Best Kids’ Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

September 15, 2026 Shoes for Heel Pain Juan Valenzuela 18 - Comments

Last updated: September 14, 2026 · Written by Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

Is your child complaining of heel pain or walking differently? Heel pain in kids is more common than most parents expect, and it can interfere with daily play, sports, and healthy development. The good news: early intervention matters, and the right shoes can make a real difference. Based on over 10 years of fitting kids’ shoes, the most effective styles offer targeted cushioning under the heel and a firm heel counter for support.

Common Reasons Kids’ Heels Hurt

The two most common causes of heel pain in children are plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease.

Plantar fasciitis is typically an overuse injury, common in kids involved in sports or high-impact activity. It can also trace back to abnormal foot mechanics or poor footwear choices.

Sever’s disease is also an overuse condition, usually triggered by sports or any activity involving repetitive heel impact.

Child complaining of heel pain.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger issues over time. Chronic heel pain often causes kids to unconsciously change how they walk, which can lead to knee, hip, or back strain down the road.

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Sever’s Disease: What’s the Difference?

With plantar fasciitis, kids often feel pain at the start of an activity that eases as they warm up. With Sever’s disease, the discomfort tends to get worse the more active they are. Either way, something as simple as switching to the right shoe can meaningfully reduce — or eliminate — the pain.

Shoe Brands That Consistently Perform Well

Based on over a decade of fittings, three brands consistently stand out for kids with heel pain:

✅ New Balance ✅ Asics ✅ Saucony

Not every style within these brands is equally supportive — specific models matter more than the brand name alone, which is why the list below calls out exact styles.

Popular Brands That Often Fall Short

When shopping for supportive footwear, brand popularity isn’t the same as structural support. The following brands are well-known, but in my experience frequently lack the firm heel counter and arch support kids with heel pain need:

❌ Under Armour ❌ Nike ❌ Adidas ❌ Reebok

Shoes from these brands tend to run overly flexible, which is comfortable for a typical foot but can aggravate heel pain in a child who needs more structure.

What Actually Makes a Shoe Work for Heel Pain

Firm heel counters. This is the single most important feature — it stabilizes the foot, reduces strain on the plantar fascia, and limits the excess movement that causes irritation. A simple test: press on the heel counter. It should feel sturdy, not collapse easily.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Image highlighting the difference in heel counter firmness—pressing on the heel reveals how Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour shoes often collapse easily, showing they lack the structure and support needed for kids with heel pain.


Extra cushion and padding below the heel. Cushioning absorbs shock during play and sports, which matters even more for a child already dealing with heel pain.

kids'-shoes-with-targeted-heel-support
Compare the heel support of a New Balance shoe versus a Nike shoe, highlighting the firm heel counter and extra padding that provide better relief for children with heel pain.

I’ve helped hundreds of kids find relief simply by switching to the right pair of shoes.

Best Shoes for Kids with Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

These shoes can fit children with narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. For kids with heel pain, I’d choose laces over Velcro — laces secure the heel against the back of the shoe more effectively. Each shoe below also includes an “Ideal for” bullet noting whether it’s best suited to mild, moderate, or strong cases of heel pain — use that to match a shoe to your child’s current severity rather than picking on looks alone.

Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance

These New Balance running shoes for kids with heel pain are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.

Navy and lavender New Balance lace-up kids sneakers displayed side by side. Available in wide and extra wide widths, these lightweight sneakers provide a comfortable, supportive fit for children with wider feet.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Ideal for mild cases of heel pain
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • Sizing tip: Order one full size larger than your child’s current foot size

Mach by Hoka

These supportive shoes for heel pain provide a plush midsole with superior shock absorption, while the lightweight design ensures ease of movement.

HOKA running shoes for kids with thick cushioned outsoles.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • Available for big kids
  • Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
  • Durable outsole with excellent traction
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size

Gel-Noosa by Asics

These Asics athletic shoes for narrow feet are a popular choice for their vibrant colors and appealing design.

ASICS running shoes for kids with narrow or medium feet.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Fits narrow or medium feet
  • Injection E.V.A midsole cushioning
  • Stitched toe and solid rubber outsole to improve durability
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size

1906 by New Balance

These are some of the best New Balance kids’ shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel pain and they offer a blend of style and functionality. The shoes are designed for both casual wear and athletic performance, making them versatile options for kids with heel pain.

