How to Tie Shoes for Heel Pain – The Most Effective Way!

Heel pain in children is more common than you might think. It can be caused by various factors, including growth spurts, excessive physical activity, or improper footwear. I’m a dedicated shoe fitter with years of experience in fitting children’s shoes, and I’ve learned from my co-worker, who has over 20 years of expertise, the best techniques for tying shoes to alleviate heel pain. A snug, secure fit is key to relieving heel pain and ensuring the shoes stay in place during activities.

How to Tie Shoes for Heel Pain in 3 Simple Steps

The heel lock technique, also known as the “reverse the laces technique”, is excellent for providing extra support around the heel.

Start by lacing your kids’ shoes as you would normally do but leave the first top two holes (eyelets) of the shoes unlaced.
Loop the lace through the top hole first as shown in the image below.
Loop the lace through the hole that we left open and make sure you tie them properly.

I have found this shoe tying method to be the most effective one since it pushes the feet back, secures the heels against the back of the shoes, and allows children to get the full support from the shoes. This technique is also extremely effective for children who wear orthotics or heel cups inside the shoes.

The idea is to tie your kids’ shoes so they are tight enough to cushion and support your child’s heels, without being so tight that they feel uncomfortable. One common concern parents seem to have is how their kids’ shoelaces keep coming untie all the time. I recommend staying away from flat shoelaces, since they tend to become untied pretty quickly.

Getting Durable Shoelaces for Your Child’s Shoes

Selecting the right shoelaces is just as important as choosing the right lacing technique. Durable shoelaces can withstand the wear and tear of daily activities, ensuring that your child’s shoes remain securely fastened.

Pink oval laces for kids.
Navy blue oval laces for kids.
  • Order these shoelaces made by GREATLACES on Amazon
  • Packing contains two pairs of laces
  • Order the correct lace length by counting how many eyelets (shoe holes) your child’s shoes have
  • Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links

How to Check If Your Child Is Wearing Supportive Shoes

This shoe lacing technique will only be effective as long as your child is wearing supportive shoes with firm heel counters. We can simply check this by pressing on the heel counter of the shoes. Always make sure that the heel counter of the shoe feels firm instead of soft. The firmer the heel counter is, the better heel support that it provides.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
When shopping for shoes, press on the heel counter—the back part of the shoe—to ensure it is firm and offers adequate support.

Helpful Resources for Children with Heel Pain

Apart from ensuring your child’s shoes are tied correctly, there are other remedies and resources available to help alleviate heel pain.

Importance of Supportive Footwear

Supportive sneakers with firm heel counters can provide the stability and cushioning necessary to reduce strain on the heel. This is particularly important for active children who participate in sports, as the right shoes can prevent injuries and enhance performance. For seasonal footwear, consider sandals with extra cushion and padding right below the heels.

Use of Heel Cups

Heel cups can provide additional support and cushioning. They can be placed inside the shoe to help distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the heel.

For more helpful resources on children’s footwear and heel pain remedies, feel free to explore my website or contact me directly.

Contact Me with Any Questions

If you have any questions or need personalized advice on choosing the right footwear for your child’s heel pain, don’t hesitate to contact me. My goal is to help you find the best solutions for your child’s foot health.

Heel pain in children can be challenging, but with the right approach to shoe tying and footwear, you can significantly improve your child’s comfort.