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

Has your teenage boy been complaining about heel pain and you are having a hard time finding supportive shoes? Maybe you already took your child to your medical professional several times and were dismissed by “the pain will eventually go away”? Children who have foot conditions such as flat feet or high arches are more prone to developing heel pain. In my experience, most children who complain about heel pain tend to have high arches. 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.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!

As I alluded to previously, I have been helping children with foot issues find the correct pair of shoes for the last 10 years. With expertise from working on a specialized children’s shoe store that evaluates children with flat feet, high arches, or other foot conditions on a daily basis. We recommend supportive shoes but depending on the degree of the child’s condition we might need orthotics to be fitted inside of the shoes as well. Before you decide to try an orthotic always start by trying a pair of supportive shoes.

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.

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.

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. While 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.

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.

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

In addition, flat feet can develop in teenagers for various reasons. While some boys are genetically predisposed to this condition, others may develop it due to rapid growth obesity, or certain medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, flat feet can result in discomfort and affect a teenager’s quality of life. Below you can find an image of a flat footed child:

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. It’s important to clarify that not all children with high arches will supinate, but many are at risk. Some of the main issues with supination are knee pain and plantar fasciitis (heel pain). Below you can find an image of a child with high arches:

In this specific resource, I will show you a list of shoes that will work for children who have high arches, as I have noticed that is one of the most common reasons children complain about heel pain.

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. 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?

Before Image: Child with High Arches Standing Barefoot

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.

After Image: Child with High Arches Wearing Supportive Shoes

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 flat feet:

1️⃣ Arch Support: Look for shoes with built-in arch support or removable insoles that can also accommodate custom orthotics, if needed. Proper arch support is essential for maintaining healthy foot alignment.

2️⃣ Cushioning: Adequate cushioning, particularly in the heel and forefoot areas, helps absorb shock and reduce pressure on your child’s heels.

3️⃣ 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.

4️⃣ Flexible Soles: Shoes with moderately flexible soles allow natural foot movement while still providing support and stability.

Excellent Brand Choices for High Arches

➡️ New Balance: New Balance offers a range of athletic shoes known for their arch support and cushioning. Opt for styles designed for running and walking as these would provide all the necessary features for teenage boys who have high arches.

➡️ Asics: Regarded by many parents as the go-to brand for supportive and good top quality shoes. Asics provides a variety of sporty options with gel cushioning and supportive features suitable for active teenagers.

➡️ Saucony: Saucony offers shoes with comfortable cushioning and stability features specially designed to accommodate high arches.

Supportive Shoes for Teenage Boys with High Arches – Choosing the Right Support

Take a look at the description below each shoe to check what foot shape that specific shoe is capable of accommodating —narrow (N), medium (M), wide (W), extra wide (XW). 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world. 

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 developed the most effective way to determine your kid’s exact foot size from your home and will personally assist you with a custom fitting tailored to your kid’s individual needs. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their kid’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height.

To follow my 2 simple steps, go to the following link where I explain how it works in more detail:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

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

Check your child’s current shoes and notice whether the shoes are caving in or not. Take a look at the images below for better visualization purposes:

We appreciate your readership! Please don’t hesitate to share this post within your community as well as your personal experiences in the comment section to help other parents gain valuable insights. Additionally, consulting with a pediatrician or a podiatrist can provide further guidance specific to your child’s specific needs. Your child’s well-being is our top priority!

Contact Us – Get a Personalized Recommendation!

If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact us via e-mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of high top shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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