Many toddlers are born pigeon-toed. In this condition, the feet noticeably point inwards instead of linear. Also known as in-toeing, this problem can either be genetic or caused by the fetus’ lack of space. The problem can attack either one foot or both. Read this article on “7 Best Shoes for Pigeon Toed Toddler” and get your toddler dressed in best manner.
Twisted shin, cured foot, and twisted thigh bone are also other conditions that could trigger pigeon toes. As a parent, this can worry you and eat away at some of your happiness for having the latest or only newborn. But guess what, pigeon-toed feet can be a self-correcting issue that disappears after a few months to a year.
However, chipping in to help fix the problem while your child is still a toddler can help speed up the process. You can do this by investing in the best shoes for pigeon toed toddlers designed to help walking young ones set their feet straight.
In this article, we take the pleasure to recommend to you a few corrective shoes for pigeon toes that you can start with. Ready to take a look? If so then keep reading.
7 Best Shoes for Pigeon Toed Toddler
Here are a few great pigeon-toed toddler shoes:
1. ASICS Kids Contend 5 TS Running Sneaker
ASICS is one of the top brands for individuals in need of support. If your toddler happens to have in-toeing feet, ASICS Kids Contend 5 TS Running Sneaker could help get them re-aligned.
First, this is a truly lightweight running sneaker that is designed to feel easy on your kid’s feet. Secondly, it’s got a properly reinforced heel counted to lock the ankle and keep it in position for a natural gait.
The best shoes for pigeon-toed toddlers need to be thick-soled. And guess what, ASICS Kids Contend 5 TS Running Sneaker too sports a thick sole that keeps the little one’s feet from pointing inwards. The pair is also breathable, comfy, and with both lace and Velcro fabric closure for a secure fit.
Features
- Rubber sole
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- EVA midsole
- Lace closure and Velcro strap
- EVA sock liner
Pros
- Well-ventilated
- Extremely comfortable
- Supportive heel counter
- Both laces and Velcro fabric help to get a tight fit
- Affordable toddler running sneaker
Cons
- No big problems here
ASICS Kids Contend 5 TS Running Sneaker is one of those investments that won’t disappoint. While this is our sentiment, many other reviewers have echoed the same. Go up by half size to allow room for growth.
2. Puma Kids ST Runner V2 Sneaker
While lace shoes are mostly recommended for pigeon-toed toddlers, Puma Kids ST Runner V2 Sneaker can still get the job done. There are dual loop fasteners to ensure the shoe sticks to the foot. The core advantage of this design is that it lets your kids easily tie and untie the shoe on their own.
A sense of independence aside, this extremely sporty shoe comes in eye-candy colors to meet the needs of any finicky kids. The mesh panels promote ample breathability while leather parts promote longevity.
Puma Kids ST Runner V2 Sneaker doesn’t have such a thick sole but it is tough and stability-enhancing. The collar is plushy and hard to lock the ankle in position. Lastly, as a runner, the arch support is of the best standards.
Features
- Leather and textile upper
- Rubber sole
- Dual loop fasteners
- Padded collar & tongue
- Multiple colors
Pros
- Superior grip
- Long-lasting design
- Multiple flashy colors
- Reliable arch support
- Breathable upper
- Great cushioning
- Feels light
Cons
- Seem a little narrow
Puma Kids ST Runner V2 Sneaker is a great choice for a parent who not only wants to help their young one walk naturally but looks extremely fashionable as well. The sneaker is ideal for kids between the ages of 1 and 12 years.
3. New Balance KJ890 Toddler Running Shoe
If your worry is more about fixing your child’s gait than him/her looking stylish, then here is a choice that should top your list-New Balance KJ890 Toddler Running Shoe.
This chunky midsoles shoe will zealously and continuously help your child get their in-toeing problem rectified. It also sports supportive synthetic fabrics and a hardened heel counter for top-grade support.
The presence of laces ensures you can get the shoe tight enough so it doesn’t accidentally come off putting your kid in harm’s way. New Balance KJ890 Toddler Running Shoe is breathable and undeniably comfortable.
Features
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- For 4-8 years old
- Lace closure
- Absorb midsole cushioning
- Padded opening
- Reinforced toe bumper
Pros
- Insanely comfortable
- Great arch and ankle support
- Designed with mesh to stay cool
- Several energetic color choices
- Lightweight
Cons
- No deal-breaking flaws
New Balance KJ890 Toddler Running Shoe is one of those almost perfect shoes that when you buy, you worry less about returning. From support, comfort to styling, this pair will get your young one happy and satisfied.
