Best Shoes with Heel Support – Straighten and Protect Your Kids’ Heels!
Has your child been diagnosed with a foot condition or started complaining about heel pain? If your medical professional recommended shoes with heel support but didn’t specify which ones, you’re not alone. The right shoes can make a world of difference—especially those with cushioned heels, firm heel counters, and stable bases. As a professional shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting kids’ shoes and orthotics, I’ve helped many children find relief from heel pain. In this guide, I’ll share the best shoe styles that offer the heel support your child needs.
Why Early Action Matters: Don’t Wait to Address Heel Pain
Heel pain is surprisingly common in children, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Left untreated, it can lead to difficulty walking and may even require more complex interventions later on. That’s why I always urge parents to be proactive. Taking early action—rather than adopting a “wait and see” approach—can prevent minor discomfort from becoming a long-term issue and help your child stay active and pain-free.
Common Signs of Children with Heel Pain
Most children experience heel pain between the ages of 8 and 14, as the heel bone is still developing during this time and remains vulnerable to stress and overuse. However, it’s important to note that heel pain can start even earlier—some children as young as 5 or 6 may begin to show symptoms, especially if they’re active or wearing unsupportive shoes.
Children may not always express discomfort clearly, so it’s essential to recognize signs of heel pain. Look out for:
- Limping or walking on toes: This can be an unconscious way for a child to avoid putting pressure on a painful heel.
- Complaints of foot or heel pain after physical activity: Children may not always articulate pain accurately, so pay attention to any reluctance to participate in activities they usually enjoy.
- Swelling or redness in the heel area: These physical signs can indicate inflammation or strain, suggesting that your child may be experiencing heel-related discomfort.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Heel Pain?
What is Causing Your Child’s Heel Pain?
Many families wonder what’s behind their child’s heel pain. The most common culprit is Sever’s Disease—an inflammation of the growth plate caused by repetitive stress. It’s the leading cause of heel pain in kids.
Another big factor? Shoes lacking proper heel support. Kids are constantly running and jumping, putting heavy strain on their feet and legs. Without the right shoes, this stress can quickly turn into pain and discomfort.
My Top Recommendations in 2025 for Heel Support Shoes
Based on my experience, here is a list of the best shoes for kids in 2025 that offer excellent heel support. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
1. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance
These New Balance running shoes with good heel support are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.
Key Features
- Available for big kids
- Order the shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics
These supportive running shoes with heel support feature a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper, making them ideal for kids with heel pain.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Cumulus by Asics on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Mach by Hoka
These supportive running shoes with good heel support provide a plush midsole with superior shock absorption, while the lightweight design ensures ease of movement.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Mach by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
- Available for big kids
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
- Durable outsole with excellent traction
- Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style 237 and 327 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for heel pain are perfect for kids who want to make a fashion statement while enjoying the benefits of supportive footwear.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 237 and 327 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Fits medium or wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance
These are some of the best New Balance shoes with the best heel support and they offer a blend of style and functionality. The shoes are designed for both casual wear and athletic performance, making them versatile options for kids with heel pain.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 1906 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hoka Clifton
These Hoka running shoes with heel support are a popular choice for their comfort and versatility. They are suitable for everyday wear, from school days to high-impact and sports activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Clifton by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Lightweight and breathable
- Plush cushioning for all-day comfort
- Supportive outsole
- Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes
7. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
These are some of the best running shoes for heel pain as they have infused gel below the heels for extra support and stability.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- Extra cushion and padding right below the heels
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony
These kids’ shoes for heel pain are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.
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
9. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the absolute best shoe if your child has heel pain and needs extra heel support. 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
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas are the best basketball shoes for 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 the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
If you’re searching for shoes in smaller sizes, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help you find the perfect fit!
Reach Out for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Finding the perfect shoe for your child can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of choices. Reach out for a personalized shoe recommendation tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and degree of pain. As someone passionate about children’s foot health, I’m here to help guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your child’s feet are well-cared for.
Apply This Amazing Shoe Lacing Technique
I use a special shoe-lacing technique that helps kids unlock the full support and stability their shoes can provide. By snugly securing the heels, this method gently pushes them back, keeping your child’s feet firmly locked in place for maximum comfort and balance.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
One of the most common mistakes parents make is buying the wrong shoe size. Shoes that are too small can constrict growth, leading to blisters, calluses, or even long-term deformities, while oversized shoes fail to provide proper support, causing instability and increasing the risk of falls.
I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you find your child’s exact shoe size from the comfort of home. In this guide, I walk parents through measuring not just foot length but also width—whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Plus, I’ll help you discover if your child has a high instep, ensuring the perfect fit every time.
Sometimes, even the best supportive shoes aren’t enough to ease your child’s heel pain. In those cases, adding extra support inside the shoe can make all the difference. I highly recommend trying a heel cup—it’s a simple, affordable, and effective way to provide targeted relief without the expense of custom orthotics.
Heel Cups for Kids – The Best Alternative to Orthotics
Heel cups provide additional support and can be beneficial for children experiencing heel pain. They work by cushioning the heel, absorbing shock, and distributing pressure more evenly. They can be particularly useful for children who are very active, as they help prevent heel pain from repetitive stress.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
- 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
- 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.
Choosing the right shoes and encouraging regular stretching can dramatically ease your child’s pain. Make stretching a fun and consistent part of their routine—you’ll see the difference!
