Best Kids’ Shoes for Heel Pain – Extra Cushion and Heel Support
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
If your child has been complaining about heel pain, you should take it seriously — and act quickly. Heel pain in children is not something to wait out. Left untreated, it can lead to difficulty walking, compensatory gait changes, and the need for more intensive therapy down the road.
As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I have helped hundreds of families whose children were suffering from heel pain find the right shoes to reduce or eliminate their discomfort. In this guide I will explain the most common causes of heel pain in children, which shoe features matter most, give you my top 10 shoe recommendations, and tell you when heel cups are the right next step.
Is Heel Pain Normal in Children?
Yes — heel pain is actually very common in children, and it is directly related to how their feet are growing. The heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until around age 14. Until then, the bone is forming at the growth plate — a vulnerable area at the back of the heel. When children place repetitive stress on this growth plate, they begin to experience pain.
This is why heel pain tends to peak in active children between the ages of 8 and 14, and why it is particularly common during growth spurts when the growth plate is under the most stress.
Most Common Causes of Heel Pain in Children
1. Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) The most common cause of heel pain in children ages 8 to 14. Sever’s Disease is an inflammation of the growth plate caused by repetitive stress — particularly common in children who play sports that involve running and jumping. It is not a disease in the traditional sense but rather an overuse injury that typically resolves when the growth plate closes.
2. Plantar Fasciitis Although more commonly diagnosed in adults, plantar fasciitis affects children as well. It 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. Children with flat feet and overpronation are particularly susceptible.
3. Inappropriate Footwear This is the most common and most preventable cause I see at the store. Shoes that lack adequate heel cushioning, firm heel counters, or proper arch support place excessive stress on the heel with every step. The right shoes — or the wrong ones — make an enormous difference in how much pain your child experiences.
Key Features to Look for in Shoes for Kids with Heel Pain
1. Extra Cushioning and Padding Below the Heel The single most important feature. The shoe must have substantial cushioning in the heel area that absorbs shock before it reaches the growth plate. Press on the heel area of the shoe from the outside — it should feel plush and responsive, not thin and hard. This is the feature that directly addresses Sever’s Disease and plantar fasciitis.
2. Firm Heel Counter Press on the back of the shoe. It should feel rigid and firm. A firm heel counter encases the heel, prevents it from shifting inside the shoe, and maintains proper alignment. This reduces the stress the growth plate experiences with each footfall.
3. Stable Base of Support The outsole must provide a firm, stable foundation that prevents the foot from collapsing inward. Press on the midsole from the side — it should feel firm, not squishy. A supportive outsole reduces the compensatory muscle activity that contributes to heel pain.
The 10 Best Shoes for Kids with Heel Pain
All shoes below provide extra cushioning at the heel, firm heel counters, and supportive outsoles that I have personally verified for children with heel pain. All shoes also have removable insoles — important if you need to add a heel cup for additional support. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance (Lace)
A reliable all-around shoe with plush Fresh Foam cushioning that absorbs shock with every step. The midsole provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort and it is available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths — making it one of the most accommodating heel pain shoes on this list.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort
- Padded collar and tongue
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics
A supportive running shoe with a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper. The Cumulus provides excellent heel cushioning for children with narrow or medium feet — one of my top recommendations for Sever’s Disease in active children.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- Cushioned midsole for shock absorption at heel and forefoot
- Durable outsole with excellent traction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Mach by Hoka
Hoka is known for its maximum cushioning technology, and the Mach delivers that plush heel protection in a lightweight package. My top recommendation for children who need maximum shock absorption — the thick midsole significantly reduces the impact force that reaches the growth plate.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for big kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Plush midsole with superior shock absorption
- Durable outsole with excellent traction
- Lightweight design ensures ease of movement
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style 237 and 327 by New Balance
A stylish retro-inspired option that provides meaningful heel cushioning alongside a breathable mesh upper. A great choice for children who want to look good while getting the support they need — particularly popular with older kids and tweens.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available for big kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance
One of my top picks for children with heel pain who need both style and serious cushioning. The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance — providing consistent heel protection during prolonged activity.