4. Saucony Kids Baby Jazz H&L-K Sneaker
We know your target right now is to get the best shoes for pigeon toed toddlers. But here’s the thing- Saucony Kids Baby Jazz H&L-K Sneaker happens to be one of the most bought kids’ shoes and that means there must be a good reason for that.
Let’s see; first, this sneaker is feather-light to allow less energetic kids to explore both indoors and outdoors. Secondly, it’s a cool pair boasting of a convenient hook and loop closure. This will give your child an easy time getting the shoe on and off.
Thirdly, Saucony Kids Baby Jazz H&L-K Sneaker sports a supportive suede upper and a reinforced heel counter for better support. When it comes to colors, the options are overwhelming.
Features
- Suede and mesh upper
- Two-tone midsole
- Synthetic sole
- Non-marking sole
- Hook and loop fabric closure
- For kids 1-8 years
Pros
- Superior traction
- Long-lasting low-profile sneaker
- Truly lightweight
- Meshed for proper ventilation
- Easy on and off
- Endless deluxe color choices
Cons
- Could be narrow for those with chubby feet
Thanks to suede upper, Saucony Kids Baby Jazz H&L-K Sneaker not only offers support but lasts longer for your kid to outgrow it. It’s also one of the shoes in this review with the best grip for stability and traction-something wobbling toddlers could use.
5. Keen Unisex-Child Newport H2 Water Shoe
Heading out for summer family vacation? Does your kid have shoes they can run into the water with? If not, then consider Keen Unisex-Child Newport H2 Water Shoe.
This is a unisex sandal that can go into the feet of both boys and girls. Boasting of a breathable sandal construction, this shoe lets your child totter around in full comfort. The adjustable hook and loop closures will get them to independently put the shoes on and off.
Keen Unisex-Child Newport H2 Water Shoe is absolutely tough to handle whatever toddlers kick into. Their construction also provides all the support pigeon-toed toddlers need to walk naturally. Lastly, the pair is true to size.
Features
- Quick-drying upper
- Adjustable hook and loop closure
- Heel pull tab
- Water sandals
- Ideal for 1-12 years kids
Pros
- An enduring quality
- Fully breathable
- Easy to get in and out
- Animated design and colors
- Supremely light
Cons
- Might stink a little at the beginning
Keen Unisex-Child Newport H2 Water Shoe seems to be one of the few 5-star-rated shoes for pigeon-toed toddlers. The pair packs all the right support and comfort for many hours or outdoor playtime. The shoe is particularly great for those heading out for summer with their young ones.
6. Adidas Toddler Baseline
Another breezy pair of shoes for young toddlers with the in-toeing condition is Adidas Toddler Baseline. Like the rest in this round-up, this is an everyday casual shoe with adjustable hook and loop straps for easy on and off.
With a zero-drop design and a bare-bone upper, this sneaker will feel like nothing on your toddler’s feet. However, the leather upper guarantees longevity so you get your money’s worth.
The hook and loop strap, 3-stripe synthetic Adidas logo and the heel patch ensure your child gets the apt support. So yes, this sneaker can help correct unnatural gait including pigeon toes. The pair exists in sizes that fit kids from 0 to 8 years.
Features
- Leather upper
- Dual hook and loop Velcro closure
- Heel patch
- Rubber sole
- Padded opening
- Age: 0-8 years
Pros
- Long-lasting quality
- Easy on and off
- Comfortably padded
- Feather-light
Cons
- Could feel stiff and inflexible
- They are bright-colored and therefore show dirt
Adidas Toddler Baseline is designed to offer support and help kids get going comfortably. As far as convenience goes, this pair screams of nothing but perfection. Unfortunately, there are not many eye-candy color choices.
7. Stride Rite Made2Play Artin-K Athletic Sneaker
Put Stride Rite Made2Play Artin-K Athletic Sneaker on your young chap’s feet and he’ll be able to explore the surroundings comfortably and safely. The chunky design of this sneaker doesn’t in any way make it heavy, instead, it packs plenty of supportive
Its convenient design comes with both hook and loop closure and laces for a comfy snug fit with ease of adjustability. The mesh panel fosters breathability while an antimicrobial lining ensures odor-free performance.
