Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear Heel Cups – Supportive and Extra Deep!
Has your child been experiencing heel pain, and your doctor recommended using heel cups? Perhaps you’ve already bought a pair and are now looking for supportive shoes to go with them. 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. When choosing shoes for children who wear heel cups, extra depth is a critical factor. Shoes with extra depth allow for the insertion of heel cups without compromising the fit or comfort of the shoe.
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.
Case Study: The Power of Proper Fit
One memorable experience involved fitting a young boy with heel cups. His parents were concerned about his frequent complaints of heel pain. After assessing his foot shape and condition, we selected a pair of shoes with extra depth and a firm heel counter.
The transformation was remarkable. Not only did his discomfort decrease significantly, but his overall gait improved as well. This case highlights the importance of a tailored approach to shoe fitting, considering both the child’s physical needs and their daily activities.
What to Look for in Shoes for Kids with Heel Cups
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. Firm Heel Counters: The heel counter is the part of the shoe that wraps around the heel and provides stability. A firm heel counter offers the necessary support to keep the heel in place and enhance the effectiveness of the heel cup. This support is crucial for maintaining proper foot alignment and preventing overpronation or supination, which can lead to further foot issues.
4. Flexible Yet Supportive Soles: Kids need shoes that allow natural movement while still offering the support they need. Flexible soles that provide a balance of cushioning and support are ideal. This flexibility helps children walk naturally, which is vital for their development. The right soles can help prevent fatigue and discomfort, encouraging children to stay active throughout the day.
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). 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
Having fitted countless children with supportive shoes, I have curated a list of top shoe recommendations that cater to kids who need heel cups. These recommendations are based on years of experience and feedback from parents and children alike.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These supportive and deep shoes are ideal for children who wear heel cups. 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
- 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
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing flat feet.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Accommodates medium and wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- High-top design with stiff heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart
3. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, and the extra depth design makes it suitable for kids with misaligned heels and foot conditions such as flat feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-friendly construction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These supportive shoes by Saucony provide firm heel counters and extra depth to accommodate heel cups. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters and stable base of support
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides extra depth and a stable base of support to accommodate your child’s heel cups. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Semi-firm heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style 2002/1906 by New Balance
The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for kids who wear heel cups as it’s supportive, deep and it’s offered at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for children with 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
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- 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
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
Bonus Resource: Orthopedic Shoes for Kids
For children with more severe heel pain, orthopedic shoes might be the best option. These shoes are specifically designed to address foot conditions and provide maximum support. They often incorporate advanced technologies and materials to cater to specific medical needs, ensuring that children can move comfortably and confidently.
Why the Correct Shoe Size Matters
The correct shoe size is vital to maximize the benefits of supportive shoes. Shoes that are too small can cause discomfort and restrict movement, while shoes that are too large may not provide the necessary support. I have developed a virtual shoe fitting service to help parents determine the right shoe size for their children, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their supportive footwear. Accurate sizing ensures that all the features of the shoe work as intended, providing the foundation for healthy foot development.
What Are the Best Heel Cups for Kids?
There are two specific heel cups that offer superior shock absorption and prevent foot fatigue by minimizing the impact that the feet take when they come in contact with the ground.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
- Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
- Ideal for treating and preventing general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, excessive pronation, Achilles tendonitis
- 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
- 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
- This product is specifically designed for active kids who need additional heel comfort and protection
- Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.
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, weak 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.
