Best Sandals for Heel Pain – Let’s Treat Your Child’s Heel Pain During the Summer!

April 17, 2025 Sandals Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Parents are often confused as to how they can treat and prevent their children’s heel pain during the summer. A common question I hear as a professional shoe fitter is: Should I invest in orthopedic sandals, or are regular supportive ones enough? The good news is, you don’t have to choose just one. In this guide, I’ll share my expert picks for the best supportive sandals for kids, including both well-cushioned regular styles and orthopedic options that help alleviate pressure on the heel and distribute weight more evenly across the foot.

What Causes Heel Pain in Children?

Heel pain in children can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is Sever’s disease, a condition that occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. This can result from repetitive stress, especially in active children who participate in sports. Other causes might include overuse injuries, poor footwear choices, or even obesity, which puts extra pressure on the heels.

Child with flat feet wearing a pair of unsupportive sandals.
An image of a child wearing unsupportive sandals, showing how the feet collapse inward. This improper alignment can put unnecessary strain on the heels, potentially leading to discomfort or heel pain.

Do Kids’ Regular Sandals Provide Good Support?

Most store-bought sandals often lack the support kids’ feet really need—especially around the heel and forefoot. The way many sandals are designed actually forces children to curl their toes to keep them on, which puts unnecessary strain on the plantar fascia. Over time, this can lead to tightness, discomfort, and even increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Key Features of Supportive Sandals for Kids

1. Heel Support: One of the key reasons the sandals I recommend work so well to reduce—or even eliminate—your child’s heel pain is that they feature extra cushioning around the heel, which helps evenly distribute weight. By reducing strain on the plantar fascia, they take the pressure off where it hurts most, letting your child move comfortably and confidently all day long.

A clear visual comparison highlighting the difference in heel support between one of my top recommended sandals and a less supportive style.

2. Stable Base of Support: This feature is critical in sandals for children with heel pain. Sandals with a contoured footbed can help maintain proper alignment and reduce stress on the heel. 

A side-by-side comparison showing the striking difference in support between one of my top recommended sandals and a less supportive alternative.

3. Lightweight and Flexible: Heavy sandals can add unnecessary stress to the feet. Lightweight options with flexibility allow for natural movement, promoting comfort during play.

Demonstrating the proper flexibility of a supportive sandal—your child’s sandals should bend only at the toes, not in the middle. If the sandal twists or folds like a spiral, it’s a red flag that it lacks the structure and support.

Having worked in a specialized children’s shoe store since 2013, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that a well-fitted sandal can have. Many parents are surprised to learn that not all sandals are created equal, and the wrong pair can exacerbate their child’s heel pain.

While many sandals on the market prioritize style over support, there are options available that offer the necessary structure to support growing feet. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Sandals for Kids with Heel Pain – Extra Cushion Below the Heels

Based on my experience, here are some of the best sandals for children with heel pain available in 2025. These recommendations are grounded in years of practical experience and feedback from satisfied parents and children.

1. Psyclone by Teva

These supportive sandals for heel pain feature a supportive contoured footbed and adjustable straps for a secure fit.

Open toe Teva sandal for toddler boys with wide feet.
Open toe Teva sandal for toddler girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
  • Rubber outsole for great traction
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Agnes by Memo

These orthopedic sandals for heel pain offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed, designed specifically for children with heel pain. These sandals provide excellent heel support.

Orthopedic sandal with firm heel counters.
Orthopedic sandal with a stable base of support.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • 100% leather made
  • Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Seaturtle by Kamik

These open-toe sandals provide a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for active children with heel pain, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.

Pink sandal with three adjustable straps for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.
Sandal with three adjustable straps for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick drying moisture wicking lining
  • Vegan-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Mogami by Birkenstock

Birkenstock is known for its exceptional arch and heel support, and the Mogami sandal is no exception. It features a contoured cork footbed that provides excellent support for kids with heel pain.

Supportive sandal for girls with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
  • Excellent grip
  • Contoured PU footbed
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs

The open design and cushioned insole provide maximum comfort, allowing for all-day wear without discomfort. Parents praise these sandals for their affordability and durability, making them a practical choice for kids with flat feet.

Red sandals with triple Velcro straps for boys who wear AFOs or SMOs.
Sandals with triple Velcro straps for girls who wear AFOs or SMOs.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
  • Excellent grip
  • Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Newport by Keen

These Keen sandals for kids with heel pain provide a supportive footbeds and adjustable straps. Its durable construction and reliable traction make it suitable for various activities, from hiking to beach outings. This is one of my go-to sandals for kids with heel pain.

Supportive-navy-blue-Keen-sandal-for-kids
Pink Newport sandal for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Hurricane by Teva

These open toe sandals with arch and heel support for kids with foot pain feature a lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit.

Supportive red Teva sandal for kids with wide feet.
Supportive purple Teva sandal for girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

8. Lucky Brand

This supportive sandal provides a trendy and functional design, ensuring your child won’t have to compromise on style for comfort.

Sandal-for-toddlers-with-wide-feet

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Supportive footbed
  • Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

9. Haiti Sandal by Geox

Geox’s Haiti Sandal combines style with functionality, featuring a breathable design and cushioned footbed to support children with foot pain.

Supportive and stylish Geox sandals for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Haiti by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

What Sandal Size Should You Order?

When shopping for sandals, keep in mind that most styles only come in whole sizes, not half sizes. This can make choosing the right fit a little tricky, but don’t worry—I’m here to help!

The sandals I recommend fit true to size, so here’s how to determine the best size for your child:

  • If your child wears a size 7, go for a size 8 to allow for some growing room.
  • If your child wears a size 7½, I still recommend ordering a size 8 for that extra space.

Ordering shoes online doesn’t have to be a gamble. With my virtual shoe fitting service, I can guide you to the perfect fit, helping avoid discomfort or potential foot issues.

Children wearing supportive sandals for their AFOs.
An image of children wearing supportive sandals by Memo.

Keep a close watch on your child’s feet for any signs that could indicate discomfort or heel pain:

  • Swelling or redness around the heels
  • A noticeable limp or walking on their toes
  • Complaints of stiffness in the feet, especially after waking up
  • Pain when you gently squeeze the heel on both sides

Being proactive about these symptoms can help you catch any issues early and keep your child comfortable and active.

What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Heel Pain?

While sandals are great for summer, sneakers often provide more comprehensive support. Here are some of my top supportive sneakers recommendations for children with heel pain, ensuring they stay comfortable and active throughout the year. Sneakers offer additional stability and cushioning, making them a valuable option for children who require ongoing support for their heel pain.

Have a question? Drop it in the comments below! I’ll get back to you as soon as I can—and who knows, other families might jump in with their own tips and experiences too.