Heel Cups for Kids – How to Stop Heel Pain

Has your child been complaining about heel pain and been diagnosed with Sever’s disease or plantar fasciitis? These are two of the most frequent causes of heel pain in children, but your child’s heel pain can also be exacerbated by other factors such as high-impact activities or wearing improper footwear. If your doctor has recommended supportive shoes and heel cups but didn’t specify which models to choose, you’re in the right place. I’ll guide you through the two most effective heel cups for kids with heel pain.

The Importance of Being Proactive

I want to start by clarifying that foot and leg pain is never normal, and I always recommend parents to be proactive when it comes to treating their kids’ foot conditions to prevent the issue from getting worse. Stop ignoring your child’s heel pain – it is not normal and there are steps to take to reduce and eliminate the pain.

An image of a child experiencing heel pain from wearing unsupportive shoes.

What Is Causing Your Child’s Heel Pain?

Heel pain in children is often linked to their growth and development. During growth spurts, various conditions can arise that might affect the feet and heels.

Young athletes and children who have problems with pronation such as flat feet are at the highest risk. Two common conditions that cause heel pain are Sever’s disease and plantar fasciitis.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is by far the most common cause of heel pain in children. In Sever’s disease, the pain tends to increase with activity and it usually occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Although it can affect both heels, it normally affects just one.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

This condition is characterized by heel pain that is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest. With plantar fasciitis, children generally experience the most pain at the beginning of an activity. The pain then starts dissipating and eventually goes away after 10-15 minutes.

Both of these conditions can be treated and prevented by wearing heel cups along with supportive shoes.

Child with heel pain must wear a pair of supportive shoes.
An image of a child complaining about heel pain.

How Heel Cups Can Help

Heel cups are a practical solution for children experiencing heel pain. They are designed to provide cushioning and support, which can alleviate discomfort and promote healing. By redistributing pressure and providing a supportive environment, heel cups can significantly enhance a child’s comfort during activities.

Heel pain doesn’t have to sideline your child. With the right approach, including the use of heel cups and supportive footwear, your child can enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle. 

What Makes the Heel Cups I Recommend Effective?

The heel cups I recommend provide several features that make them highly effective in managing heel pain.

1. Extra Cushion and Padding: The heel cups that I recommend offer superior shock absorption to protect the heels and prevent foot fatigue. This feature is particularly beneficial for active children who engage in sports or other high-impact activities.

An image of a pair of Tuli’s heel cups for kids with heel pain.

2. Support: The heel cups offer essential support to stabilize the heel, helping to prevent further injury. By maintaining proper alignment, they can aid in reducing the tension that contributes to heel pain.

An image of Tuli’s heel cups with multi-layers of cushion to provide shock absorption.

3. Comfort: Made from soft, flexible materials, these heel cups conform to the shape of the foot for enhanced comfort. This adaptability ensures that children can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.

When selecting heel cups for your child, it’s essential to consider their unique foot shape and condition. As a shoe fitter, I provide personalized recommendations to ensure that each child receives the most suitable support. 

The Best Heel Cups for Kids with Heel Pain

These heel cups provide additional cushioning and support to your child’s heels, reducing stress and alleviating pain. They are a non-invasive option that can be easily incorporated into your child’s current shoes (as long as they are supportive). Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Tuli’s Heel Cups

A pair of Tuli's heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
  • Ideal for treating and preventing general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, excessive pronation, Achilles tendonitis
  • 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.

This heel cup by Tuli’s acts as a shock absorber for your children’s feet. I have fitted this heel cup in several different children’s shoes, and in most cases, the pain was significantly reduced or eliminated.


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
  • This product is specifically designed for active kids who need additional heel comfort and protection
  • Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.

This heel cup by KidSole is specifically designed for children who suffer from Sever’s disease, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, ankle pain, or just heel pain in general.

Feedback from Families Who Already Tried the Heel Cups

Hearing from other families can be invaluable when deciding on a treatment option for your child’s heel pain. Testimonials provide real-world insights into the effectiveness of heel cups, helping you make an informed decision. Here’s what some families have said about using heel cups:

heel-cups-review
heel-cups-review
heel-cups-review

Keep in mind that once you fit a heel cup in your kids’ shoes, it might raise your kids’ feet, giving them the impression that their feet are coming out of the shoes. To prevent this from happening, you need to provide your child with a pair of shoes that come with extra depth for the heel cup to fit deeply inside the shoes.

