Best Sandals for Kids with Haglund’s Deformity – Adjustable Straps and Extra Padding

June 26, 2026 Haglund's Deformity Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter | Est. reading time: 9 minutes

Quick Answer: The best sandals for kids with Haglund’s deformity have an open or soft-padded back instead of a rigid heel, plus adjustable straps so pressure on the bony heel bump can be fine-tuned. My top pick is the Hurricane by Teva, which combines triple Velcro straps with extra heel padding to reduce friction on the affected area.

Have you noticed your child limping and complaining about heel pain? Has your medical professional diagnosed your child with Haglund’s deformity? This condition, characterized by a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, can cause significant discomfort and pain. One of the most effective ways to manage it is by wearing soft-backed shoes that avoid or minimize irritation in the heel area — and after more than 10 years of fitting children’s shoes, this is one of the conditions I see respond the most clearly to the right footwear choice.

Did you know that Haglund’s deformity is also called “pump bump”? That’s because shoes with rigid backs apply extra friction and pressure, irritating the heel bone and causing the characteristic swelling and pain of the condition. For example, the sandal below has a rigid back made out of plastic, which can further irritate the condition:

Avoid sandals with rigid backs for kids with Haglund's deformity.
A pair of kids’ sandals with stiff, rigid backs—these can worsen heel pain for children with Haglund’s deformity by increasing pressure on the affected area.

My Experience Helping Children with Haglund’s Deformity

Pediatricians and physical therapists regularly refer children to the specialized shoe store where I work for expert fittings — and when needed, orthotic support. My first priority with any child showing signs of this condition is making sure they aren’t wearing shoes with stiff heel counters, since those can worsen the irritation on the enlarged area of the heel almost immediately.

What Causes Haglund’s Deformity in Children?

Medical experts believe the top three causes are:

  • High arches
  • Tight Achilles tendons
  • Genetics

From my experience fitting hundreds of kids with foot conditions, children with high arches or those who supinate — walking more on the outer edge of their heels — are especially prone to developing this condition.

What Haglund’s Deformity Actually Looks Like

Take a look at these images of children with Haglund’s deformity whom I’ve personally helped find pain-relieving shoes.

An image of a child with Haglund’s deformity, showing a noticeable bump on the right heel.
A barefoot child with visible signs of Haglund’s deformity.
An image of a child with Haglund’s deformity on the left foot, clearly showing the heel bump that can cause discomfort without the right shoes.

Should Children Wear Shoes with Open Backs Such as Flip-Flops?

While many medical professionals recommend open-back shoes, this isn’t realistic for most children, since they still need a certain degree of support and stability to move comfortably through a full day.

Can you imagine walking around in flip-flops all day? Open-back shoes can easily overtire your child’s feet and lead to tendon problems. Your child’s toes have to work extra hard just to keep the shoes on, which can cause stiffness and pain of its own.

What Makes the Sandals I Recommend Effective for Haglund’s Deformity?

The sandals I recommend strike a middle ground — they have open backs, but with adjustable, cushioned straps that let your child control exactly how much pressure sits around the heel.

Key Feature One: Extra Padding and Cushion Around the Heels. One of the most critical features to look for in sandals for kids with Haglund’s deformity is extra padding and cushioning around the heel. This padding helps absorb shock and reduce pressure on the affected area, providing much-needed relief. The material should also be soft and breathable, since friction is what aggravates this condition in the first place.

Sandal with extra cushion and padding for kids with Haglund's deformity.
Notice how the sandals I recommend offer extra cushioning and padding exactly where your child’s heels need it most.
Let’s take a closer look at this awesome feature.

Key Feature Two: Adjustable Straps. Adjustable straps are the other essential feature. This adjustability prevents the sandal from rubbing against the heel and causing irritation, and sandals with multiple adjustment points offer a more precise, secure fit during everyday activity.

A pair of kids’ sandals featuring triple Velcro straps for a secure, customizable fit that’s easy to adjust.

These recommendations are based on what I’ve seen work consistently in fittings, combined with customer reviews and the specific needs of children with this condition. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.

Best Sandals for Kids with Haglund’s Deformity

Here are my top recommendations for 2026. Each description below notes the foot shapes it fits (medium, wide) along with the additional features that make it a good fit for Haglund’s deformity specifically.

1. Hurricane by Teva

The triple Velcro straps and extra cushion and padding around the heels make the Hurricane by Teva my top pick for Haglund’s deformity — the adjustability is what lets your child dial back pressure on the bony area without sacrificing a secure fit.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length, since the strap pattern runs slightly snug

2. Adventure Seeker by Timberland

This Timberland sandal is designed with extra padding and cushioning around the heels, making it a strong option for children with Haglund’s deformity. It provides a comfortable, supportive fit that helps reduce heel irritation while keeping active feet secure and protected.

Merrell sandals for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Adventure Seeker by Timberland on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Two adjustable straps with hook-and-loop closure
  • Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Motozoa by Keen

This Keen sandal also features extra padding and cushioning around the heels, offering comfort and support for children with Haglund’s deformity. Its soft, protective fit helps reduce irritation around the affected area.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Two adjustable Velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Extra padding around the straps
  • Siped sole channels water away for exceptional grip in the rain and on wet surfaces
  • High abrasion rubber tip for added durability and protection
  • Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length

The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size

One of the most crucial parts of managing Haglund’s deformity is making sure your child wears the correct shoe size. Ill-fitting shoes can aggravate the condition — too tight and the shoe exerts undue pressure directly on the heel bump; too loose and it causes excessive movement and friction, which is exactly what irritates the area in the first place. If you want to be confident about what size to order online, I’d suggest either visiting your local specialized children’s shoe store or using the virtual shoe fitting resource I created.

Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations

If you’re unsure which sandals are best suited for your child’s unique foot shape, feel free to reach out through our contact page for personalized recommendations. I’m here to help you find the pair that offers both comfort and the right kind of support.

Watch My YouTube Video On Sandals for Haglund’s Deformity

For more insights and visual guidance, be sure to watch my YouTube video on selecting the best sandals for kids with Haglund’s deformity. In the video, I walk you through the top features to look for and showcase some of my top sandal picks.

What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Haglund’s Deformity?

Sneakers with cushioned insoles, padded heel counters, and flexible soles can manage the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity just as effectively as sandals — and tend to be the more practical year-round choice. For more, see my bonus resource on the best sneakers for this condition.

If this condition doesn’t improve, your doctor may eventually consider surgery, so it’s worth taking the necessary steps early to prevent it from getting worse. Always prioritize the correct shoe size, and steer clear of flip-flops and other footwear that lacks the support and protection your child’s heel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will sandals alone fix my child’s Haglund’s deformity?

Sandals won’t reverse the bony enlargement itself, but the right pair makes a real difference in day-to-day comfort by removing the friction and pressure that aggravates the area. In my experience, footwear changes are usually the first and most effective step before anything more involved is considered.

Should my child avoid sneakers and stick to sandals?

Not necessarily — sneakers with a soft, padded heel counter can work just as well, and tend to be the better year-round option once the irritation has calmed down.

When does Haglund’s deformity require surgery?

Surgery is typically considered only if footwear changes, padding, and other conservative steps fail to improve symptoms over time. If your child’s pain isn’t improving despite the right shoes, that’s the point to bring it back to their doctor rather than waiting it out.