Bow legs, also known as genu varum, is a condition in which the legs bend outward at the knees, giving the appearance of a bow.
It can cause discomfort and make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Corrective shoes are designed to help align the feet and legs, offering a practical solution that can improve comfort and appearance and help you feel more confident.
Here are a few options to consider when looking for shoes that can help improve leg alignment and reduce the appearance of bow legs:
Orthopedic shoes: Orthopedic shoes are designed specifically for people with foot or leg conditions like bow legs. They often have a deeper heel cup and a more supportive footbed to help align the feet and legs.
Shoes with a built-in arch support: Shoes with a built-in arch support can help distribute your weight evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the legs. Please be sure to look for shoes with a sturdy insole or built-in arch support.
Wide toe box shoes: A wide-toe box can provide extra room for the toes and reduce strain on the legs. Please look for shoes with a round or square toe instead of a pointed toe.
Shoes with a firm heel counter: A firm heel counter can help stabilize the foot and reduce strain on the legs. Please be sure to look for shoes with a sturdy heel counter attached to the rest of the shoe.
If you have bow legs, consulting a podiatrist or footwear specialist can help you find the most suitable shoes for your specific needs, giving you confidence in your choices.
Bow Legs and the Available Treatment Options
This Condition leaves your legs looking bowed out, with knees wide apart, which is more common than we might think and can lead to arthritis and abnormalities in the hips, knees, and bones.
Though more predominant in infants and toddlers and much easier to treat, some adults may still suffer from the condition.
There are effective solutions and aids, like special shoes, braces, or surgery, that can help correct bow legs over time, encouraging a sense of possibility and progress.
- Special Shoes – you get shoes that actually minimize the appearance of Bowlegs, such as longer boots and heeled shoes, as well as shoes that help to correct and align bow legs into a more natural position.
- Braces – Leg braces can improve the alignment and posture of bow legs with time and correct the issue.
- Casts – A cast can be placed over Bow Legs to force the leg into the proper position with time.
- Surgery – Surgery may be necessary in case of bone abnormalities causing the Bow Legs or resulting from them.
- Insoles – Some insole types and devices give better alignment and stability to the feet, which helps correct the posture of your legs to correct Bow Legs.
Do’s and Dont’s in Shoes for Bowlegs
If you have Bow Legs, here are a few tips on Footwear to wear to not only flatter your legs but also to correct the issue;
- High Heels – A higher heel takes the emphasis off your bow legs and gives a more elongated appeal to your legs.
- Long Boots or Long Strapped Sandals – Anything covering the calves or even just ankles can help hide bow legs.
- Sandals – Sandals, especially heeled sandals, have a way of diminishing the emphasis on your bow legs.
- Supportive, stability shoes that improve motion control can help realign your legs over time, aiding in the correction of bow legs.
Features of a Good Corrective Shoe for Bow Legs
- Support – Good pronation control and stability or motion control features also help with proper movement and alignment to correct Bow Legs.
- Fit – A higher boot type shoe and a higher-heeled shoe takes the emphasis off bow legs and also lessens their appearance.
- Cushioning – Cushioning for comfort, a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, and a durable Rubber outsole provide comfort and support.
- Uppers – Soft and breathable upper construction for comfort and quality design.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saucony Ride 19 | Walking | – | Medium, Wide | PWRRUN | – |
| 2 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 3 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 4 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Fresh Foam | 9.7 oz |
| 6 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 7 | Nike Downshifter 14 | Running | – | Medium | Bounce | – |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as listed by the seller, not tested by us.
Reviews: The Best Corrective Shoes for Bow Legs
Below are some of the best options in corrective and supportive shoes if you have Bow Legs.
We hope you love the shoes we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Bow Legs Corrective Walking Shoes
- Men’s Road Running Sneaker – Designed for daily training and road running, offering a balanced ride suitable for short runs, long distances, and everyday workouts.
- PWRRUN Cushioning Midsole – Lightweight foam cushioning provides consistent comfort and responsiveness for a smooth running experience.
- Neutral Running Shoe Design – Built for runners with a neutral stride, supporting natural foot movement without added corrective elements.
- Durable Rubber Outsole – Strategically placed rubber enhances traction and durability on paved surfaces while maintaining a lightweight feel.
2
Corrective Running Shoes for Bow Legs
- Athletic mesh upper with durable leather overlays for added dimension & midfoot support.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning provides unmatched softness & all-day comfort.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with strategically-placed flex grooves for proper toe-off.
- Upper contains at least 30% recycled content.
3
Bow Legs Corrective Braces
- ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night.
- Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit.
- Dual density collar foam supports the ankle and helps maintain stability during workouts, walks, and all-day wear.
- Phantom Liner construction features minimal interior seaming to reduce irritation and create a smooth, comfortable fit against the foot.
4
Bow Legs Corrective Braces
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added durability & support.
- EVA sockliner provides soft, step-in comfort.
- Solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight.
5
Corrective Bow Leg Walking and Running Shoes
- Soft, responsive midsole made with bio-based content delivers a plush ride that keeps your feet comfortable mile after mile.
- Premium molded engineered mesh promotes airflow to keep your feet cool and dry during runs, gym sessions, and daily activities.
- Integrated rubber outsole provides reliable traction on roads, sidewalks, and gym floors for confident strides on any surface.
- At just 9.7 oz, this versatile running shoe is built for daily road runs, gym workouts, and your active lifestyle.
6
Bow Leg Corrective Walking Shoes
- Men’s lightweight running-inspired sneakers for everyday wear.
- Mesh upper for breathability and light weight.
- Textile lining provides a soft, comfortable feel.
- Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and superior cushioning.
7
Running and Walking Shoes for Bow Legs
- Engineered open-hole mesh on the upper offers breathability.
- We increased the amount of cushioning in the midsole for more comfort and bounce.
- Internal fit band offers containment around the midfoot for a locked-in feel.
Index Table: Top Rated Corrective Shoes for Bow Legs
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saucony® - Bow Legs Corrective Walking Shoes |  |  |
| Saucony | 98 |
| 2 | Under Armour® - Corrective Running Shoes for Bow Legs |  |  | Under Armour | - | |
| 3 | New Balance® - Bow Legs Corrective Braces |  |  | New Balance | - | |
| 4 | Under Armour® - Bow Legs Corrective Braces |  |  | Under Armour | - | |
| 5 | New Balance® - Corrective Bow Leg Walking and Running Shoes |  |  | New Balance | - | |
| 6 | adidas® - Bow Leg Corrective Walking Shoes |  |  | adidas | - | |
| 7 | Nike® - Running and Walking Shoes for Bow Legs |  |  |
| Nike | 97.7 |