The Role of Supportive Shoes

In addition to heel cups, wearing the right shoes is vital for addressing heel pain. Shoes that are deep and supportive can complement the benefits of heel cups and enhance their effectiveness. Selecting the right shoes involves considering the child’s foot shape, activity level, and specific needs. 

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

This style offers a deep, supportive heel cup and excellent cushioning, making it ideal for children with heel pain. 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. Hoka Clifton

These Hoka shoes for heel pain are a popular choice for their comfort and versatility. They are suitable for everyday wear, from school days to high-impact and sports activities.

Hoka Clifton for kids.
Hoka Clifton model for boys and girls.

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

3. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for heel pain are compatible with heel cups and offer ample support. The shoe’s construction focuses on providing a secure fit, essential for children with heel issues.

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 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

4. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

These are some of the best basketball shoes for heel pain as they provide firm heel counters and extra cushion and padding below the heels. The versatility of the shoe makes it 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

5. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These Asics shoes for heel pain provide ankle support and are capable of fitting children with narrow or medium feet. Asics manufactures shoes with infused gel that helps cushion and protect the feet.

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

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance

These New Balance gym sneakers for heel pain are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around gym shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.

New Balance running shoe for girls.
Red New Balance running shoe for boys.

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

7. Shoe Style Mach by Hoka

For kids who require extra cushioning, the Mach by Hoka is an excellent choice. Its plush midsole provides superior shock absorption, while the lightweight design ensures ease of movement.

Hoka Mach for kids.
Hoka shoe style Mach for boys and girls.

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

8. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance

These are some of the best shoes for kids with heel pain as they offer a blend of style and functionality. These shoes are designed for both casual wear and athletic performance, making them versatile options for kids. 

New Balance kids running shoes.

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

9. Shoe Style Contend by Asics

These supportive Asics shoes are designed with a focus on cushioning and support, making them ideal for running and other athletic activities.

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

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Contend 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

10. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony

These Saucony 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.

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

11. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics

These supportive running shoes by Asics feature a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper, making it ideal for various sports and activities.

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

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

12. Shoe Style 237 and 327 by New Balance

These New Balance gym shoes for kids are perfect for kids who want to make a fashion statement while enjoying the benefits of supportive footwear.

New Balance running shoes for girls.
New Balance running shoes for boys.

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

Customized Solutions for Your Child

Every child’s foot is unique, and as a shoe fitter, I am passionate about helping families choose the best options for their children. I encourage parents to contact me for specific shoe and heel cup recommendations tailored to their child’s unique foot shape and condition. Finding the right combination of shoes and heel cups can make a significant difference in alleviating heel pain.

The Importance of Pulling the Velcro Straps or Laces Tightly

Properly securing your child’s shoes is crucial when using heel cups. Ensuring that the Velcro straps or laces are pulled tightly can prevent excessive movement within the shoe, which can exacerbate pain or reduce the effectiveness of the heel cups. A snug fit helps maintain the position of the heel cup, allowing it to provide consistent support and cushioning.

I recommend shoes that come with laces since they provide better support and stability than Velcro closure. I suggest that you read a different article I wrote that describes the best shoe lacing technique for children who wear orthotics or heel cups inside their shoes.

Additional Reasons Your Child Might Have Heel Pain

While Sever’s disease and plantar fasciitis are common culprits, other factors can contribute to heel pain in children. These include:

  • Improper footwear: Shoes that do not provide adequate support or cushioning can contribute to heel pain. It’s crucial to choose shoes that fit well and offer proper support and cushioning, especially for active children.
  • Overactivity: Engaging in high-impact sports without proper conditioning can stress the heel and surrounding tissues, leading to pain. Ensuring your child warms up adequately before activities and gradually increases activity intensity can help prevent overuse injuries.
  • Obesity: Extra weight can increase pressure on the heel, leading to pain.
  • Flat feet or high arches: Structural foot differences can exacerbate heel pain, as they may alter the way pressure is distributed across the foot.

By understanding the causes of your child’s heel pain and implementing solutions like heel cups and supportive footwear, you can help your child stay active and pain-free.

While heel cups can be effective for managing heel pain in children, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Persistent or worsening pain should never be ignored, as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition. If your child’s heel pain persists or worsens despite using heel cups, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure your child receives the appropriate care and treatment.