Toe Walking: What to Watch For in Your Child

Toe walking can happen for many reasons, so it's hard to pin down a cause from this one behavior alone. If your child often walks on their toes, indoors and out, when walking as well as running or moving around, it helps to first sort out what to look at alongside it.

What does occupational therapy look at?

In occupational therapy, we can look at how your child takes in sensory input through the soles of the feet, how they sense where their body is, and how they control balance and posture while moving. In everyday life, try watching for these:

• Does your child walk differently barefoot than in shoes?
• Do their heels touch the floor when standing?
• Do they mainly use their toes when running or jumping, too?
• Does their movement change on stairs or uneven ground?
• Do they also fall often or have trouble keeping their balance?

If it continues or comes with other difficulties

If toe walking keeps going or appears along with other movement difficulties, it helps to observe your child's movement more closely and have a professional evaluation. Rather than just noting that your child walks on tiptoe, keep a record of when it started, in what situations it happens, and how often.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07 This article offers general information only. Your child's developmental status and treatment plan are determined through consultation and assessment.