The Best Kids’ Shoes for Haglund’s Deformity – Soft Heel Counter with Extra Cushion!
Is your child struggling with heel pain or a noticeable bump on the back of their heel? They may have Haglund’s deformity, also known as a ‘pump bump’—a bony enlargement that can cause significant discomfort, especially in stiff shoes. This progressive condition often affects kids with high arches, tight Achilles tendons, or those who walk on the outer edges of their feet. The right footwear is crucial for relieving pain and preventing further irritation. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best kids’ shoes for Haglund’s deformity, based on years of experience fitting children’s footwear. Choosing properly fitting, supportive shoes can make all the difference in your child’s comfort and mobility.
What Is Haglund’s Deformity and How Can It Affect Your Child?
Haglund’s deformity affects both the soft tissue and the heel bone, often causing a painful bump at the back of your child’s heel. Tight or stiff shoes can make it even worse by constantly rubbing and irritating the area. The good news is, you can help manage and even prevent this condition by taking action early—starting with finding the right pair of shoes to keep your child comfortable and protected.
How to Figure Out If Your Child Has Haglund’s Deformity?
Before purchasing shoes, it’s crucial to know if your child has Haglund’s Deformity. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively. Look for signs such as:
- Redness or swelling at the back of the heel
- Tenderness around the heel area
- Visible bump on the heel
- Complaints of pain, especially after wearing certain shoes
How to Treat and Prevent Haglund’s Deformity – Shoes with Extra Padding!
To help manage your child’s Haglund’s deformity, it’s important to choose shoes that minimize pressure on the back of the heel. Open-backed shoes are a great option for wearing around the house or in warm weather, as they help reduce irritation and discomfort. The challenge, though, is that most school and everyday shoes don’t come in open-back styles—so finding supportive, comfortable footwear becomes even more crucial.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
Before I share the best shoes for kids with Haglund’s deformity, it’s crucial to know your child’s exact foot size. Wearing shoes that are too big can cause excessive movement, leading to friction and worsening heel pain, while shoes that are too small can cramp the toes and add pressure to the heel bump, causing blisters and other issues. To help, I’ve created a virtual shoe fitting service that lets you measure your child’s feet at home and find out whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—or even a high instep—so you can choose shoes that fit perfectly and keep your child comfortable.
Shoes with Extra Padding for Kids with Haglund’s Deformity
These shoes are designed to fit a variety of foot shapes, offering a stable, supportive base while staying lightweight and flexible for all-day comfort and easy movement. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
These New Balance shoes for Haglund’s Deformity offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned heel counters, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.
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. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best New Balance shoes for Haglund’s Deformity 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
3. Ikiki Shoes
Ikiki shoes are a fantastic option for kids with Haglund’s Deformity. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on the back of the heels.
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
4. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes for Haglund’s Deformity provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes,.
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
5. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes with extra padding around the heels. Parents like that these shoes 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
6. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
These Adidas 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
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for Haglund’s Deformity provide deep toe-boxes and extra cushion and padding around the heels.
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
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Choosing the right shoe involves considering your child’s unique foot shape and condition. Each child’s foot is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re unsure, reach out for personalized shoe recommendations to ensure the best fit for your child.
If your child is already wearing the right shoes but still experiences pain or sees no improvement, don’t worry—there’s another solution to try. A special type of heel cup can add extra cushioning and support, and the best part is that it’s affordable and fits easily into your child’s existing shoes.
Heel Cups for Haglund’s Deformity – Extra Cushion and Padding!
Heel cups can be an excellent addition to your child’s footwear. These inserts provide extra cushioning and padding to minimize pressure on the heel. Brands like Tulis and Kidsole offer heel cups that can be placed inside the shoe to enhance comfort and support.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
- 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
- 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.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Types of Socks
One important detail that’s often overlooked is socks—yes, the right pair can make a big difference in keeping your child’s feet comfortable and protected. Thin socks can lead to extra friction between the heel bump and the back of the shoe, making the problem worse. Instead, look for cushioned socks that provide a soft barrier and help reduce irritation. While I won’t go into full detail here, I’ve put together a separate guide with the most comfortable, seamless socks for kids—be sure to check it out!
Additional Resource for Children with Haglund’s Deformity
I’ve put together a dedicated article highlighting the best sandals specially designed to provide comfort and support for kids with Haglund’s deformity.
