Prevent Blisters in Feet – The Best Shoes to Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy!
Is your child constantly getting blisters, especially around the heels or toes? If so, it might be a sign that their current shoes don’t fit properly. Blisters are usually caused by friction between the shoe and the skin—often due to poor fit, low-quality materials, or going sockless. To help prevent blisters in your child’s feet, the most important step is making sure they’re wearing the correct shoe size. Choosing shoes with extra cushioning and padding can also make a big difference in reducing pressure points and keeping your child’s feet comfortable and blister-free.
The 3 Most Common Reasons Children Develop Blisters
Reason 1: Poorly Fitting Shoes. Shoes that are too small can cramp your child’s toes, causing them to rub against each other or the sides of the shoe. On the flip side, shoes that are too big allow the feet to slide around, creating constant friction—and that’s a recipe for blisters. Getting the right fit is key to keeping your child’s feet comfortable and blister-free.
Reason 2: Cheap, Stiff, or Unbreathable Shoes. Low-quality shoes often lack flexibility and breathability, making them uncomfortable and hot. When feet can’t breathe properly, they sweat more—and sweaty skin is softer and far more prone to blisters.
Reason 3: Going Sockless. Socks act as a protective barrier between your child’s feet and their shoes. They help prevent blisters, calluses, and even corns. Even if your child resists wearing socks, it’s important to explain why they should wear them every time they put on shoes.
How to Prevent Blisters in Feet by Choosing the Right Shoes
Some shoes are designed with superior breathability, cushioning, and support—keeping your child’s feet comfortable, cool, and protected all day long.
Does Your Child Have a Complicated Foot Shape?
Children with narrow or wide feet are more likely to develop blisters, especially if their shoes don’t fit just right. Sweaty feet can make things worse—when moisture builds up, the skin softens and becomes more vulnerable to friction. On top of that, damp, dark shoes create the perfect environment for bacteria. If your child already has a small cut or blister, it could easily lead to an infection. That’s why keeping feet dry and properly supported is so important.
Best Kids’ Shoes to Prevent Blisters – Breathable and Cushioned
Here’s a list of my top recommendations for kids’ shoes that can accommodate different foot shapes and provide extra cushion in targeted areas of the feet. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance shoes for kids offer extra cushion and padding to help prevent the formation of blisters.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. See Kai Russell and Robyne. These See Kai Run wide shoes feature extra depth and wide toe boxes for children with wide feet and high insteps. The double Velcro straps allow for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are the best New Balance shoes to prevent blisters and they are available with Velcro or laces. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
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 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
4. Ikiki Shoes. These shoes are a fantastic option for kids with wide feet and high insteps. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on your child’s toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
- Synthetic Vegan Leather
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane. This Mary Jane features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for growing feet, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on the child’s toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Lucia by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes.s.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes provide extra cushion and padding. Parents like these shoes because they are offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas. These Adidas wide shoes are a great option for kids who love stylish footwear from a well-known, popular brand—without compromising on comfort and fit.
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
9. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes with deep toe-box are ideal to help prevent blisters and other foot issues. Families appreciate how these shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite wide shoes provide extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s foot shape.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect shoe can make a world of difference. If you’re unsure about which shoes are best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations. As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help guide you to the best choices tailored to your child’s specific foot shape and needs.
If your child already has a blister, let them go barefoot around the house as much as possible—this gives the blister a chance to breathe and heal more quickly.
The Importance of Wearing Breathable Socks
Beyond choosing the right shoes, wearing breathable socks is essential in preventing blisters. Breathable socks wick away moisture, keeping feet dry and comfortable. Access my special resource for a list of recommended socks that complement blister-free shoes.
