Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear Heel Cups – Supportive and Extra Deep!
Has your child been experiencing heel pain and your doctor recommended getting a pair of heel cups? Maybe you already got a pair of heel cups and now are looking for a pair of supportive shoes. It’s important to note that heel cups can work wonders for children with heel pain as long as they are fitted in the correct pair of shoes. I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes. I have helped hundreds of children with heel pain find the correct pair of shoes and heel cups to significantly reduce, and in some cases fully eliminate their pain.
Understanding the Need for Heel Cups
Heel cups are typically recommended by pediatricians for children experiencing heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or other foot conditions that require additional support. These small, cup-shaped inserts fit into the shoe and help cradle the heel, absorbing shock and reducing pressure on the foot.
What to Look for in Shoes for Kids with Heel Cups
1️⃣ Deep Shoes: One of the most important features to look for is depth. Shoes with a deeper heel cup area provide enough room for the insert while still allowing for a comfortable fit. A shoe that’s too shallow may cause the heel cup to slip out of place, defeating its purpose. Take a look at the image below and notice how much deeper the heel cup fits inside the shoe on the left compared to the shoe on the right.
2️⃣ Targeted Heel Support: The shoes I recommend provide targeted support right below your child’s heels. Let me show you the difference in heel support between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a lot more extra cushion right below the heel area compared to the shoe on the left?
3️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: A good heel counter will help hold the foot in place and prevent excessive movement, which can exacerbate foot conditions. Below you can see an image that shows the difference between a shoe with a firm heel counter and a shoe with a softer one:
4️⃣ Shoelaces Vs Velcro Closure: Shoes that come with shoelaces are always more effective in treating and preventing heel pain compared to shoes that come with velcro closure. The main reason for this is that the shoelaces provide better support and stability, they also do a better job securing your child’s heels against the back of the shoes and preventing the heel cup from moving.
Choosing the best shoes for kids who wear heel cups involves considering factors such as depth, support, and the ability to accommodate orthotic inserts. By selecting shoes that meet these criteria, you can help your child experience greater comfort and support, allowing them to focus on being active and enjoying their day. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear Heel Cups – Supportive and Deep
Take a look at the description below each shoe to find out whether it can fit your child’s foot shape (medium, wide, extra wide).
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in laces and velcro
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Emilia by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance Online Store
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Genuine leather and breathable mesh
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion on Zappos
- Available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bootie by Timberland on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Memo on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Velcro closure
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style New Balance Fresh Foam 650 on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ankle Support by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Triple velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe
- Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Own the Game 2.0 by Adidas on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Oder the shoe style Kinvara LTT by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Shadow 6000 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam X 1080v13 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
Feel free to also reach out if you are looking for a different type of shoe to treat your child’s heel pain. Whether you are looking for a pair of big kid sneakers for heel cups or a seasonal shoe to help treat your child’s heel pain, I will do my best to help you find them:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Kids Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to address various foot conditions, making them an excellent choice for children who wear heel cups. These shoes often come with removable insoles, allowing for easy insertion of heel cups or custom orthotics.
Believe me when I tell you that the shoes and the heel cups work together in reducing or eliminating your child’s heel pain. Your child won’t get any of the benefits that the heel cups have to offer if they are not fitted in the correct pair of shoes.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Providing your child with shoes that are too small, too big, too narrow, or too wide, can defeat the whole purpose of having a heel cup inside the shoes. Your kids’ shoes must be the correct size or your child won’t get all of the benefits that the heel cups have to offer!
You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size for your child if you don’t know what your child’s foot size is to begin with. For example, do you know your child’s exact foot length? Do you know whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? Do you know whether your child has a high instep or not? I help parents determine the answers to these questions in a virtual shoe fitting service I provide for free.
How to Tie Your Kids’ Shoes to Get the Most Out of the Heel Cups
I also suggest that you apply a shoe lacing technique that my co-worker who has over 20 years of experience taught me, as it will help secure the heel cups inside the shoes.
What Are the Best Heel Cups for Kids?
There is a specific type of heel cup that has proven to be the most effective one for children with heel pain. The heel cup that I recommend acts as a shock absorber for your child’s feet as it provides multi-layers of cushion as shown in the image below:
Heel Pain — It’s Not Common and It Doesn’t Magically Disappear!
Contrary to what most pediatricians and physical/occupational therapists recommend, I advise parents to be proactive and not take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their children’s foot conditions. Waiting for your child’s condition to resolve on its own can only lead to the condition getting worse.
I mention this because I get contacted by hundreds of families who tell me that they took their child to their pediatrician but were told to leave the condition alone as it would go away with time. It is true that sometimes the child might “outgrow” the pain, but in most cases, the pain doesn’t magically disappear. When children complain about foot or leg pain, it’s usually because the pain has escalated to an intolerable point.
Children with Foot Issues – My Final Thoughts!
I have helped children with flat feet, rolled ankles, low muscle tone, plantar fasciitis, knock knees, toe walking, etc. find the correct pair of shoes to help treat their specific foot conditions, and I believe I can help your child too. While I am not a doctor, I know what works and what doesn’t from actually fitting and testing different shoes and orthotics and observing how the child reacts to them. Some children need a pair of supportive shoes, while others need supportive shoes and orthotics. It all depends on the degree of the child’s foot condition.
I truly believe that the correct pair of shoes can be life-changing for many children! Once we reduce or fully eliminate your child’s heel pain, you must emphasize to your child the importance of stretching often, especially before and after vigorous exercise.
