Your little one has started walking but you noticed he or she is always on tip-toes, should you be concerned?

Parents can expect their growing child to begin trying to stand, pulling at supportive objects like furniture, between 7 to 12 months of age. Many will begin to walk on their own between 10 to 18 months of age. This is where some parents may notice their little one standing and/or walking on their tip toes and begin to worry.

What is tip-toe walking

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association and our friendly podiatrists at Physio and Sole Clinic, toe walking (or walking on the balls of the feet) is common among toddlers as they are learning to walk, especially during the second year of life. This often goes away naturally by age 3. Occasional toe walking should not be a cause for concern.

From our experience, tip-toe walking can happen during two occasions, as a child takes his or her first barefoot steps, and again when he or she begins to wear footwear for the first time. In the latter occasion, finding the right pair of shoes or sandals can help. We do recommend starting off with good fitting shoes as that helps little feet feel more secure for their wobbly first steps.

When should you worry about tip-toe walking

If your child continues to walk on his or her toes after 3 years old, you should seek consultation with a paediatrician or a podiatrist. Persistent toe walking may be linked to medical conditions such as:

  • cerebral palsy,

  • muscle weakness disorders,

  • autism,

  • other neurological disorders; or

  • delayed development and excessively tight calves.

Can tip-toe walking be treated

You can bring your child to a podiatrist to get a better advise if you need help with your child's tip-toeing problem. An assessment will be done to determine if your child needs special help to correct the problem.

Use our smart Size Assistant to find out your child's Two Little Feet shoe size, based on their feet length!

Looking for more options?

For babies just starting to walk, check out this curated Wobbly Steps Collection for first walkers who are still walking with support.

If your child is walking steadily, we have curated a Steady Walking Kids Shoes and Sandals Collection.

Have an active running and jumping child at home? Look no further than our most supportive kids sneakers and children sandals for Active Running young ones!

Check out our range of children footwear: