Best Soccer Shoes for Kids with Ankle Pain

March 23, 2025 Shoes with Ankle Support Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your child experiencing ankle pain during soccer practice or games? Ankle sprains are the most common injury in youth soccer, and kids are especially prone due to the sport’s fast direction changes, running on uneven surfaces, speed variations, and landing from jumps. In this guide, I’ll share the best soccer shoes for kids with ankle pain, designed to provide the support and protection they need to stay safe and comfortable on the field. The most important feature we need to look for: firm heel counters.

The most common reasons why children experience ankle pain are:

  • Ankle sprains, which can happen from sudden twists or falls
  • Heel pain, commonly caused by Sever’s Disease, which affects growing feet
  • Stress fractures, often a result of repetitive impact or overuse during play

Why Firm Heel Counters Matter

One of the most critical features to look for in soccer shoes for kids with ankle pain is a firm heel counter. The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that provides support to the heel and ankle. A firm heel counter stabilizes the foot, reducing unnecessary movement that can lead to pain or injury. It helps keep the foot aligned, offering better control and reducing the risk of sprains.

How Supportive Soccer Shoes Help Prevent Ankle Pain

Certain soccer shoes can help reduce the risk of injury, improve balance, increase confidence, and enhance game performance. Supportive soccer shoes that are fitted correctly can significantly reduce stress being placed on the ligaments of your child’s ankles.

A child with heel pain.

What Cleats Have the Best Ankle Support?

1. Firm Heel Counters: I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: The heel counter, located at the back of the shoe, plays a crucial role in supporting your child’s heels and ankles. To test its effectiveness, try pressing on the heel counter area of your child’s current soccer shoes. This simple exercise will give you a clear idea of whether their shoes are offering the necessary ankle support or if it’s time to look for a better option.

Soccer shoe with a firm heel counter for kids with heel pain.
An image showcasing a soccer cleat with a firm heel counter, designed to provide excellent ankle support and stability.

Feature Two: Targeted Cushion and Padding Below the Heels. Cushioning and padding below the heels can make a significant difference in comfort and support. This feature helps absorb shock during running and jumping, reducing strain on the ankles. Look for soccer shoes that have extra cushioning in this area to help alleviate discomfort.

kids'-shoes-with-targeted-heel-support
An image highlighting the difference in cushioning below the heels between two kids’ shoes, showing how extra padding can improve comfort and support.

Feature Three: Extra Cushion and Padding Around the Heels. Extra padding around the heels provides an added layer of comfort and protection. This feature can help prevent blisters and provide additional support to the ankle joint, making it easier for kids to focus on the game rather than their discomfort.

A comparison of two soccer cleats, with the one on the right offering extra padding and cushioning below the heels to reduce impact and boost comfort with every step.

I recommend avoiding soccer shoes that prioritize lightweight speed and instead focus on finding shoes with a firm, supportive heel counters and cushioned insoles. These features are essential for protecting your child’s ankles and providing the stability they need on the field. Disclosure: We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click our affiliate links and make a purchase.

My Top Supportive Soccer Cleat Recommendations in 2025

Based on my experience as a shoe fitter, here are some of my top recommendations for supportive soccer cleats for kids with ankle pain in 2025.

1. 442 V2 Academy by New Balance

These are some of the best soccer cleats for ankle pain as the cleats have a reinforced heel counter to enhance stability and support, crucial for maintaining proper foot alignment.

Supportive New Balance soccer cleat for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style 442 V2 Academy by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feet
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Goletto VIII by Adidas

These supportive soccer cleats for kids are offered at a reasonable price point and provide good cushion and padding around and below the heels.

Supportive Adidas in black and pink soccer cleat for kids.
Supportive Adidas soccer cleat in navy blue for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Adidas shoe style Goletto VIII on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned heels
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Zephz

These are the best soccer cleats for kids with foot issues and wide feet as they are available in wide widths and offer superior cushioning to minimize impact, ensuring comfort even during intense play.

Zephz red soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.
Zephz soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style by Zephz on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra padding around the ankles
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Furon Dispatch by New Balance

These New Balance soccer cleats provide firm heel counters and are capable of fitting children with medium or wide feet. The shoe incorporates cushioned insoles to reduce heel pressure, providing relief during active play.

Supportive New Balance kids soccer cleat for kids with wide feet.
  • Order the shoe style Furon Dispatch by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Predator by Adidas

These Adidas soccer shoes for kids are durable, supportive, and provide a stable heel counter to support the foot, essential for maintaining alignment and reducing heel pain.

Supportive Adidas Predator style for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Predator by Adidas on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

You can give your child the most supportive shoes on the market, but if they aren’t properly fitted for length and width, they won’t experience all the benefits those shoes have to offer. That’s why I’ve created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you easily determine your child’s perfect shoe size from the comfort of your home.

Apply This Amazing Shoe Lacing Technique

Start by lacing the shoes as usual, but leave the top two eyelets (holes) unlaced.
Take the shoelaces and thread them through the top eyelets (holes) first.
Take the shoelaces and thread them through the eyelets you left open.

If your child is wearing properly fitted supportive soccer shoes but still experiencing ankle pain, adding sport insoles can make a big difference. Insoles provide extra support and stability, helping to reduce discomfort and improve performance on the field.

Best Sport Insoles for Kids with Ankle Pain

The sports insoles I recommend are ideal for soccer practices and games ensuring your child’s feet stay comfortable and supported.

Sport Insole by Superfeet

Superfeet is a trusted brand offering sport insoles designed to support children with foot pain, providing the essential comfort and stability for various foot conditions.

Blue Superfeet insoles for kids with foot pain.
  • Order the blue insoles made by Superfeet on Amazon
  • Deep heel cups help position the heel to naturally absorb and soften impact from the ground
  • Stabilizer cap acts as the base of the insole that supports the rearfoot
  • These insoles can be trimmed to perfectly fit inside your kid’s shoes

Sport Insole by KidSole

KidSole is a top choice for affordable, high-quality children’s sport insoles. Designed for active kids, these insoles provide excellent support and comfort for soccer games, ensuring your child can play their best without foot pain.

KidSole sports insole for kids with foot pain.
  • Order the red sport insoles made by KidSole on Amazon
  • Medical-grade lightweight PU foam for active kids with heel and arch issues
  • Blue Poron grip pads to prevent slipping inside shoes
  • Trim-to-fit design for easy, customizable sizing

Contact Me for Specific Soccer Cleat Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect pair of soccer cleats may require personalized recommendations. As a shoe fitter, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out to me for specific soccer cleat recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and condition. With years of experience, I can provide insights and suggestions that go beyond generic advice, ensuring a perfect match for your child’s needs.

Bonus Resource: Everyday Sneakers for Kids with Ankle Pain

While soccer cleats are essential for games, everyday sneakers are just as important for maintaining foot health. Choosing the right everyday shoes can provide continuous support and comfort. Look for sneakers with similar features such as firm heel counters and extra cushioning. These features are not only beneficial during sports but also crucial for daily activities, ensuring that your child’s feet are well-supported at all times.

Do Expensive Cleats Offer Better Support?

More expensive cleats don’t automatically translate into better cleats for your child. The most expensive soccer shoe will not make for a better player or prevent injuries, but proper fit and comfort will. 

Children often just want the newest and coolest pair of shoes. If your child wants to wear fashionable soccer shoes instead of supportive ones, they have a right to do so, just keep in mind that they might continue dealing with their ankle pain.

If your child is complaining about ankle pain I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with your medical professional to find out whether your child is dealing with an injury and determine the proper treatment.