The type of shoe your child wears is important in helping to support proper alignment and protect their feet as they grow and develop. It is also important incase of an emergency where the child needs to be taken outside of school quickly. See below for a list of options recommended by our Physical Therapy Department.  

The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends looking at three aspects of the shoe when searching for the right shoe:  

• Stiff heel cup. You should be able to squeeze the sides of the heel cup without them collapsing.  
• Shoe flexibility. When you bend the shoe up, it should crease where your child’s toes bend.  
• Rigidity in middle of shoes. When twisting shoe side-to-side, it should not easily twist.  

Below are examples of shoes with stiff heel cups, flexible soles, and overall rigidity:  

1. Carter’s

2. Carter’s

3. Stride Rite

4. Cat & Jack

5. New Balance

Shoes with Orthotics

When looking for shoes for orthotics, keep in mind to look for shoes that come in wide sizes, as well as easier ways to secure the shoes, such as Velcro straps and zippers. Below are a few examples of shoes that are can be adjusted to orthotics.

1. BILLY Footwear

2. New Balance

Shoes for Sensory Needs

Some children have sensory needs and prefer to be barefoot. You can first try to find the right socks. You can try seamless socks (Kozieclothes, SmartKnitKIDS, Jefferies Socks) or compression socks so only smooth fabric is touching the skin. If your child still does not tolerate wearing shoes, we recommend a water shoe or a sock shoe with a leather or rubber sole. Shoes should be closed toe and with a closed heel to prevent loss of balance while navigating environment. Below are some examples:

1. Green Sprout Baby

2. Grookz

3. O’Neill Kids Reef Shoes

4. Alex and Nova

If you have additional questions about specific shoes for your child, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Physical Therapist!