Aerlos Trainers

Toe-walking is when a child walks on their toes instead of their heels touching the ground. This is a common developmental stage in toddlers learning to walk, but it can become a concern if it continues past age 2. Persistent toe-walking may lead to tight calves, shortened Achilles tendon, trips and falls, poor posture, and potential need for medical intervention such as splints, serial casting or even surgery in some cases if not treated early. Toe-walking has varied causes, and can sometimes link to sensory or developmental differences.

Aerlos are an early support companion to help children build healthier, more confident walking habits.

Likely yes if: your child can stand with heels down when prompted and without pain; toe-walking is a habit or habit-plus-sensory; you want everyday trainers that encourage heel-first steps alongside play, stretches, or therapist advice.

Good fit for: idiopathic toe-walkers (full-time or part-time), post-AFO/casting/surgery transition footwear to help maintain alignment, kids with weak/tight calves, and kids needing posture support.

Not a fit if: trying to fully replace AFOs or professional care; your child cannot place heels down, has pain, medium to high-grade spasticity, foot drop, crouch gait, or neurological/orthopaedic conditions (e.g. CP, muscular dystrophy, other) - please seek a clinician's assessment.

Persistent toe-walking beyond 2 years old merits review; many cases are idiopathic and improve with conservative support.

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

Although they were designed originally for toe-walking kids, Aerlos are made to encourage healthy heel-to-toe walking patterns in all children. They work as a simple re-orientation tool to put the foot back onto the heel; re-align the posture, improving their stance, their walk, and their confidence.

Aerlos are not intended for children with neuromuscular disorders, severe foot deformities, open wounds on the feet, , structural foot deformities, where medical advice precludes use of footwear interventions, or conditions requiring orthotic intervention prescribed by a healthcare professional. They are also not recommended for children with muscular spasticity, neuromuscular disorders causing fixed equinus deformity, severe hypermobility or substantive sensory defensiveness unless under professional supervision.

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

Yes - as toe-walking can be more common in children with a neurodevelopmental condition, Aerlos have been co-designed with them right from the start. This specially includes a soft sock upper ideal for deep pressure and negating the battle with uncomfy seams.

Aerlos are not designed as a "cure" to toe-walking in neurodivergent kids, just a gentle encouragement into a more stable heel-first contact during everyday play. Many parents may find them easier to use and better tolerated than itchy AFOs and splints, and we'll share soft onboarding tips to support the transition.

If your child can comfortably stand with heels down when prompted, Aerlos may help build a more stable heel-to-toe pattern. If there is pain, spasticity, or difficulty placing heels down, we recommend speaking with a physio or specialist first.

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

Aerlos are early-intervention trainers, not a medical device and not a replacement for prescribed orthotics or specialist treatment. We are continuing to undertake research and collate feedback.

The design has been developed with input from leading toe-walking, physiotherapy, podiatry, biomechanics and peadiatric experts and lab-tested with toe-walking children, with no reported discomfort and consistently positive feedback. Aerlos are safe, practical, and made to support healthier walking habits.

Before ordering, please check our inclusion criteria to ensure they're right for your child. If you're unsure, we always recommend consulting a physio, podiatrist, or relevant expert for personalised advice.

If your child can comfortably stand with heels down when prompted, Aerlos may help build a more stable heel-to-toe pattern. If there is pain, spasticity, or difficulty placing heels down, we recommend speaking with a physio or specialist first.

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

The trainers weren't originally developed to accommodate AFOs but to be worn when the child is not using them as a re-orientational tool.

The Aerlos are a very different offering from normal shoes, and there is every chance that trying to use AFO's within the Aerlos may reduce the Aerlos' effectiveness (whilst also being difficult to get on with the braces!). There are quite a few families now using the Aerlos as part of their child's treatment plan - e.g. Aerlos during the day and AFOs at night, but please do check with your local medical professional before changing the duration your child wears their braces as every situation is different!

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

Aerlos will be available in sizes: UK 7-2 / US 8-3 / EU 25-34, covering children roughly aged 2 to 10 years. Each size has been carefully designed with appropriate length and width for growing feet, with a medium-wide toe-box depending on size (see size chart).

If your child can comfortably stand with heels down when prompted, Aerlos may help build a more stable heel-to-toe pattern. If there is pain, spasticity, or difficulty placing heels down, we recommend speaking with a physio or specialist first.

***please be aware that there is no "magical fix" for toe-walking, and Aerlos might not work for every child. But can be a useful early intervention tool when appropriate***

As a small, sustainability-minded brand, we are able to offer returns/exchanges as per the details in the returns policy section, however size exchanges depend on stock availability. We kindly ask all customers to measure their child's feet carefully using our size chart before placing an order to ensure the best fit for your child.

The flexible sock-fit upper adapts well to different foot shapes, and the widened toe box gives some extra room for natural movement and growth. This makes Aerlos more comfortable for children with wider or narrower feet. In extreme cases, please check the exact footbed dimensions of the size you're considering and measure carefully in accordance with it.

For wider feet, we recommend ordering at least 1 size up from what you would normally order.

Aerlos are water-resistant and washable. The soles are easy to wipe clean - in most cases day-to-day dirt comes off quickly without the need for full washing. Sock uppers may need machine washing or more thorough cleaning.

We ship internationally. Shipping charges and delivery times will vary depending on your location, and these will be shown at checkout.