Best Shoes for Kids with Misaligned Heels – Improve Your Child’s Walking Gait and Prevent Foot Pain!
Has your child been complaining about foot pain and walking differently lately? Did you already take your child to your pediatrician, podiatrist, or physical therapist and were told that your child will eventually outgrow the pain? I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for kids with misaligned heels based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
The shoes I recommend will not only prevent foot and leg pain, but they will also help improve your child’s walking gait and overall posture at the same time.
If you are in a rush, you can go directly to the selection of the best shoes for kids with misaligned heels.
Most Common Reasons Children Complain About Foot Pain
Most parents assume that when their children start walking differently or complaining about foot pain is because they have flat feet. It is a fact that one of the most common reasons children complain about foot pain is from having flat feet, but there is also a large number of children who overpronate and complain about foot pain from having misaligned heels.
The issue is that it is extremely hard to diagnose misaligned heels as the pain doesn’t always manifest itself below the ankles. Rather, the child’s body tries to compensate for the lack of balance by putting extra strain on the knees, hips, and back.
I will show you how to check whether your child has misaligned heels, and I will also show you how to treat it. If left untreated, misaligned heels can lead to gait abnormalities that lead to foot pain and fatigue.
Treating and Fixing Misaligned Heels – You Are in Good Hands!
Rest assure you are in good hands as I have worked in a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade. One of my key takeaways is that before you decide to try a more invasive procedure, start by checking the shoes your child is wearing. Sometimes children might need a pair of orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes as well but it all starts with wearing a pair of supportive shoes.
Most medical professionals recommend conservative treatments including stretching and strengthening exercises. However, it has been proven that the most effective way to help treat and correct this condition is through wearing the correct type of footwear.
There are also minimally invasive surgical techniques available that can solve the problem of misaligned feet, but I suggest that we start with trying a pair of supportive shoes and observing how the child walks in them. The good news is that contrary to having flat feet, misaligned heels can be cured.
You will notice how children with misaligned heels tend to roll their foot inward as they walk, a condition called pronation:
Over time, this foot imbalance can lead to your child developing the following foot issues:
- Heel pain
- Calluses
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Nerve damage
I can’t begin to tell you what a difference the correct pair of shoes can make in helping treat and correct this condition.
How Do You Fix a Misaligned Foot? – The Most Effective Way!
Let me start by showing what a difference the correct pair of shoes can make in helping treat and prevent misaligned heels. The images below will also help you determine whether your child has misaligned heels or not.
The image below shows a child with misaligned heels standing barefoot:
In the image below you will be able to see more clearly how the heel bone is running straight up to a certain point and then rolls outwards:
Let me show you what happens when we fit that same child in a pair of the supportive shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the feet are a lot straighter? The shoes come with a substantial outsole and a firm heel counter that is helping align the feet and prevent them from turning inwards. Pretty amazing!
Just so you know these shoes are not even orthopedic shoes, they are everyday sneakers that simply provide better support than others. With that said, not all shoes are going to be effective in helping correct and treat misaligned heels.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Misaligned Heels?
I have tested hundreds of different shoes and I know which ones are more effective for children with foot issues from having fitted them before.
1️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: The shoes come with a firm heel counter and targeted support right below the heel that is going to help support and straighten your child’s heels. Always press on the heel counter of your kids’ shoes and make sure it feels firm:
2️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: The shoes I recommend also come with a substantial outsole that is going to help prevent your child’s feet from turning inwards. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a substantial/supportive outsole compared to the shoe on the left?
When children are growing, the normal development of the pelvis and the spine will suffer if there is a foot imbalance, but the correct pair of shoes might be all that your child needs to walk and run straighter.
I have put together a selection of shoes that will help treat your child’s misaligned heels and allow your child to walk and run straighter. The shoes I recommend are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW).
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
It is extremely important you try the shoes in the correct shoe size or your child won’t get all of the benefits that the shoes have to offer. That being said, if you are unsure of your child’s foot size and foot shape I suggest that you refer to another article on this subject.
Best Shoes for Kids with Misaligned Heels
How effective these shoes will be in treating your child’s misaligned heels depends on the degree of your child’s foot condition. That being said, after having tested hundreds of different shoes, these are the most effective ones for children with misaligned heels. 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.
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Stride Rite shoe style Elliot is available for toddlers
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Stride Rite shoe style Emilia is available for toddlers
- Lace-up closure
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 100% leather made
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Timberland shoe style Tracks is available for toddlers
- Double velcro straps
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Water-friendly
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 574 is available for toddlers
- Available in velcro and laces
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Gabi is 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Gabi is 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
- Velcro closure
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning
- Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Timberland shoe style Bootie fits 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Princessa fits toddlers and little kids
- Double velcro straps
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
- Rigid heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium or 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in laces
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Polo is 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Memo shoe style Chicago is 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style Coco is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Adidas shoe style Own the Game 2.0 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Adidas shoe style Cross Em Up Select is available for little kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style FuelCell Rebel v3 is available for big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 327 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
- Lace-up closure
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Do Shoes with Laces Provide Better Support and Stability Compared to Velcro?
Shoelaces are always more effective than velcro closure when it comes to treating a child with misaligned heels. I understand how many parents have younger children and this might sound like a big hassle, but believe me when I tell you that it does make a big difference.
For your child to get the most out of the shoes, I suggest that you apply my special shoe lacing technique which helps secure the child’s feet against the back of the shoes and support the heels. This is a simple 3 step process that shouldn’t take you more than 3 minutes to do:
1️⃣ Start by leaving the two top eyelets (small holes of the shoe) of each side of the shoes open:
2️⃣ Grab the shoelaces and go through the top hole first:
3️⃣ The last step is to go through the holes you left open:
You are all done! This process shouldn’t take you more than 3 times and will allow your child to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer.
Orthotics for Kids with Misaligned Heels – Extra Heel Support!
Depending on the degree of your child’s misaligned heels and the level of pain your child is going through you might have to try a pair of orthotics inside of the shoes. However, I always suggest to start by trying a pair of supportive shoes and observing how the child reacts to them.
If after trying a pair of shoes for 3 months your child complains of heel pain and his or her walking gait has not improved, then I suggest trying a pair of orthotics for extra support.
There is one specific orthotic I recommend that provides excellent arch and heel support, and at the same time is not as invasive as other orthotics. This means that the orthotic allows the child’s foot and leg muscles to develop on their own while supporting them.
There is a myriad of orthotics out there and it might be confusing for parents to choose the correct one for their child’s feet. The one I recommend comes with a deep heel cup that provides targeted support to the child’s heels and helps straighten the heel bone:
If you believe your child can benefit from wearing an orthotic I suggest that you explore this option.
Whichever approach you decide to take, I strongly suggest that you are proactive and don’t leave this condition untreated. This isn’t a condition that can heal itself or get better with time — in fact, it’ll only get worse.
Don’t hesitate to contact me through the comments section or via email if you have any questions about your child’s feet or are unsure about what steps to take to help improve your child’s walking gait.
