnosed with knock knees there are simple steps that you can take to help improve your child’s foot posture and the way your child walks. The best shoes for knock knees provide a stable base of support, firm heel counters, and straight lasts to help improve posture and stability.
Knock knees which are scientifically known as Genu Valcum are a condition where the two knees touch each other while standing straight. It’s important to understand that knock knees are the opposite of bow legs, as in the case of bow legs, the knees are far away from each other.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Knock Knees?
The most simple way to figure out whether your child has knock knees is to have your child stand straight and check if the knees are coming together. It’s important that you make sure your child is standing straight and looking forward. Let’s take a look at some pictures of children with knock knees:
Can Children Outgrow this Condition?
Knock knees are common in kids between the ages of 2 to 5. At this stage, knock knees is just a process of growth and there is no need to be too alarmed. You will notice in certain children between those ages how their knees come together as the ankles widen apart. At this stage, it is part of the growth process as it makes kids’ feet stable and keeps the kids balanced as their bones grow and harden.
It is expected that children grow out of the knock knees condition as they keep growing (normally by the age of 6) and they usually do grow out of it. However, in rare cases we see this condition of knock knees seem to go beyond the ages of 5, and in such cases, there is a need for concern.
If the condition proceeds after your child turns 5 years of age, you should consult with your medical professional to see which steps to take to help treat the condition. It is highly likely that they will recommend a pair of good supportive shoes and maybe orthotics —depending on how serious the condition is.
What Are the Causes of Knock Knees in Kids?
As I said, knock knees in kids are normal as the kids grow from the age of 2 to 5 years. However, some conditions may extend the case of knock knees beyond the usual age. In some cases, knock knees can be caused by diseases such as rickets, which affect bone formation. Obesity is another cause of knock knees.
If your children’s legs fail to straighten as they grow, knock knees might cause pain especially as children involve themselves in sports or high intense activities.
What a Difference the Correct Pair of Shoes Can Make!
Let me show you the difference that a pair of good supportive shoes can make. Below you can find a picture of a child with knock knees standing barefoot.
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes. Do you notice how straighter the feet are?
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Knock Knees?
1️⃣ Substantial outsoles with arch support to help keep the foot aligned:
2️⃣ Firm heel counters with ankle support to help control the alignment of the heel and lower leg:
3️⃣ The shoes need to be rigid at the front (avoid overly flexible shoes):
4️⃣ Straight lasts to help improve foot posture:
Children with knock knees tend to wear out their shoes faster than expected as they tend to put extra pressure on parts of their bodies where they are not supposed to. This won’t happen with the shoes I recommend as they are extremely durable, guaranteeing that your child outgrows the shoes before they are ready to be replaced.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Keep in mind that your children won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer if you don’t provide them with the correct shoe size. Are you certain of your child’s foot size? I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Let’s now take a look at a list I have put together of the best shoes for knock knees. 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.
Shoes for Kids with Knock Knees to Improve Foot and Knee Posture
These shoes can fit children with medium (M), wide (W), or 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
I have seen parents come back to the shoe store to thank us for the difference the shoes have made in their kids’ daily lives. Keep in mind that good supportive shoes will work in cases where knock knees are not too exaggerated, and the ankles are not that far apart.
Families Testimonials – Get Inspired!
If after wearing the shoes I recommend for 6 to 10 months your child’s knock knees and walking gait doesn’t improve, I strongly suggest that we try an orthotic inside the shoes to help align your child’s feet.
Orthotics for Kids with Knock Knees – They Can Make a World of Difference!
In extreme cases of knock knees where the ankles are much further apart, your child might have to wear braces or orthotics to correct the issue, straighten the ankles and reduce or fully eliminate the pain. Orthotics are a great way of improving your child’s posture but you should always start by trying a pair of supportive shoes first.
This is a picture of a flat-footed child standing barefoot. Do you notice how the feet are collapsing and turning inwards?
Before Image
Now let’s take a look at a picture of the same child but standing in a pair of orthotics. Do you notice how straighter the feet are?
After Image
If you believe your child can benefit from wearing an orthotic then I suggest that you take a look at a different article I wrote where I describe the best orthotics for kids with knock knees.
Children with Knock Knees – My Final Thoughts
Knock knees should be monitored as early as it starts to develop and when it seems to be getting worse, visit your physical therapist for advice on the steps to take. Knock knees can be very painful and can limit the activities of the kids.
Surgery is usually the last resort to correct this issue if we are not able to correct the way that your child walks.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Without a doubt, children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. 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. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Do you have a child who is suffering from knock knees? Have you found a particular shoe style or orthotic that has worked well in helping your child walk and run straighter? Please share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
My son is almost 11 and he has knocked knees the foot turn inward and the knees knocked and his right hip side turn inward too…i tried good shoes but he still walks the same just a little improvement…since two years…i took him to orthosurgeon and they didnt recomend surgery because they said surgery is only cosmatic….i need your help i can even call you. I dont know what to do .. we have a history of bad knees in the family and they suffer from pain. MOST GET KNee replacement. My son avoid long waling and activities because of his knee and ankle pain. I live in california / corona…if you know any good doctor hers will be help too. Thank you
Hello Maha,
If you already have tried a good pair of supportive orthotics, the next step is to try a pair of orthotics. What specific shoe style have you tried and is your son wearing them with shoelaces or Velcro closure?
I can recommend an orthotic to help straighten his feet and legs, but I need to know his shoe size first.
Please feel free to email me at: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com with any further questions.
Hi, I am looking for a doctor near Sterling Heights or Utica, Michigan 48313 for my 3 year old son. please help i think he is showing signs of pain from his knock knees.
Hello Ciera,
You should make an appointment with his pediatrician and they will be able to guide you from there to a physical therapist or an occupational therapist. I am not familiar with any doctors in the state of Michigan, so I will start there.
I can help you find the correct type of shoes and orthotics after you visit your doctor.
We live in Cary North Carolina and our zip code is: 27519
Would you find a doctor to prescribe for my daughter a right insole and arch to correct her knock knee.
Hello Nahid,
I am not familiar with a doctor in your area. Is there any children’s shoe store that you can take her to? I can show you which are the best shoes in terms of support for a child that has knock knee but It will be hard for me to prescribe an orthotic without looking at her feet and watching her walk.