Heel Cups for Kids – How to Stop Heel Pain

January 5, 2023 Heel Cups Juan Pablo Valenzuela 26 - Comments

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. If your medical professional recommends a pair of supportive shoes and heel cups but didn’t specify which models to get, then you came to the right place.

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.

The most effective method in treating and reducing your kids’ heel pain is by wearing supportive shoes and heel cups. I have fitted several heel cups for children with heel pain, but there is one that has proven to be the most effective one.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time here is a list of the most effective heel cups for kids with heel pain.

What Makes the Heel Cups I Recommend Effective for Kids with Heel Pain?

1️⃣ The heel cup I recommend offers superior shock absorption, protects the heel, and prevents foot fatigue. 

2️⃣ The heel cup acts as a shock absorber for your child’s feet as it provides multi-layers of cushion as shown in the image below:

This is one of the most advanced shock-absorbing heel cups available today and will significantly reduce or fully eliminate your child’s heel pain.

If the heel cups I recommend are paired up with a pair of supportive shoes your child’s heel pain will be significantly reduced or fully eliminated. Before I show you the best heel cups for kids, I want to first explain what is causing your child’s heel pain.

What Is Causing Your Child’s Heel Pain? – Let’s Find Out!

Most children’s heel pain is caused by the repeated minor trauma that occurs when they are performing high-impact activities, such as running and jumping. Soccer, basketball, and gymnastics are some of the sports where children put a lot of stress on their feet and legs. This repeated trauma caused by your children’s feet impacting the floor, can be significantly reduced by wearing a pair of heel cups along with supportive shoes.

Children are always running and jumping, and some of them are involved in sports that require high-impact movements. Did you know that without treatment, heel pain associated with Sever’s Disease may last several years? Some parents tend to confuse the term plantar fasciitis and Sever’s disease.

Let me explain the difference so parents can understand it better and figure out which one of the two their child might be experiencing.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is another common cause of heel pain in children, but the main difference with Sever’s disease is that children with plantar fasciitis generally experience the most pain at the beginning of an activity. The pain then starts dissipating and eventually will go away after 10-15 minutes. However, in Sever’s disease, the pain tends to increase with activity.

Other contributing factors why children experience heel pain are believed to be excessive pronation and being overweight.

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. Sever’s disease is caused by muscle strain and repetitive stress on the foot, which can be reduced by wearing heel cups along with supportive shoes. It can be defined as an inflammation in the heel’s growth plate, an injury to a child’s foot that is still developing.

Young athletes and children who have problems with pronation such as flat feet are at the highest risk. Sever’s Disease usually occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14, which is still the stage during which children’s bones are still growing and the growth plates have not ossified. Although it can affect both heels, it normally affects just one.

Sever’s disease tends to cause pain and tenderness along the heel when walking or standing, and the heel becomes painful when touched.

child-with-heel-pain

I only write reviews of shoes and heel cups that I have fitted before, so I can personally assess how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how well they fit. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best heel cups for kids.

The Best Heel Cups for Kids

Tuli’s Heel Cups are the #1 Podiatrist recommended heel cups in the world. Below you can find the best heel cups for kids that will help treat and prevent your child’s heel pain. 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.

  • Ideal to treat and prevent general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, excessive pronation, Achilles tendonitis
  • Innovative multi-cell, multi-layer waffle pattern design, helps to absorb impact pressure (shock) and return impact energy back to the feet
  • The extra cushion this heel cup includes reduces and prevents sore heels and shin splints
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Choosing the Correct Heel Cup Size for Your Child – Get it Right!

Small Size– Best for children under 80 lbs. Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6.

Regular Size – Men’s shoe sizes 7 and under. Women’s shoe sizes 9 and under. (Weight up to 175 lbs.). Fits big kid shoe size 6 and above.

Large Size – Men’s shoe sizes 8 and up. Women’s shoe sizes 10 and up. (Weight over 175 lbs.)

This heel cup 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. I have tested several different heel cups, and nothing works better or lasts longer than Tuli’s Heel Cups. They are perfect for children who are involved in high-impact activities and sports.

Tuli’s Double-Ribbed Heavy Duty Heel Cups provide the following features:

  • Absorbs shock
  • Returns energy
  • Reduces pain
  • Enhances performance

In addition, if fitted in a good pair of supportive shoes, this heel cup will instantly relieve pain from:

  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Heel spurs
  • Shin splints
  • Achilles tendonitis

What Are Other Parents Saying About These 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.

Shoes for Heels Cups – Deep and Supportive!

For your children to get the full benefits that this heel cup has to offer you need to provide them with a pair of supportive shoes. The correct type of shoes will help reduce the impact and strain on the developing bone and muscle structure of kids’ feet.

The shoe must provide good cushioning in the footbed, shock absorption around the heel area, and support in the outsole.

Below I show you a selection of the deepest and most supportive kids’ shoes for a child that is experiencing heel pain and needs a heel cup. These shoes are made from high-quality materials, with great arch and ankle support.

Best Shoes to Fit Heel Cups

Take a look at the description below each shoe to find out whether it can fit your child’s foot shape (medium, wide, extra wide).

New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in laces and velcro
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Stride Rite shoe style Elliot is available for toddlers
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • The Stride Rite shoe style Emilia is available for toddlers
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Timberland-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Timberland shoe style Tracks is available for toddlers
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
  • Water-friendly
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 574 is available for toddlers
  • Available in velcro and laces
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 990V6 is available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Available in velcro and laces
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
orthopedic-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Genuine leather and breathable mesh
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
orthopedic-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Memo shoe style Gabi is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Genuine leather and breathable mesh
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and stabilization 
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Saucony-shoe-for-a-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Saucony-shoe-for-a-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for toddlers
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Timberland-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Timberland shoe style Bootie fits toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle
  • Water-friendly
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
orthopedic-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The Memo shoe style Princessa fits toddlers and little kids
  • Double velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an ORTHOPEDIC shoe
  • Rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Saucony-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Compression molded EVA footbed for comfort
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 is available for little and big kids
  • Velcro closure
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Synthetic and mesh upper
  • Heel grid system for stable cushioning
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Available in laces
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-toddler-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 2002 is available for toddlers and little kids
  • Available in laces
  • Fits children with medium and wide feet
  • Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style DynaSoft v5 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
orthopedic-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Memo shoe style Polo is available for little and big kids
  • Triple velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an orthopedic shoe
  • Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
orthopedic-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Memo shoe style Chicago is available for little and big kids
  • Triple velcro straps
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • This is an orthopedic shoe
  • Thermoplastic rigid heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style Coco is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Adidas-high-top-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Adidas shoe style Own the Game 2.0 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Adidas-high-top-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Adidas shoe style Cross Em Up Select is available for little kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Non-marking outsole
  • Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned footbed
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Kinvara LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned footbed
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Saucony-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The Saucony shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style FuelCell Rebel v3 is available for big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 327 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 527 is available for little and big kids
  • Lace-up closure
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Suede and mesh upper
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size

Once we eliminate the painful symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is important that you emphasize to your child the importance of stretching often, especially before and after vigorous exercise! You should also keep investing in supportive shoes.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

I recommend shoes that come with shoelaces 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

Is your child suffering from heel pain? Have you tried this heel cup before? Please share your experiences below so other parents can benefit from them.