Supportive Shoes for Teenage Boys with Heel Pain – Firm Heel Counters and Extra Cushion

June 18, 2025 Heel Pain Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Has your teenage son been complaining about heel pain, and you’re struggling to find supportive shoes that help? Maybe you’ve already visited a medical professional, only to hear that “the pain will go away on its own.” In reality, foot conditions like flat feet or high arches—especially the latter—are often behind persistent heel pain in teens. As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’ve seen how the right shoes can significantly reduce heel pain and restore comfort and mobility. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, and other growth-related issues are common culprits, but the good news is that proper footwear can make all the difference.

Heel Pain Due to Plantar Fasciitis or Sever’s Disease

To begin, it’s important to emphasize that experiencing any form of heel discomfort is not normal. Heel pain is mainly associated with two conditions: Plantar Fasciitis and Sever’s Disease, these conditions have different causes and may affect different age groups as well. I will briefly outline the difference between the two.

child-with-heel-pain
An image of a child complaining of heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, commonly known as the plantar fascia. It typically causes sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Sever’s Disease is the inflammation of the growth plate, it primarily affects children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 8 and 15, during their growth spurts.

Both conditions involve heel pain, however, the pain felt with plantar fasciitis usually begins immediately after your child starts the activity and pain can decrease on its own as they perform the activity. On the other hand, the pain experienced with Sever’s disease would usually worsen during the activity and improve with rest.

Do You Know Whether Your Child Has Flat Feet or High Arches?

child-with-flat-foot
Flat feet lack the natural arch, causing the foot to roll inward, which can strain the heel.
Children with high arches are not able to properly absorb shock when walking or running. You will notice how your child’s body weight lands on the outer edges of each foot, which is also referred to as supination.

My Experience Fitting Children in Supportive Shoes

In light of my extensive experience in shoe fitting, I’m here to present you with a curated list of supportive shoes for teenage boys with heel pain. I will also show you how to make sure that you order the correct shoe size online.

The shoes I will recommend shortly are not orthopedic, they are regular sneakers that simply provide better support than the rest. My goal is to provide your teenage boy with a pair of shoes that provides enough support but it allows your children’s foot and leg muscles to continue developing on their own.

The Difference the Right Shoes Can Make – See For Yourself

Supportive shoes are crucial for teenagers with high arches, as they can provide the necessary support to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of further complications. To this end, let me show you what a difference a pair of shoes I recommend can make for a teenage boy who has high arches.

Before Image: Child with High Arches Standing Barefoot

Let’s start by taking a look at an image of a child with high arches standing barefoot. Do you notice how the child’s body weight lands on the outer edges of each foot?

After Image: Child with High Arches Wearing Supportive Shoes

Now let me show you what happens when I fit that same boy in a pair of the supportive pair of shoes I recommend. Do you notice how the boy’s feet are a lot straighter? Something so simple as providing your boy with the correct type of shoes can make a tremendous difference in the way they walk and run.

Children with high arches need shoes with proper support to help prevent your child’s body weight from landing on the outer edges of each foot.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Shoes for High Arches

The following are key factors to consider when looking for supportive shoes for teenagers with high arches:

New Balance kids shoe with extra cushion and support right below the heels vs a shoe with no heel support.
Cushioning: Adequate cushioning, particularly in the heel and forefoot areas, helps absorb shock and reduce pressure on your child’s heels.
New Balance shoe with a firm heel counter for kids with heel pain vs a Nike shoe with a soft heel counter.
Stability: Choose shoes with a firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe) to provide stability and prevent supination, a common issue in boys with high arches.
Difference in support between a pair of kids' Asics shoes and a pair of Nike shoes.
Stable Base of Support: A supportive midsole and a cushioned insole are essential to absorb shock and provide comfort.

Below are my top recommendations for supportive shoes for teenage boys dealing with heel pain. Each option focuses on firm heel counters, extra cushioning, and excellent arch support, ensuring that your teenager can enjoy their activities without discomfort. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supportive Shoes for Teenage Boys with High Arches

Check the description below each shoe to see which foot shapes it accommodates—narrow (N), medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW)—so you can find the best match for your child’s feet.

