Foot Pain in the Bottom of the Foot – Stop Your Child’s Foot Pain!

Is your child experiencing foot pain in the bottom of the foot, especially during running or sports? Foot pain in children is never normal and should never be ignored. One of the most common causes is flat feet, which can affect posture, gait, and overall mobility. In this post, I’ll show you the best supportive shoes to help relieve pain and improve your child’s foot alignment—so they can stay active and pain-free.

Causes of Foot Pain in the Bottom of the Foot

  • Flat Feet: Many children have flat feet, which means their arches are not as pronounced as they should be. This can cause the entire foot to make contact with the ground, leading to pain and discomfort. In some cases, flat feet are hereditary, while in others, they may develop due to improper footwear or excessive strain.
Image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing unsupportive shoes is the leading cause of foot pain in the bottom of the foot. I’ve seen many children referred by pediatricians or physical therapists walk into the shoe store in improper footwear—once properly fitted in supportive shoes, their pain often improved or disappeared entirely.
Baby boy Robeez shoes.
  • Overactivity: Engaging in sports or high-impact activities without proper footwear can strain the feet. Activities like running or jumping can exacerbate conditions or lead to new injuries if the feet are not properly supported.

Before and After: The Impact of Supportive Shoes

child-with-flat-feet
Here’s an image of a child with flat feet standing barefoot—notice how the arches collapse and the ankles roll inward? This inward tilt is a key sign of flat feet and can lead to pain and poor posture if left untreated.
child-with-flat-feet-wearing-unsupportive-shoes
Now look at the same child wearing two different pairs of shoes. In the first pair—unsupportive shoes—you can still see the feet collapsing and rolling inward.
supportive-shoes-with-straight-lasts-for-children-with-flat-feet
In the second picture, the child is wearing supportive shoes with a firm outsole and strong heel support, helping align the feet for straighter walking and running.

Never underestimate the power of properly fitting shoes—many common foot problems in children start with the wrong pair on their feet.

Key Features of Supportive Shoes

Feature One: Cushioning. Adequate cushioning absorbs shock and reduces the impact on your child’s feet during activities. Shoes with good cushioning can help protect the feet from the repetitive stress of walking, running, and jumping.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
Let’s take a look at the difference between a supportive shoe with a thick, stable outsole (one I recommend) and a flimsy shoe with a flat, unsupportive base. The contrast in structure can make a big impact on your child’s foot health.

Feature Two: Firm Heel Counters. Firm heel counters are key for strong ankle support—the firmer, the better! They help keep your child’s ankles properly aligned and prevent painful rolling inward or outward, keeping every step stable and secure.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
See the clear difference in heel and ankle support between one of my top shoe picks and another style. Always press the heel counter before buying—this simple test ensures your child gets the stability and support their feet need.

Feature Three: Proper Fit. Ensure the shoe fits well in length and width to accommodate the unique shape of your child’s foot. A well-fitting shoe should have enough room for the toes to move freely, without being too tight or too loose.

My Role as a Passionate Shoe Fitter

As a shoe fitter, my passion lies in helping families find the perfect pair of shoes for their children. I believe that the correct type of shoes can be life-changing, especially during the first seven years of a child’s life, which are considered the golden years of treatment opportunity. During this time, permanent structural changes in the foot and lower extremities can be relatively easy to obtain with supportive shoes and orthotics. My expertise allows me to make tailored recommendations that cater to each child’s unique needs, ensuring optimal comfort and support.

The right pair of shoes can make all the difference in preventing and alleviating foot pain in children. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Kids with Foot Pain in the Bottom of the Foot

Here are my top recommendations for supportive shoes that cater to various foot shapes and sizes.

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best shoes for kids with foot pain in the bottom of the foot. 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.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

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, black, and navy blue
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These orthopedic shoes for kids with foot problems 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 pronation.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These high-top supportive shoes for kids with pain in the bottom of their feet offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with foot issues such as flat feet.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers
  • You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for foot pain in kids combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with flat feet and overpronation.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony

These Saucony shoes for foot pain are ideal for treating foot conditions such as flat feet, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Supportive Saucony Cohesion for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Saucony kids Cohesion for girls with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These versatile New Balance shoes provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for kids with foot pain in the bottom of the foot and pronated feet are another great option for flat-footed children at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

These Adidas basketball shoes for overpronation offer great support for flat-footed kids. The versatility of these shoes make them suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

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

9. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These Asics running shoes are ideal for kids with flat feet who have a narrower foot shape.

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 style GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or 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

Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion

Every child’s foot is unique, and personalized recommendations can make a world of difference. If you’re unsure about the right shoe for your child, feel free to get in touch for a personalized suggestion tailored to your child’s foot shape. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

How to Determine Your Child’s Foot Shape and Shoe Size

Understanding your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and size is essential for selecting the right footwear. Here’s a simple method you can try at home to ensure a proper fit, which is crucial for comfort and support.

Is Your Child Still Complaining About Foot Pain?- Next Steps

If your child’s foot pain continues after wearing supportive shoes for 3 to 5 months, it may be time to consider orthotics. These specialized shoe inserts provide targeted cushioning, support, and stability while relieving pressure on key areas of the foot. Orthotics are especially helpful for children with flat feet, as they help correct walking and running mechanics—making it easier for their feet to absorb shock without straining muscles and joints.

The Secret to Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy

Foot pain in children is not uncommon, but it can be managed effectively with the right approach. By understanding the causes, investing in supportive footwear, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can ensure your child’s feet remain healthy and pain-free. Remember, the first seven years are crucial for setting the foundation of lifelong foot health, so take proactive steps to address any concerns early on. Early intervention and attention to foot health can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.