Best Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet and Sever’s Disease – Let’s Support Your Kids’ Heels!

July 20, 2025 Heel Cups Juan Valenzuela 3 - Comments

Is your child struggling with heel pain from Sever’s Disease—and you can’t seem to find shoes that fit their narrow feet? Heel pain is common in growing children, but without the right footwear, it can quickly become more difficult to manage. As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I know how crucial it is to find supportive, properly fitted shoes—especially for narrow feet. The right pair can cushion the heel, reduce pain, and help your child stay active and comfortable.

Be Proactive—Don’t Wait and See

Heel pain in children is often caused by too much stress on the growth plate. While it’s a common issue, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Taking a “wait and see” approach can allow the pain to worsen, potentially leading to more serious injuries or long-term discomfort. The sooner you take action, the better your child’s chances of staying active and pain-free.

Heel Pain in Kids – 3 Key Signs to Watch For

Children experience heel pain differently than adults—it often worsens the more they walk. Common red flags include:

  • Limping
  • Walking on their toes
  • Avoiding sports or daily activities

If you’ve noticed any of these, your child may be dealing with heel pain that needs attention.

Key Shoe Features for Kids with Heel Pain and Narrow Feet

Sever’s Disease can be particularly distressing for children, impacting their ability to participate in sports and everyday activities. Narrow feet add another layer of complexity, as finding shoes that provide adequate support without unnecessary movement can be challenging.

A firm heel counter is crucial for stabilizing the foot and preventing excessive movement, which can exacerbate heel pain. This feature helps maintain the foot’s alignment and reduces stress on the heel. Shoes with a firm heel counter often provide a snug fit around the heel, which is essential for children with narrow feet.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Always check the heel counter of your child’s shoes—it should feel firm, not flimsy. A sturdy heel counter provides essential support and stability. This image highlights the difference between a soft and a firm heel counter so you know exactly what to look for.
supportive-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
A stable base provides the necessary foundation for your child’s foot. Look for shoes with a wide, flat sole that offers good ground contact. This stability can help distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the heel. A shoe with a stable base often features a well-cushioned sole that absorbs shock and minimizes the impact on the heel.
shoes-with-laces-vs-shoes-with-velcro-closure
Shoelaces offer a customizable fit, essential for children with narrow feet. They allow for better adjustment and tightening, ensuring the shoe hugs the foot closely, which minimizes slippage and enhances support. Unlike Velcro closures, shoelaces provide a more secure fit that can be tailored to the child’s specific needs.

In addition to offering key support features, the shoes I recommend are specifically designed with narrow heel counters and slim platforms to comfortably match the shape of your child’s narrow feet.

While each child’s needs are unique, below are my top shoe recommendations that incorporate the essential features discussed. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet and Sever’s Disease

Here are some top shoe recommendations for 2025 that cater to kids with narrow feet and provide the necessary support for those with Sever’s Disease.

1. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These are the best shoes for Sever’s Disease and narrow feet as they provide excellent support, narrow heel counters, and lightweight cushioning.

Supportive red Asics shoes for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Asics running shoe for kids in mint color for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gel-Noosa by Asics

These are the best athletic shoes for narrow feet and Severs Disease as they provide firm heel counters and narrow platforms.

Supportive GEL-Noosa Asics running shoes for kids.
Supportive GEL-Noosa Asics running shoes for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Stitched toe and solid rubber outsole to improve durability
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Assert 10 by Under Armour

These Under Armour shoes are lightweight, supportive, and provide a snug fit—ideal for kids with narrow feet. Its breathable mesh upper and cushioned sole provide all-day comfort and stability.

Red Under Armour shoes for boys with narrow feet.
Multicolor Under Armour shoe for girls with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available for little and big kids
  • One-piece EVA midsole that transforms cushioned landings into explosive takeoffs
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe Style Contend by Asics

These athletic shoes for narrow feet are known for their durability and support. Designed for active kids with heel pain, these shoes offer a snug fit with a narrow heel counter.

Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for kids in navy blue.
Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Contend by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • The toe reinforcement, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole improve durability
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony

These Saucony narrow running shoes are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who suffer from heel pain.

Saucony orange running shoes for kids.
Saucony teal running shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
  • Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
  • Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics

These narrow running shoes for kids offer a snug fit with a focus on cushioning, making them ideal for kids with Sever’s Disease.

Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for girls.
Asics kids Cumulus supportive running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Engineered mesh upper: Improves breathability
  • Fits narrow feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style Gel-Excite by Asics

These Asics shoes for heel pain feature a narrow design, making them suitable for children with slim feet and Severs Disease.

Supportive Asics Gel-Excite running shoe for girls.
Supportive Asics Gel-Excite running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Gel-Excite by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow feet
  • GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Apply This Amazing Shoe Lacing Technique

A coworker taught me an incredible lacing technique that helps secure narrow feet in shoes.

Please take the time to read the most effective shoe lacing technique for children with heel pain and narrow feet. My co-worker who has over 20 years of experience fitting children’s shoes taught me this technique that allows children to get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer.

Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations

If you’re unsure about the best shoe for your child’s specific needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can provide tailored recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape, size, and activity level.

The shoes I recommend are ideal for treating and preventing mild to moderate heel pain. However, if your child is experiencing more severe discomfort, consider adding a heel cup for extra support. Heel cups are an affordable, highly effective solution that can provide immediate relief and help your child stay active and pain-free.

Are Heel Cups Effective for Children with Heel Pain?

Heel cups are a popular choice for managing heel pain, including Sever’s Disease. Brands like Tuli’s and KidSole offer effective heel cups that can be inserted into your child’s shoes. These products help absorb shock, cushion the heel, and provide additional support.

Tuli’s Heel Cups

A pair of Tuli's heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
  • These heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most shoes
  • 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

Kidsole heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • 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
  • These gel heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most enclosed shoes
  • 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 for Kids Who Play Sports – The Best Sports Sports Shoes

Kids who play sports put extra stress on their feet and legs, making them more likely to develop heel pain. But playing in pain shouldn’t be part of the game. The right shoes can make all the difference—not just for comfort, but for performance too. Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, baseball, or football, there are sport shoes designed for narrow feet, and I’m here to help you find the best ones.

Sever’s Disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in active kids ages 8 to 14, often triggered by repetitive stress from running and jumping. To help manage and prevent flare-ups, make sure your child never skips warm-up or cool-down routines. Stretching is especially important—it keeps the muscles and tendons flexible and reduces the strain placed on the heel during high-impact activities like sprinting.