Kids’ Shoes for Hemophilia – Supportive and Extra Padding Around the Ankles

February 14, 2022 Hemophilia Juan Pablo Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Do you have a child who has been diagnosed with hemophilia? Did you know that providing your child with the correct pair of shoes can help reduce the risk of ankle bleeds? Children with bleeding disorders who have foot and ankle problems do better with shoes that provide supportive outsoles to support the arch and firm heel counters to support the ankles. I will show you the best kids’ shoes for hemophilia based on my 10 years of shoe fitting experience.

What Role Do Shoes Play When It Comes To Treating Hemophilia?

Certain shoes will help keep your child’s feet in place and properly aligned, which can help prevent bleeds. Providing your child with shoes that provide the correct amount of support can also help reduce pain by stabilizing the joints and relieving load or stress during weight bearing.

When looking for shoes for your child with hemophilia, you need to consider the height of the heel, slope under toes, and support up through the ankles.

Can Children with Hemophilia Play Sports?

Children should be able to exercise, as it will help them develop stronger muscles and joints. However, children with hemophilia are at increased risk for bleeds when they participate in some contact sports.

It’s better if your child participates in non-contact physical activities such as swimming, bicycling, tennis, as they are most appropriate for children with hemophilia. However, your child can also participate in sports with limited contact.

Should Children with Hemophilia Wear High Top Shoes?

A lot of families assume that high top shoes provide better ankle and heel support, but this is not always the case.

HIgh tops don’t necessarily provide better ankle or heel support than regular sneakers. The goal is to find a shoe (high top or regular) that provides a firm heel counter with good padding.

When a family of a child with hemophilia walks in the shoe store looking for good shoes, I explain to them that the shoes need to provide these 4 key features:

  • Substantial Outsole: This feature helps support the child’s feet and keeps the feet in place and properly aligned, which can help prevent bleeds. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • Straight Lasts: This feature also helps to align the feet by preventing the forefoot from pushing out. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
children's-shoes-with-straight-lasts
  • Firm Heel Counter: The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that fits around the heel. A firm heel counter helps support the heels and prevents them from rolling inwards or outwards. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
  • Extra Cushion and Padding Around the Heels: This feature helps cushion and protect your child’s heels and ankles. Below you can find an image of a shoe that comes with extra padding and extra cushion around the heel area:

Where Can You Find Shoes that Provide these 4 Important Features?

I know which shoes provide these features from having tested and fitted several different shoe styles and shoe brands. However, before I show you a list of the best shoes for kids with hemophilia, you must know your child’s exact foot length and shape.

It is important to have a professional shoe fitter help you retrieve the right fit. I have been helping families get the right size (length and width) of their feet for many years. Shoe sizes vary by style and manufacturer. You can have your child’s feet measured, but this only gives you a guideline for what size to start with.

You should start by checking out a resource that I created that showcases the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state.

How Can I Retrieve My Child’s Shoe Size Online?

If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area, I suggest that you take a look at a resource I created where I describe the most effective and accurate way to determine your child’s foot shape and length from home.

Now that you know your child’s exact foot length and shape, and what features your kids’ shoes must provide, let’s take a look at the best kids’ shoes for hemophilia. 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.

Best Shoes for Kids with Hemophilia

All of the shoes that I recommend below are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), so make sure that you choose your child’s foot width accordingly.

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
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 KDZ 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 KDZ 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 Fresh Foam 650 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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 Fresh Foam 650 is available for little and big kids
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra 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 Shadow 6000 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
New-Balance-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
  • The New Balance shoe style 574 is available for little and 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 Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is available for 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 Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is available for 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

These shoes come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure, as shoelaces help provide better support and stability compared to velcro closure. Shoes with shoelaces are also more effective in securing the heel and ankle area.

Are You Unsure About What Shoe Will Work Best for Your Child’s Feet?

If you don’t know what shoe style to choose or if you are looking for a different shoe style for your child such as a seasonal shoe, I suggest that you leave me a message below or email me at:

[email protected]

Make Sure that Your Kids’ Shoes are Properly Tied!

This will help secure your child’s feet and prevent them from moving excessively inside the shoes. If your child’s foot is able to move too much inside the shoe your child won’t get the full support or stability that the shoes have to offer.

Try to get your children into the habit of untying their shoelaces when they take off their shoes. It’s easy to slip out of shoes without untying the knot, but you don’t want your child to put any more stress on a fragile ankle.

Should I Provide My Child with a Pair of Orthotics?

Children with hemophilia might also need to wear orthotics to help improve their foot posture and walking gait. Orthotics can be very effective in preventing heel and ankle bleeds by keeping the feet properly aligned. However, I usually suggest that you start by trying a pair of supportive shoes and monitor your child’s progress.

Final Thoughts

It’s important that you take care of your kids’ feet and ankles from an early stage. Try to avoid shoes or socks with tight seams that might rub your child’s skin. I suggest that you provide your child with a pair of seamless socks.

Let me know in the comment section below if you have any questions or if you have found a specific shoe or orthotic that worked well for your child with hemophilia.