Key Features

  • Order on the New Balance website
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • Sizing tip: order half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

Contend by Asics

These Asics running shoes are known for their durability and support. Designed for active kids, these shoes offer a snug fit with a narrow heel counter.

Supportive ASICS running shoes for kids with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Fits narrow or medium feet
  • The toe reinforcement, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole improve durability
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size

GT-1000 by Asics

These are some of the best running shoes for heel pain as they have infused gel below the heels for extra support and stability.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of heel pain
  • Accommodates narrow or medium feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than your child’s current foot size

Kinvara by Saucony

These kids’ shoes for heel pain are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.

Saucony Kinvara running shoes for kids with lightweight cushioned outsoles.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
  • Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
  • Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
  • Sizing tip: order half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

990v6 by New Balance

These are the absolute best shoes for kids with plantar fasciitis and heel pain. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Ideal for strong cases of heel pain
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Removable insoles
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Cross Em Up by Adidas

The Cross Em Up by Adidas are the best basketball shoes for heel pain. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of heel pain
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • High-top design for additional ankle support
  • Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion

Every child’s needs vary based on age, activity level, and specific foot conditions. Reach out via email — I’m happy to help you find the right fit.

Why Fit Matters as Much as the Shoe Itself

Ill-fitting shoes can make plantar fasciitis and heel pain worse, even in an otherwise well-chosen style. Properly fitted shoes give the support and cushioning needed to actually take pressure off the plantar fascia. If you’re not sure of your child’s exact foot shape, this measuring guide walks through determining narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide — plus a high instep — from home.

If the pain persists even with supportive shoes, adding a heel cup can help. Below are two I’ve personally fitted and recommend.

Tuli’s Heel Cups

A pair of Tuli's heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
  • These heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most shoes
  • Small Size – Fits from a little kid shoe size 10.5 to a big kid shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.
  • Regular Size – Fits big kid shoe size 6 and above. Weight up to 175 lbs.

KidSole Heel Cups

Kidsole heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order KidSole heel cups on Amazon
  • Available from a little kid shoe size 11 through big kid shoe size 7
  • Sport grip design allows the heel pad to stay in place while kids run and play
  • These gel heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most enclosed shoes
  • Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.

Disclosure: some links above are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Lace Shoes the Right Way for Heel Pain

Even the right shoe underperforms if it’s laced loosely. This lacing technique creates a snug fit that limits movement inside the shoe — a small change that makes a real difference for pain relief and stability.

Is Plantar Fasciitis Common in Kids?

Yes — heel bones don’t fully mature until around age 14, which makes children more prone to this kind of overuse pain. Common doesn’t mean it should be ignored, though. Addressing it early tends to resolve things faster than waiting it out.

What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?

Plantar fasciitis often improves on its own, and targeted foot and calf stretches can speed that up. Left untreated, though, it can become chronic — and kids often unconsciously shift their gait to avoid heel pressure, which can strain the knees, hips, and lower back over time.

An image of a boy complaining of heel pain.

Can My Child Still Play Sports?

Rest is ideal, but not always realistic. If your child needs to stay active, make sure they’re in cleats or sports shoes with strong heel support, and consider a heel cup for extra cushioning. Heel pain shows up especially often in soccer, basketball, and football — I’ve written sport-specific guides for each if that applies to your child.

For warmer months, these sandals for heel pain offer the same targeted support in an open-toe style.

The Bottom Line

Heel pain in kids is common, but it’s not something to shrug off. With the right shoes — and a heel cup if needed — most kids see real relief. If your child shows signs of plantar fasciitis or Sever’s disease, don’t wait it out; early action tends to make the biggest difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child has flat feet and heel pain — do I need an orthotic too, or just supportive shoes?

Both often help together. A supportive shoe with a firm heel counter is the foundation; if flat feet are also contributing to the pain, an orthotic can add targeted arch and heel support on top of that.

Can heel cups fit inside cleats or sports shoes?

Sometimes, but space is tight, especially in cleats. A lower-profile heel cup fits better than a bulkier one, and it’s worth sizing up slightly if your child’s feet are growing quickly during the season.

When should I see a doctor instead of just changing shoes?

If heel pain persists after a few weeks of supportive shoes and reasonable rest, or if it’s severe enough to affect walking, it’s worth having a pediatrician or podiatrist take a look — shoes help a lot, but they’re not a substitute for a diagnosis in more stubborn cases.