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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s interesting because I have read articles by other podiatrists about the benefits of minimalist foot wear for all types of foot pain. The premise being that if you provide external support in shoes, the muscles in the feet will atrophy and chronic problems will ensue. If a person goes barefoot or wears “barefoot” or minimalist shoes (no heel drop or toe rise, a wide toe box and flexible sole), their feet can develop strength throughout the feet and legs and prevent foot pain and injury. It makes sense to me, so how do you counter that logic?
Hello Carol,
Thank you for sharing. That statement makes sense to me as well, but I have seen several cases of children with foot and leg pain in which we were able to significantly reduce, and in most cases fully eliminate their pain by wearing supportive shoes. Minimalist shoes don’t help prevent or treat foot pain.
Let’s take a flat footed child as an example. Have you ever seen how the feet of a flat footed child look like? They either tend to collapse inwards or outwards. This affects the child’s overall posture, which usually leads to foot and leg pain. If that child is fitted in a pair of supportive shoes (and in some cases orthotics), you will notice how the child’s feet will look straighter, which will improve the child’s overall posture. I have written several articles about this. I have seen hundreds of children with foot conditions benefit from wearing supportive shoes, yet I have never seen a case where a child with foot issues benefited from wearing minimalist shoes.
I’m obviously not a child. But lately the bottom of my feet have been hurting every now and then. I work security and for my job, we walk about 5 miles during an 8 hour shift…and it’s all on hard concrete floors. I also play soccer 3 days a week and that can get rough since my cleats are old. I currently have Asics GT-1000 5. I’m thinking of getting gel insoles or maybe newer shoes..but i dont know what brand or type o should get. Which would you recommend
Nick,
The Asics that you are wearing now are great supportive shoes. If you are having foot or leg pain, I would recommend a type of inserts I wear which is great for someone who is on his feet most of the day like you. You can find them in this post: Insoles For Flat Feet- Say Goodbye To Foot Pain
Try them! You will love the results!
Hey!
You know since I was a child I have always complained about my feet hurting. Especially my right one more then the left foot. I have always ignored in and even as an adult never considered something could be wrong or it could be the shoes causing the problem. Honestly in the summer I am known to wear cheap flip flops with no arch. I can see I have a small arch in both feet but maybe It’s not a normal arch? I may have to google some images and compare my arch to normal arches. I’m a Hair stylist and need to find me some good shoes to stand in all day. What shoes would you recommend for standing? Maybe some that could work in the gym too?
Britni,
Maybe you have a low arch, and all you need is a pair of good supportive shoes. Even if you don’t have a low arch,If you are having foot or leg pin, that is not normal and you should find a solution to this problem. For someone like you that is on her feet all day, you must wear good supportive shoes. Did you get a chance to read my women/kids’ shoe size conversion post?
You will find a selection of some of the most supportive, durable shoes for kids’ that you might be able to wear. If you are a women shoe size 8 1/2 or less, you will be able to wear kids’ sneakers, which means you will pay half of the price you will pay for a women sneaker, and you will get the same support and structure out of the shoe. The post is called: Women And Kids Shoe Size Conversion Chart – Save Big Buying Kids Shoes!
I have witnessed foot pain myself and I am amazed about what a difference a good fitting pair of supportive shoes can make.I always choose the New Balance brand for my kids since they have really wide feet. I know how a good pair of shoes will help with the foot pain! Do you have a list of the best shoes for kids’?
Savytek,
Yes, you will find a description of the best children’s shoes in terms of support and structure in this post: The Best Kids Sneakers – Learn About The Best Shoes For Children Ages 3 Through 10
Wearing the right type of shoe will keep our kids’ feet healthy and allow them to run around and play without feeling any foot or leg pain!
This is a very informative article, I had no idea that when a child has foot pain at the bottom of their foot that it can be attributed to them being flat footed. I had no idea that a built-in arch support would fix the problem, this is good to know. So if a child is experiencing foot pain as a result of being flat footed and then they get a pair of well fitting shoes with arch support, how long will it take for the pain to go away?
You will first try a pair of good supportive shoes for your child. If the pain doesn’t go away in two weeks, you should consider buying a pair of orthotics to put in your child’s shoes.
In certain cases, all the child needs is a pair of good supportive shoes. If you want to learn about the best shoes for children with arch support, you can find the information here: The Best Shoes With Arch Support – Stop Leg And Foot Pain!
Sorry, it’s me again commenting in your website. I just can’t get enough of your posts!
Just like you said many adult said “how lucky they would have been if their parents provided them with good supportive shoes while growing up!” So true, I am one of these people who wished to have better shoes while growing up. I had an issue about my child complaining about his feet hurting.
My child has been complaining about foot pain for a month now! I noticed how the shoes he was wearing were very soft. I ordered the New Balance pair you recommend with shoe laces, and he stopped complaining about the pain! I love it, I really appreciate your information and your passion for what you do.
I am glad the pain stopped. Keep an eye on him though, keep providing him with good, supportive shoes. Never underestimate the importance of well, fitting shoes. They make a huge difference!