Toe walking — when a child walks on the balls of their feet without their heels touching the ground — is relatively common in early childhood. Many babies and toddlers begin walking this way, and in most cases, it resolves naturally as they gain strength, coordination and confidence. Some children grow out of it within a few months, while for others, it may become a habit that lasts for several years. Most children stop toe walking by the age of five.

The exact causes of toe walking are not always clear. It’s often more noticeable when children walk barefoot. In many cases, toe walking is harmless. However, it can occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition such as autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

So how can you tell the difference between harmless toe walking and something more concerning? Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Your child is still toe walking after age two
2. Toe walking occurs more than 25% of the time
3. Other motor milestones are delayed or impacted
4. Muscles feel stiff or tight
5. Your child loses previously developed skills
6. Your child walks with an unsteady or waddling gait
7. They are unable to stand flat-footed or distribute weight evenly

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult a doctor or paediatric specialist. A physical examination and developmental assessment will help rule out any medical conditions. Sometimes, toe walking is caused by a short Achilles tendon, which can be treated with therapy, casting, or minor surgical procedures.

Helping your child overcome toe walking

If your child has no underlying condition and is simply toe walking out of habit, the good news is that it can often be corrected with gentle interventions. While it may seem harmless, ongoing toe walking can affect posture, balance, and muscle development over time — especially as the child gets older. It may also lead to tight calf muscles, shortened tendons, pain and difficulty with coordination.

Stretching and strengthening exercises

In consultation with a paediatric orthopaedist or physiotherapist, your child may benefit from targeted exercises to stretch the calf muscles and strengthen the legs. These programs often include massage, stretching routines and play-based activities designed to build muscle strength and encourage flat-footed walking.

Casting and bracing

For older children or more persistent toe walking, casting or bracing may be recommended. A series of medical casts can help reposition the foot and ankle into a proper alignment over time. Bracing often involves wearing shoes attached to a bar or orthotic supports that encourage flat-foot contact. These are usually worn during naps or overnight to limit disruption to daytime movement.

Supportive footwear

The right footwear can make a big difference. Many children with idiopathic toe walking (with no medical diagnosis) walk normally when wearing structured shoes. Specially designed orthopaedic shoes — particularly high-top styles — offer firm soles, arch support, reinforced heel counters and ankle stability. These features help children feel more balanced, reduce the impulse to walk on toes, and support healthy muscle development.

First Walkers can help. We offer a carefully designed collection of high-top and supportive boots made for kids with toe walking and other special needs. Designed with paediatric input and crafted in Europe, our orthopaedic and orthotic-friendly shoes are available for children aged 6 months to early teens. Browse the collection here.