The metatarsus adductus is a condition in which the foot is turned inward and out of alignment. This can cause pain and discomfort, and make it difficult to fit into regular shoes.

However, there are some shoes that are designed specifically for this condition. These shoes have wider toe boxes and other features that will help you get the most comfortable fit possible.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best shoes for metatarsus adductus and tell you why they’re so great.

What is metatarsus adductus?

Metatarsus adductus is a medical condition in which the bones of your feet are abnormally aligned. Your toes will be pointing toward each other instead of straight forward, which can cause pain and discomfort in your feet.

Best Shoes For Metatarsus Adductus

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best shoes for metatarsus adductus.

Have you noticed your child walking with the feet turned inwards instead of straight? Has your child been diagnosed with metatarsus adductus (MTA)? Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity that causes the front half of the child’s foot (forefoot) to turn inward.

Are you tired of being ignored by your medical professional even though you have pointed out several times that there seems to be something wrong with your child’s feet? Let me tell you that the earlier you take action, the better. I always suggest that parents take a proactive approach when it comes to treating MTA. Waiting for the condition to resolve on its own can only lead to the condition getting worse!

The main issue that children face when they walk with their feet pointing inwards is the compensation that occurs in the foot. When foot posture is not in alignment then your child’s body will have to recruit more muscles for each movement, which leads to an increase in muscle fatigue, tightness and strain.

To protect the foot and stop that compensation I recommend trying straight last and supportive shoes. Depending on the degree of your child’s foot condition we might have to try an orthotic as well, but it all starts with wearing the correct type of shoes.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes

I have helped several children treat MTA by fitting them with the correct type of shoes. For the last 10 years, I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses in helping children with foot and leg problems. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes and orthotics for children with MTA. I have seen and helped several children with MTA walk and run straighter, and I believe I can help your child too.

I always tell parents how the correct type of shoes can make a world of difference!

I want to clarify that I am not a doctor, but I have seen several children with MTA and experienced firsthand the positive impact that the correct pair of shoes can make. Hopefully, all your child needs is a pair of well-fitted and supportive shoes to avoid a more stressful solution such as serial casting.

How to Figure Out if Your Child Has Metatarsus Adductus?

I have noticed that some of the most common signs of children with MTA are having a high arch and a wide gap between the big toe and the second toe. Tripping is also a common sign of MTA.

Let’s take a look at an image of a child with a high arch:

Let’s take a look at an image of a child with a wide gap between the big toe and second toe:

How effective the shoes can be to help treat MTA depends on your child’s age and how severe the condition is. Keep in mind that most medical professionals suggest that children with MTA don’t need treatment because the foot might straighten out as the child grows. It is a fact that in some cases the foot does straighten out as the child grows, but in some other cases, it doesn’t.

Children with MTA may require help controlling lower extremity alignment and base of support. I have noticed that children who walk and run with their feet turned inwards tend to stumble and lose balance more often.

How to Treat Children with MTA? – Be Proactive!

MTA can be flexible or nonflexible. If your child’s forefoot can be aligned, your child has flexible MTA. If it is hard to align with your hand, your child has a nonflexible, stiff foot.

In simple words, if you can straighten your child’s feet with just a little pressure with your hands, it’s highly likely that your child’s forefoot will likely improve with the correct type of shoes or even without any treatment.

As children get older, it’s more likely that they develop a nonflexible foot, which is a lot harder to treat. This is why I am always emphasizing to parents to not play the waiting game, as it just makes it harder to correct.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Children with MTA?

I have fitted certain shoes that provide substantial outsoles for a stable base of support at the medial arch and forefoot, as well as a firm heel counter for optimal ankle and heel support.

✅ Straight Last: This is one of the most important features that your kids’ shoes should provide. You need to stay away from shoes that have an excessively curved last as this can exaggerate the deformity. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:

best-shoes-for-kids-with-metatarsus-adductus

✅ Substantial Outsole: This feature is going to provide a stable base of support at the medial arch and forefoot. Can you tell how the shoe on the right has a more substantial outsole compared to the shoe on the left?

✅ Firm Heel Counter: This is the part of the shoe that provides ankle and heel support. Take a look at the difference between a shoe with a soft heel counter versus a shoe with a firmer one. Always press on the heel counter of your kids’ shoes and make sure it feels firm instead of soft:

✅ Correct Amount of Flexibility: Your kids’ shoes should bend with your child’s toes. The shoes shouldn’t be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area. If you can bend your child’s shoes like a spiral then it’s highly likely that your kids’ shoes don’t provide the correct amount of support:

kids'-shoes-with-the-correct-amount-of-flexibility

Before I show you a selection of the best shoes for Metatarsus Adductus we need to figure out your child’s exact foot length and foot shape, that way you can order the shoes in the correct size.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

It’s important to note that shoes that don’t fit properly can aggravate your child’s foot condition. If you don’t order your kids’ shoes in the correct size your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer.

For example, do you know whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? Do you know if your child has a high instep? If you are unsure of your child’s foot shape I strongly suggest that you start by reading the article below:

All of the shoes I recommend below are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), so make sure that you choose your child’s shoe width accordingly.