Key Features
- Available for big kids
- Order on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar and tongue
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Clifton by Hoka
A popular everyday shoe with plush cushioning that works equally well for school, casual wear, and light sports. The Clifton’s thick, responsive midsole makes it one of the most comfortable shoes for children with chronic heel pain who need all-day protection.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for big kids
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lightweight and breathable
- Plush cushioning for all-day comfort
- Supportive outsole with excellent traction
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
One of the best running shoes for heel pain in my lineup. The GT-1000 features gel cushioning infused specifically below the heel — directly targeting the area where Sever’s Disease and plantar fasciitis cause the most pain. Particularly effective for children with narrow or medium feet.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- Gel cushioning specifically below the heel for targeted pain relief
- Firm heel counter for stability
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony
A lightweight, flexible running shoe with excellent heel cushioning. The comfort sockliner molds to the foot with specific padding at the heel for cushioning at heel-strike — making it particularly effective for children who experience the most pain during the heel-strike phase of walking and running.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Comfort sockliner with heel padding for cushioning at heel-strike
- Foam padding around the ankle collar and under the tongue
- Engineered mesh for breathability
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
My top overall recommendation for children with significant heel pain. The 990v6 has the deepest heel construction, firmest heel counter, and most robust outsole of any mainstream children’s shoe I have tested — and it is available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths. The higher price is the most common concern, but for children with serious heel pain, this shoe delivers results that cheaper alternatives simply cannot.
Key Features
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
A basketball-inspired high-top shoe that offers excellent heel cushioning and ankle support. Unlike most Adidas styles, the Cross Em Up has enough structure and cushioning to work for children with heel pain — particularly for active older children who need a sports-appropriate shoe.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
If the Pain Persists After Two Months — Try Heel Cups
If your child has been wearing the correct supportive shoes consistently for two months and the heel pain has not improved significantly, the next step is heel cups. Heel cups fit inside the shoe and provide a concentrated layer of cushioning and shock absorption specifically at the heel — going beyond what a shoe alone can offer.
All of the shoes I recommend above have removable insoles and enough depth to accommodate heel cups without raising your child’s foot uncomfortably.
Here are the two heel cups I recommend:
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 heel cups are easy to fit inside the shoes I recommend. I have a dedicated guide on how to fit them correctly here: How to Fit Heel Cups Inside Kids’ Shoes
Additional Resources
Summer sandals for heel pain: Best Sandals for Kids with Heel Pain
Basketball shoes for heel pain: Best Basketball Shoes for Kids with Heel Pain
Soccer cleats for Sever’s Disease: Soccer Shoes for Kids with Heel Pain
How to Find the Right Shoe Size
Getting the correct shoe size is just as important as choosing the correct shoe. An ill-fitting shoe — even a highly cushioned one — will not deliver the full heel protection it is designed to provide. I offer a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact foot length and width from home.
Learn How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Here
Need a Personalized Recommendation?
Every child’s heel pain presents differently — the cause, degree of pain, foot shape, and activity level all affect which shoe is the best fit. Reach out to me directly at customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com and I will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sever’s Disease is an inflammation of the heel growth plate caused by repetitive stress — most common in active children ages 8 to 14. The right shoes help by cushioning the heel to reduce the impact force that reaches the growth plate, and by providing a firm heel counter that stabilizes the heel and reduces compensatory stress.
If your child has been wearing the correct supportive shoes consistently for two months without significant improvement, add heel cups as the next step. Both the Tuli’s and KidSole heel cups I recommend fit easily inside all the shoes on this list.
Yes — children with flat feet and overpronation are at significantly higher risk for both Sever’s Disease and plantar fasciitis because overpronation increases the stress on the plantar fascia and heel growth plate. If your child has both flat feet and heel pain, the supportive shoes on this list address both conditions simultaneously.
A short period of reduced activity is often helpful — particularly for Sever’s Disease. However, the right shoes allow many children to continue their activities with significantly reduced pain. Consult your child’s pediatrician or physical therapist for guidance specific to your child’s situation.
For Sever’s Disease, pain typically resolves when the growth plate closes — usually around age 14 for girls and 16 for boys. With the right shoes and heel cups, most children experience significant relief within weeks and can continue normal activity. For plantar fasciitis, recovery with appropriate footwear typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.
Still searching for the right fit? Drop a comment below with your child’s foot shape and I will point you in the right direction — I read and respond to every one.
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.