If you've ever watched a neurodivergent child walk, you'll notice something unusual. Some bounce on their toes like they're constantly about to take off, others react to the sensation of flat feet like they've stepped on lava, and some will do anything to avoid wearing socks (looking at you, Verruca Outbreak 2024).
If you're neurodivergent yourself, you probably recognise some of these quirks—because let's be honest with ourselves, walking 'normally' just feels wrong.
I've been a lifelong tip-toe walker. As a kid, I hated the sensation of my whole foot touching the floor—it felt unnatural, like my body was fighting against itself. At one point, I convinced myself I had collapsed arches, bought some god-awful inserts from eBay, and finally relented and went to a specialist at 18 (only took another 20 years to get my ADHD diagnosis…)
Turns out, my Achilles tendons were abnormally tight. My only options? Stretching (dull but fine) or surgery (with a 90% failure rate?! No thanks!). So, I've just lived with it. These days, Crocs are my saviour, because anything else feels off. On the plus side, it does mean that my legs 🦶 and glutes 🍑 are particularly toned, so you've got to take the good with the bad.
And it's not just me—my kids are following in my awkwardly-placed footsteps. One is also a tip-toe walker, another will change socks at the first hint of dampness, and one outright refuses to wear socks (which is great when verrucas are going around...).
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So Why Do Neurodivergent Kids Tip-Toe Walk?
The NHS confirms that persistent tip-toe walking is common in autistic children, but it's also seen in kids with ADHD, dyspraxia, and sensory processing challenges (NHS guide). But why?
🔹 Sensory Sensitivities – Some kids hate the feeling of their whole foot on the floor. Others avoid certain surfaces because they feel wrong underfoot, and some tip-toe because it reduces sensory overload.
🔹 Muscle & Joint Differences – Many neurodivergent kids have tight Achilles tendons (like me), hypermobility (me again), or low muscle tone, which affects how they naturally stand and walk.
🔹 Balance & Proprioception Issues – Proprioception is your body's internal GPS—it tells you where your limbs are in space. When this is off, walking 'normally' can feel unnatural, leading to compensatory movements like tip-toe walking.
🔹 Repetitive Movements (Stimming) – For some kids, tip-toe walking is a stim—just like rocking, flapping, or spinning. It might look odd, but it can be a soothing, self-regulating behaviour.
Should You Be Worried About Tip-Toe Walking?
Most neurodivergent kids who tip-toe walk don't need intervention, but there are times when it's worth checking in with a specialist:
✔️ It's causing pain or stiffness – If they're complaining about sore feet, ankles, or legs, their walking pattern might be putting extra strain on their joints.
✔️ They can't physically place their heels down – This could indicate excessively tight tendons, which may need stretching or physiotherapy.
✔️ It's worsening over time – If their tip-toe walking is becoming more extreme or they're struggling with balance, a pediatrician or physio can assess them.
✔️ It's affecting daily life – If tip-toe walking makes shoes unbearable, limits movement, or leads to injuries, it's worth investigating ways to help.
If you're unsure, you're not alone—so many parents of neurodivergent kids have the same concerns! It's always worth asking in neurodivergent parenting communities to hear from others struggling with the same thing (or if you're so inclined, drop a comment below and I'm happy to chat!)
Supporting Kids Who Tip-Toe Walk
You can't (and shouldn't) force a child to change their natural gait, but you can support their comfort and foot health:
👣 The Right Footwear Matters
A lot of standard kids' shoes aren't designed with neurodivergent needs in mind. That's where the specialists' come in.
Oaka Studios: Specialist Shoes
Oaka studios creates shoes with supportive soles that are designed to enhance foot strength and mobility
✔️ Zero-drop soles – Encourages natural foot movement (great for kids who prefer barefoot walking).
✔️ Wide-fit designs – Allows proper toe splay, reducing discomfort and foot deformities.
✔️ Flexible and lightweight – Minimises joint pressure while still offering support.
Stride Rite: Supportive & Adaptive Shoes
Stride Rite is a well-known brand specialising in children's footwear designed with pediatric podiatrists' approval. Their shoes cater to kids with developing feet, offering:
✔️ Orthotic-friendly insoles for extra arch support, ideal for children with flat feet or pronation issues.
✔️ Adjustable fastenings like Velcro straps and elastic laces for a secure, customisable fit—great for sensory-sensitive kids.
✔️ Wide-toe box designs to promote natural foot expansion, preventing discomfort and future foot problems.
Stride Rite's adaptive footwear line is particularly recommended for children who need extra stability or have orthopedic concerns, ensuring comfort and long-term foot health.
Dr. Kong: Custom Fit for Growing Feet
Since its founding in 1999, Dr. Kong has been a leader in orthopedic-approved children's shoes, focusing on:
✔️ Specialised footbeds that provide targeted arch support for proper alignment.
✔️ Breathable materials to reduce heat and discomfort, making them ideal for kids who struggle with sweaty or hypersensitive feet.
✔️ Custom-fit options, available in multiple widths to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes.
A standout feature of Dr. Kong is their "Check & Fit" service, where trained specialists assess a child's foot shape and gait before recommending the best-fitting shoe—helping parents make informed choices for their child's orthopedic and sensory needs.
🏃♂️ Movement & Stretching
For kids with tight Achilles tendons, regular stretching can help ease discomfort and improve mobility:
🔹 Calf stretches – Leaning against a wall with one foot back stretches the Achilles.
🔹 Heel drops – Standing on a step and lowering the heels strengthens the ankles.
🔹 Tactile exposure – Walking barefoot on different textures can help with sensory processing.
🥦 Nutrition for Bone & Muscle Health
Feet need strong bones! Key nutrients include:
🥛 Calcium (dairy, leafy greens) – Strengthens bones.
☀️ Vitamin D (sunlight, fatty fish) – Helps calcium absorption.
🍗 Protein (meat, beans, eggs) – Essential for muscle development.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Tip-Toe Strut
Neurodivergent kids aren't broken—they just move differently. Some will grow out of their tip-toe walking, and some (like me) will be rocking Crocs for life. Unless it's causing pain or limiting movement, there's no need to 'fix' it—just support their comfort and let them be.
If your child is a dedicated tip-toe walker, or you've battled sock-related meltdowns, let's chat! Have you found anything that helps? Share your experiences below!
FAQ: Tip-Toe Walking & Neurodivergent Gait Issues
Why do neurodivergent kids tip-toe walk?
Tip-toe walking is common among neurodivergent children due to sensory sensitivities, muscle tone differences, and balance challenges. Some kids find the sensation of a flat foot on the ground overwhelming, while others have tight Achilles tendons or use it as a form of stimming (self-regulation).
Is tip-toe walking in neurodivergent kids a problem?
Not necessarily! Many children outgrow it, and if it's not causing pain or limiting mobility, there's no urgent need to stop it. However, if a child cannot place their heels down, experiences pain, or struggles with balance, it's worth seeking an evaluation.
When should I see a doctor or specialist?
It's a good idea to seek professional advice if:
Your child always walks on tip-toes and cannot physically lower their heels.
They experience pain, stiffness, or frequent falls.
Tip-toe walking is getting worse over time rather than improving.
A pediatrician, physiotherapist, or podiatrist can assess whether intervention (such as stretching exercises or therapy) is needed.
What can I do at home to help?
Encourage barefoot time to help with sensory feedback.
Introduce gentle stretches (like calf stretches or heel drops) if tight tendons are a concern.
Experiment with different shoe types to find what feels most comfortable.
Provide sensory-friendly surfaces (e.g., carpets, textured mats) for foot exploration.