Stride Rite Made2Play Artin-K Athletic Sneaker boasts of a pronounced midsole cushioning, and a sturdy heel counter to fix pigeon toes in toddlers. Overall, its comfort is of athletic standards but without the premium price tag.
Features
- Leather and mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure
- Lace-up sneaker
- Antimicrobial lining
- Memory foam footbed
- Machine washable
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Machine washable
- Cozy memory foam padding
- Durable for all adventures
- A supportive design
- Affordable
Cons
- The quality seems to be going down
Stride Rite Made2Play Artin-K Athletic Sneaker is one of the most durable yet affordable shoes on this list. It boasts impressive padding and is designed for extremely playful kids. For its price, we’d say it is worth looking into.
Things to Consider When Buying Shoes for pigeon-toed toddler
Buying shoes for juniors doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Once you know the condition of your child’s feet, their age, and size, the rest becomes easy. Here are other factors that can help you make the right choice.
Midsole cushioning
For kids with pigeon toes, bigger midsoles offer a raised platform that prevents their feet from collapsing inwards. Additionally, kids, like superheroes, run around all day long and bigger midsoles offer them the comfort they need.
Breathability
Little chaps sweat a lot and quite frankly, their metabolic rate is usually explosive. And since their toes are still tender, sweat is likely to harm them. For this reason, you must consider shoes with mesh panels and moisture-wicking panels for sweat-free performance.
Firm heel counter
A firm heel counter wraps around the ankles and prevents them from twisting inwards. We know this is probably something you needed to feel with your hands before making a purchase. However, by looking at the material and design of the heel counter, you can easily tell if it is firm or squishy.
Better sizing
Kids can outgrow shoes in as little as 3 months and send you to the online shelves again. So when buying them the next pair, try to get their sizing right, or even better, go up by a half size to give their toes room for growth. Avoid tiny shoes as these can clump their toes and usher in many uglier toe deformities.
Traction
This is one of the important things to consider when buying toddler shoes. At their age, you know they are still wobbling and lack sufficient stability. Therefore, shoes with better traction will help them get firmly stuck on the ground thus preventing accidental slips and falls.
Durability
Unlike steel toe shoes for adults, kids’ picks don’t last very long because they are designed mostly for comfort. Nevertheless, a good number of them sport tough materials that make them withstand harsh use and even stick around long for young ones to outgrow them. Use customer feedback to judge the quality of shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arch support important for pigeon-toed shoes for toddlers?
Arch support is not that important for toddlers. The reason is simple. Growing kids mostly have flat feet and their arch is usually still in the developmental stage. So when buying shoes for toddlers, do not pay a lot of attention to arch support.
What makes the best corrective shoes for pigeon-toed toddlers?
Not every shoe is ideal for pigeon toes. Those that help fix the problem come with a considerable midsole, firm heel counter, and laces to help lock the shoes on the feet.
Do kids with pigeon toes need orthopedic shoes?
Orthopedics and shoes similar to crocs are known for their premium-grade comfort. However, your child might not be a candidate for special thick shoes as they can tend to be heavy and will make them fall often. If you think the problem needs special attention, then you could talk to a pediatrician first before looking into orthopedics.
Besides shoes, how else can you deal with pigeon toes in toddlers?
Shoes for in-toeing are simply one of the tools in an arsenal for dealing with pigeon toes. Parents need to watch how their kids sit. If they adopt a W-style sitting, try to get them in a ‘crisscross, applesauce’ position. You can also gently stretch their feet in the opposite direction. This helps to realign their muscles.
If you don’t see any changes, you may want to talk to a physical therapist and they will know how to proceed.
Wrap up
Seeing your child with pigeon toes can be scary. As we said earlier, this condition can pass and it should do so by the end of the 8th year. However, you cannot just watch and hope the condition subsides. You must take action.
Corrective shoes are your first and possibly last approach to dealing with in-toeing. If you have visited a pediatrician or physical therapist, then they must have told you that not every shoe can resolve pigeon toes. You must get those designed to offer the right support.
To help you start the right way, we have reviewed the best shoes for pigeon-toed toddlers that you can consider. These shoes will be ideal in not only rectifying the problem but offering much-needed comfort for your kid’s tender toes. We hope you find choices that will thrill both you and the little fellows. Good luck.