How to Prevent the Heel from Slipping Out of the Shoe – Follow These Easy Steps!
Have you ever noticed your child’s feet slipping out of their shoes when they are walking or running? Are your children complaining that their heels keep coming out of their shoes? Do you feel like no matter what shoe style you buy for your child there seems to be a gap around the heel area? Heel slippage is the worst! Let me show you how to prevent the heel from slipping out of the shoe.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, you can go straight to the guidance on how to prevent the heel from slipping out of the shoe.
Heel Slippage Leads to Discomfort and Foot Issues
The most common issue that children face when their heels slip out of the shoes is blisters, due to the constant friction between the feet and the shoes.
When your kids’ heels slip out of the shoes, their feet are more exposed and prone to developing foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. Your children will also be at higher risk of developing serious injuries as shoes that slip off can compromise your child’s stability, exposing your children to falling and getting hurt. In addition, shoes that slip off your child’s feet can lead to foot and leg pain, as your child is not getting the proper amount of ankle support from the shoes.
What Are the Most Common Reasons Your Child’s Heels Slip Out of the Shoes?
These are the 3 most common reasons why your child’s heels might keep slipping out of the shoes.
1️⃣ The first one is that the shoes that you got for your child might be too wide around the heel area.
2️⃣ The second one is that your child might have narrow heels.
3️⃣ The third one is that your child might not be pulling the shoelaces or velcro straps of the shoes tight enough.
If you want to prevent your child’s heels from slipping out of the shoes, there are certain steps that you need to follow. Let me show you the 3 most important proven steps that you need to take to prevent heel slippage.
How to Prevent Heel Slippage – The 3 Proven and Most Effective Methods
1️⃣ Make sure your child is wearing the correct shoe size
One of the most common reasons why children experience heel slippage is from wearing shoes that are too large or too wide.
I always recommend parents take their children to their local children’s shoe store that they trust. The issue is that most stores have been closing down and parents have to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
For your convenience, I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
2️⃣ Pull the shoelaces or the velcro straps comfortably tight
If the shoelaces or velcro straps of the shoes are too loose, this can allow for too much foot movement inside the shoes and your child’s heels will move up and down the shoes.
Don’t be afraid of pulling the velcro straps or the shoelaces tightly, as you won’t hurt your child’s feet. Some parents believe that if they make the shoelaces or velcro closure too tight they might cut their child’s circulation.
If your children are not pulling the shoelaces or velcro closure tightly their stability will be compromised and they also won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer in terms of support.
3️⃣ Try a tongue pad inside the shoes
Try using a tongue pad inside the shoes. A tongue pad is an adhesive-backed pad that fits in the tongue of the shoes and they work pretty much in all enclosed shoes. Tongue pads work great especially for kids that have narrow heels and always have a hard time finding shoes that fit.
Once you fit a tongue pad inside your kids’ shoes, it will push your kids’ heels back, securing them against the back of the shoes. This will fill any remaining gaps around the heels.
If you want to try a tongue pad inside your kids’ shoes you can learn more about them in that article.
If you try these steps and your child’s heels are still coming out of the shoes, then you will have to replace your kids’ shoes and find one that comes with a narrower heel. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
Let me show you which are the best shoe styles for kids with narrow heels that will prevent heel slippage.
I only write reviews of shoe styles that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. 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.
The Best Shoes for Kids with Narrow Heels
Shoes that come with shoelaces are always going to be more effective in reducing heel slippage. If your children have a medium width foot with narrow heels, these are the best types of shoes that will fit the shape of their feet.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- 100% leather made
- Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip
- Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Leather Sneaker by Stride Rite
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- 100% leather made
- Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip
- Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Rokky by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Padded collar and tongue for superior comfort
- Dual hook-and-loop strap for a snug fit
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 39050 by Primigi
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 39476 by Primigi
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Padded collars
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Falcotto Amantea VL AW22 by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Padded collars
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Falcotto Adam VL by New Balance
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro straps
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 28553 by Primigi
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lightweight and flexible
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort to child’s feet
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style GT-1000 by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort
- GEL Technology – Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GT-1000 by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort
- GEL Technology – Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 PS by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GT-1000 11 PS by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Velcro closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Novablast 2 GS by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable insoles
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Noosa Tri 15 GS by New Balance
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Infused gel for extra cushion and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Gel-Noosa TRI by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Cumulus 25 GS by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT by Saucony
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style JOLT 4 Grade by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Technology Cushioning System lessens the amount of shock during impact
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
The Best Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet and Narrow Heels
If your child has wide feet with narrow heels, below you can find the best type of shoes that will fit the shape of your child’s feet.
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Roav by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LLT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style FuelCell Rebel by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Now that you know the 3 most effective ways on how to prevent the heel from slipping out of the shoe, you are ready to make a better and more informed decision.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly through the comments section or via email if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child.
Do you know of a good-fitting children’s shoe store in your area? Kindly let us know which specialized children’s shoe stores are available in your area so that other parents within the same area acknowledge this useful information.