Therapeutic Footwear Heights: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Level for Your Child

This year, we've launched a new website filter that includes some terms that may be new to you. In this series, we will delve into the terminology associated with the website filter system, helping you better understand the various features of our therapeutic footwear collection. This month, our focus will be on the importance of footwear Height.

When discussing footwear height in therapeutic shoes, we mean the extent to which the shoe covers your child's foot and leg. Similar to a comforting embrace, various heights offer varying degrees of support, ranging from shoes that sit just below the ankle to those that rise up the lower leg.

Choosing the appropriate height for therapeutic footwear can significantly enhance your child's mobility experience, influencing factors such as stability and confidence in their movements.

Why Height Matters in Therapeutic Footwear

Consider the height of therapeutic footwear as building blocks of support. The concept is straightforward: as the height of the shoe rises along the foot and leg, you gain enhanced stability and control, although it comes at the cost of range of motion. A taller shoe offers greater support for the ankle and leg, yet it also limits the mobility of these joints. Achieving the right balance is crucial for addressing your child's individual needs.

Exploring the Four Available Height Levels

Below Ankle Emma, who has mild developmental delays, recently visited a podiatrist for foot pain and received foot orthotics designed for regular height, below-the-ankle shoes. Her mother shares, "These shoes offer the perfect level of foot support while allowing her ankles to move freely." Below-the-ankle shoes are particularly suited for children who: Have achieved good ankle stability Demonstrate strong balance control Primarily require foot support May use foot orthotics
At Ankle James, who has Down syndrome, wears ankle-high shoes that provide excellent support. "These shoes work perfectly to support his ankles and balance, enabling him to confidently play with his friends in the playground," his dad explains. Ankle shoes are particularly beneficial for children who: Experience mild hypermobility or low muscle tone Face mild balance or alignment challenges Require foot and ankle support without limiting movement Use foot orthotics or SMOs, particularly if these supports have a heel raise
Above Ankle Sophie, who has been diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegia, depends on above-the-ankle shoes for her dance class. Her dance instructor observes, "They provide support for her weaker side while still allowing sufficient movement for self-expression." Above-the-ankle shoes are ideal for children with: Significant balance or alignment issues Hypermobility or low muscle tone Conditions involving mildly increased muscle tone Toe walking tendencies Conditions that need firm ankle positioning
Lower Leg Lucas, who has dystonic cerebral palsy, wears shoes that extend up his lower leg to assist with stability and alignment while using his standing and walking frame. "These shoes provide him with support through the ankle and lower leg, allowing him to be stable for standing and stepping," his mother explains. Shoes that extend to the lower leg are ideal for children who have: Significant balance difficulties Complex neurological conditions A requirement for support when not wearing AFO’s or as an alternative to AFO’s

The Path Forward

Keep in mind that choosing the right height for therapeutic footwear is a decision that should be made in consultation with your child's healthcare professional. This choice is not a one-time decision; as your child grows and develops, their needs will change as well. Regular assessments and adjustments, in partnership with your child's healthcare provider, are crucial to ensure they receive the best support on their path to independence.