Sever’s Disease in Kids – STOP Your Kids’ Heel Pain!

Is your child walking or running differently? Complaining of heel pain? They may be dealing with Sever’s disease—a common condition in growing, active children. Despite the name, it’s not actually a disease but a temporary inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. As a children’s shoe fitter, I’ve seen firsthand how the right footwear and early intervention can ease pain and speed up recovery. The good news? With proper support, Sever’s disease in kids can be managed—and even prevented.

Stay Away From Unsupportive and Poor-Fitting Shoes

In recent years, physical therapists have seen a sharp rise in overuse injuries among children. While staying active has many benefits, too much activity—or wearing poorly fitted shoes—can lead to pain and injury. Shoes that lack proper support and cushioning often contribute to conditions like heel pain. If your child is experiencing discomfort, the first step is to let them rest the foot until the pain improves.

Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Kids with Sever’s Disease

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Key Feature One: Firm Heel Counters. A firm heel counter provides the stability needed to prevent excessive heel movement, reducing stress on the growth plate. When selecting shoes, ensure the heel counter is rigid and supportive to offer maximum protection.
supportive-shoe-for-children-with-flat-feet
Key Feature Two: Stable Base of Support. A stable base helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot, minimizing the impact on the heel. Shoes with a wide, flat base provide a solid foundation, helping to reduce discomfort and prevent further injury.
New Balance kids shoe with extra cushion and support right below the heels vs a shoe with no heel support.
Key Feature Three: Extra Padding and Cushion Below the Heels. Shoes with extra padding and cushioning beneath the heels can absorb shock and alleviate pain.

The Importance of Being Proactive

Being proactive in managing Sever’s disease is essential for minimizing the duration of symptoms and ensuring a quick recovery. Early intervention involves selecting the right footwear, incorporating specific exercises intodaily routines, and potentially using orthotics or heel cups for additional support. By taking these proactive steps, parents can help their children manage the condition effectively.

The Importance of Wearing Shoes in the Correct Size

Ensuring that shoes fit correctly is essential for preventing further injury. Shoes that are too loose can lead to excessive foot movement, while tight shoes can cause discomfort and restrict natural foot development. Regularly measuring your child’s feet and ensuring they wear the appropriate size is crucial for effective management of Sever’s disease.

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you find your child’s exact shoe size from home—including width (narrow to extra wide) and whether they have a high instep.

Below you can find a selection of the best shoes that prevent and help treat Sever’s disease in kids. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Kids with Sever’s Disease in 2025

As a shoe fitter, I am constantly on the lookout for the latest advancements in children’s footwear. Here are my top recommendations for shoes in 2025 that cater to kids with Sever’s Disease.

1. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance

These New Balance running shoes for Sever’s disease are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.

New Balance running shoe for girls.
Red New Balance running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for big kids
  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics

These supportive kids’ shoes for Sever’s disease feature a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper, making them ideal for kids with plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Supportive Asics Cumulus running shoe for girls.
Asics kids Cumulus supportive running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Cumulus by Asics on Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow or medium feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Mach by Hoka

These supportive shoes for heel pain provide a plush midsole with superior shock absorption, while the lightweight design ensures ease of movement.

Hoka Mach for kids.
Hoka shoe style Mach for boys and girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Mach by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available for big kids
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
  • Durable outsole with excellent traction
  • Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe Style 237 and 327 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for heel pain are perfect for kids who want to make a fashion statement while enjoying the benefits of supportive footwear.

New Balance running shoes for girls.
New Balance running shoes for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 237 and 327 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance

These are some of the best shoes for kids with Sever’s disease as they offer a blend of style and functionality. The shoes are designed for both casual wear and athletic performance, making them versatile options for kids with heel pain.

New Balance kids running shoes.
Supportive New Balance shoe for kids with heel pain.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 1906 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Hoka Clifton

These Hoka shoes for kids with Sever’s disease are a popular choice for their comfort and versatility. They are suitable for everyday wear, from school days to high-impact and sports activities.

Hoka Clifton for kids.
Hoka Clifton model for boys and girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Clifton by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Plush cushioning for all-day comfort
  • Supportive outsole
  • Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes

7. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These are some of the best running shoes for Sever’s disease as they have infused gel below the heels for extra support and stability.

Supportive red Asics shoes for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Asics running shoe for kids in mint color for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe GT-1000 by Asics on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available for little and big kids
  • Fits narrow or medium feet
  • Extra cushion and padding right below the heels
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

8. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony

These kids’ shoes for heel pain are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.

Saucony orange running shoes for kids.
Saucony teal running shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

9. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the absolute best shoes for kids with Sever’s disease. The robust outsole helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

10. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

The Cross Em Up by Adidas are the best basketball shoes for kids with Sever’s disease. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe 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

Are Any Velcro Choices As Well?

If you prefer velcro shoes, contact me directly for specific shoe recommendations. However, shoes with laces often provide better support and stability, allowing for a more customized fit.

Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot shape and degree of pain are unique. As a shoe fitter, I offer personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice on selecting the right shoes for your child.

How to Tie Shoes for Better Support and Stability

For added support and stability, try this shoe lacing technique: that helps secure the heel in place, reducing stress on the growth plate. Proper lacing can prevent the foot from sliding within the shoe, minimizing irritation and discomfort during physical activities. This simple adjustment can be a game-changer for active kids dealing with heel pain.

Heel Cups for Kids – Extra Cushion and Support!

In most cases, supportive shoes with good heel structure are enough to relieve the pain. If your child is already wearing them and still hurting, heel cups can offer the extra cushioning they need. Heel cups are a simple, affordable solution that can provide immediate relief for children with heel pain. They fit easily into most shoes and work especially well when paired with supportive footwear.


Tuli’s Heel Cups

A pair of Tuli's heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
  • These heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most shoes
  • Small Size – Fits from a little kid shoe size 10.5 to a big kid shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.
  • Regular Size – Fits big kid shoe size 6 and above. Weight up to 175 lbs.

KidSole Heel Cups

Kidsole heel cups for kids with heel pain.
  • Order KidSole heel cups on Amazon
  • Available from a little kid shoe size 11 through big kid shoe size 7
  • Sport grip design allows the heel pad to stay in place while kids run and play
  • These gel heel cups for plantar fasciitis can fit in most enclosed shoes
  • Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.

Can Kids with Sever’s Disease Still Play Sports?

Many parents ask if kids with Sever’s disease can still play sports. The answer is yes — as long as they wear the right type of sport-specific shoes in the correct size. The wrong shoes or fit can increase the risk of injury and even impact long-term growth and development.

Look for athletic shoes that not only match the demands of the sport but also offer proper support and come in wide or extra wide widths if needed. The right footwear makes all the difference.

If your child isn’t wearing sport-specific shoes for their activities, you’re increasing their risk of injury. Some parents avoid buying cleats because they believe their child’s wide feet won’t fit — but that’s a common and costly misconception. Many cleats are available in wide and extra wide widths, so there’s no need to compromise on fit or safety.