1. 410 V8 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for foot pain provide excellent cushioning, a durable outsole, and a supportive fit—making it a great choice for teenagers with foot pain.

Shoes for boys in men's shoe sizes.
New Balance shoes for boy's in men's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe 410 V8 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides extra cushion and support
  • Mesh upper allows for breathability
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size

2. Fresh Foam X 860 by New Balance

These New Balance stability running shoes are designed for all-day comfort and support. They feature a dual-density midsole with plush Fresh Foam cushioning and a medial post for added arch support—making them ideal for teenagers with foot pain caused by flat feet, overpronation, or high-impact activities.

Shoes for girl's in women's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam X 860 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Foam midsole cushioning
  • Mesh upper allows for breathability
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size

3. Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes by Asics

These Asics supportive running shoes offer top-tier stability and cushioning, making them an excellent option for teenagers with foot pain.

Asics shoes for boy's in men's shoe sizes.
Asics shoes for girls in women's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe Gel-Kayano 29 by Asics on Amazon
  • Fits narrow, medium, and wide feet
  • Rearfoot GEL™ technology cushioning provides good shock absorption
  • OrthoLite™ x-55 sockliner to ensure superior cushioning
  • Padded collar and tongue for superior cushioning
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size

4. Arishi v4 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes are a top choice for teenagers dealing with foot pain. They offer a stable base, firm heel counters for added support, and enhanced cushioning in the heels and forefoot to reduce pressure and improve comfort.

New Balance shoes for older girls.
Navy blue New Balance shoes for boy's in men's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe Arishi v4 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides extra cushion and support
  • Mesh upper allows for breathability
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size

5. Peregrine by Saucony

These Saucony shoes are designed to relieve heel pain and are also an excellent choice for teenagers with overall foot discomfort.

Saucony shoe for boy's in men's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe Peregrine by Saucony on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • PWRRUN+ gives you more cushioning with less weight
  • Mono-mesh upper for enhanced breathability
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size

6. FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance

These New Balance arch support shoes are built to ease foot pain, offering a stable, supportive base combined with plush cushioning and padding for all-day comfort and relief.

New Balance running shoes for boys in men's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Structured upper for breathability and a lightweight fit
  • Lightweight synthetic material
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size

7. GT-2000 13 by Asics

These ASICS shoes for foot pain feature advanced Rearfoot GEL™ technology that delivers excellent shock absorption, reducing impact with every step.

Asics running shoes for boy's in men's shoe sizes.
  • Order the shoe GT-2000 13 running shoes by Asics on Amazon
  • Available in narrow, medium, and wide widths
  • Rearfoot GEL™ technology cushioning provides good shock absorption
  • Padded collar and tongue for superior cushioning
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size

8. Hurricane 24 by Saucony

This is one of the most supportive Saucony running shoes, featuring extra cushioning and PWRRUN foam directly underfoot for superior shock absorption and all-day comfort.

Saucony running shoes for teenage boys.
  • Order the shoe Hurricane 24 by Saucony on Amazon on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • PWRRUN PB foam directly underfoot for maximum comfort
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • I suggest that you order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size

How To Retrieve Your Teenager’s Exact Foot Size – Length and Width

The golden rule is that shoes must fit properly for them to function properly. Our longtime readers may already know that we always recommend having your children’s feet measured every so often. Knowing the correct size of your kid’s feet is crucial. Even if you think you know your kid’s exact foot size, you may be surprised to find out it’s not quite right. For example, do you know whether your child has a high instep or not?

To this end, I have screated a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Is Dealing with a Foot Condition?

Take a close look at your child’s current shoes—are the heels or sides caving in? This can be a clear sign that the shoes lack proper support and may be contributing to your child’s foot pain.

How to Get a Personalized Shoe Recommendation

For a tailored shoe recommendation based on your child’s unique foot shape and condition, contact me today. My experience fitting children in supportive shoes has shown me that the correct pair can make all the difference. By understanding your child’s specific needs and preferences, I can provide personalized recommendations that ensure the best fit and comfort.

Keep in mind that a medical professional will be best placed to rule out other potential causes of heel pain and ensure that your child receives an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan as needed.