The Best Kids’ Shoes for Heel Pain – Shoes That Will Help Treat and Prevent Heel Pain!
If your child has been complaining about heel pain you should be proactive, as heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking which might require complicated therapy. Heel pain in children can be managed effectively with the right supportive shoes. Since 2015, I’ve had the privilege of fitting children’s shoes in a specialized store, where my focus has been on assisting those dealing with heel pain. If supportive shoes don’t relieve the pain, we can also try a heel cup or an orthotic for added support. However, the first step is always to find the right pair of shoes.
Is Heel Pain Common in Children?
Heel pain is common in children because their heel bone is not fully developed until they reach age 14 or older, until then, the bone is forming at the growth plate, which is a weak area located at the back of the heel. When children place too much stress on the growth plate, then they start experiencing heel pain.
Most Common Reasons Why Children Experience Heel Pain
1. Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): This is the most common cause of heel pain in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Sever’s Disease results from an inflammation in the growth plate due to the repetitive stress that children place on their heels. Sever’s disease usually happens to children who are extremely active or obese.
2. Plantar Fasciitis: Although more frequently diagnosed in adults, plantar fasciitis can affect children as well. This is an overuse injury that involves irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that runs along the arch from the heel to the front of the foot.
3. Inappropriate Footwear: Shoes that are ill-fitting or lack adequate support can significantly contribute to heel pain. They can exacerbate existing conditions or even initiate heel discomfort by failing to provide necessary support and cushioning, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right shoes for your child.
Key Features of Supportive Shoes for Heel Pain
When selecting shoes for children with heel pain, it’s essential to focus on certain features that can provide the necessary comfort and support. These features help in not only alleviating pain but also in preventing further complications. Here’s what to look for:
1. Firm Heel Counters: A firm heel counter is crucial as it helps stabilize the foot and prevent excessive movement that can lead to pain. This component of the shoe encases the heel, providing support and ensuring that the foot does not slip around inside the shoe. Stability in the heel area is especially important for children who suffer from heel pain.
2. Stable Base of Support: A stable base ensures that the shoe provides a solid foundation, reducing unnecessary strain on the heel and foot. A well-constructed base helps in maintaining proper alignment and balance, which is essential for children’s dynamic movements.
3. Extra Cushion and Padding Below the Heels: Shoes with extra cushioning can absorb shock and reduce the impact on the heel. This is particularly important for children who are active and often on their feet. The added padding helps in distributing pressure evenly across the foot, minimizing stress on the heel.
The supportive shoes for heel pain that I recommend also provide additional features such as breathability and removable insoles in case you need to fit an orthotic or a heel cup for added support. 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.
Best Kids’ Shoes for Heel Pain – Extra Cushion and Padding
All of my shoe recommendations below focus on sneakers with firm heel counters, extra cushioning, and a stable base to provide relief. Based on my many years of shoe fitting experience, here are some of my top recommendations for supportive shoes for kids with heel pain in 2025.
1. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance
These New Balance running shoes for kids with heel pain are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.
Key Features
- Available for big kids
- Order the shoe Style 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 running shoes by Asics feature a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper, making them ideal for kids with heel pain.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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 New Balance shoes for heel pain and 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.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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 heel pain are a popular choice for their comfort and versatility. They are suitable for everyday wear, from school days to high-impact and sports activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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 heel pain as they have infused gel below the heels for extra support and stability.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 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
This is the absolute best shoe if your child has heel pain. 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.
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 heel pain. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
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
For your child to get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer you must order them in the correct shoe size.
The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size
Over the years, I’ve developed resources to help parents determine the right shoe size online, making the process more accessible and convenient. I created 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 will also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
For personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and degree of pain, feel free to reach out via email or through the comments section below. Whether you need guidance on selecting the right size or advice on addressing specific foot conditions, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
If after trying these shoes for two months the heel pain persists, then I recommend that you try a pair of heel cups inside the shoes. Heel cups can be an effective and affordable solution for relieving your child’s heel pain.
Heel Cups Can Also Help
In addition to selecting supportive shoes, heel cups can be a valuable addition to your child’s footwear strategy. These inserts provide extra cushioning and support, making them an effective solution for reducing heel pain and aiding in the healing process.
Heel cups are particularly beneficial for children with conditions like Sever’s Disease, as they help absorb shock and reduce pressure on the heel. They can be easily inserted into most shoes, offering a simple yet effective way to enhance comfort and support.
Best Heel Cups for Kids with Heel Pain for Extra Support
There are two specific heel cups that offer superior shock absorption, protect the heel, and prevent foot fatigue.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
- Order Tuli’s Heel Cups on Amazon
- Ideal for treating and preventing general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, excessive pronation, Achilles tendonitis
- 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.
This heel cup by Tuli’s acts as a shock absorber for your children’s feet. I have fitted this heel cup in several different children’s shoes, and in most cases, the pain was significantly reduced or eliminated.
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
- This product is specifically designed for active kids who need additional heel comfort and protection
- Fits from a little kid’s shoe size 10.5 to a big kid’s shoe size 6. Best for children under 80 lbs.
Both of these heel cups are easy to fit inside shoes. All the shoes I recommended above offer extra depth, ensuring the heel cups fit securely inside without raising your child’s feet, so they won’t feel like their feet are slipping out of the shoes.
Bonus Resources: Sandals and Sports Shoes
Apart from everyday shoes, it’s important to consider supportive options for different activities. For instance, during summer or sports events, your child will need appropriate sandals or sports shoes.
- Sandals: Look for supportive sandals with a contoured footbed and adjustable straps for a secure fit. Brands like KEEN offer durable and supportive options that are perfect for warmer weather and casual outings.
- Sports Shoes: For sports activities such as basketball, consider high-top shoes with extra cushioning and support.
Addressing heel pain in children goes beyond mere comfort; it’s about setting the foundation for healthy foot development and preventing future complications. By choosing supportive shoes with firm heel counters, extra cushioning, and a stable base, you can significantly alleviate your child’s heel pain and promote overall foot health.
Thank you for this article. It has been so helpful. I’d like to purchase a pair of the sneakers for my kids, but there are no styles listed, just the picture of the shoe. I’m not sure how to search for them. Thanks!
Hello Lisa,
I am happy to help. Please click on the image of the shoe to find out what exact model it is.