Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best shoes and socks for kids with blood blisters.
Has your child been complaining about foot pain? Have you noticed blood blisters right below your child’s feet? Friction is what causes most foot blisters. A friction blister is the result of forces on the skin, and foot blisters generally occur when a child is involved in sports or high-impact activities.
Blood blisters that occur right below the feet and toes can be very painful, especially when the child has to continue to perform the same sports or activities. For the most part, they are harmless and will go away within a few weeks without treatment. However, there are steps you can take to help your children cope with the discomfort and pain while still being able to play their favorite sports.
One of the most common sports in which children develop blood blisters is soccer, but I have seen children develop blood blisters simply from running or hiking.
What Causes Blood Blisters on Kids’ Feet?
The most common reason why children develop foot blisters is from wearing poorly-fitting shoes. It’s important for parents to be proactive and don’t wait for the blisters to simply disappear as they can lead to pain and infection.
In addition, socks that don’t provide good cushion and support can be a contributing cause of why your child keeps developing blood blisters.
Scenario #1
Your child is wearing shoes that are the wrong size. Shoes that are too long allow for too much foot movement inside of the shoes, and that constant friction between the foot and the shoes can lead to blisters. On the other hand, shoes that are too small can cramp your kids’ toes and make them rub against one another or with the side of the shoes.
To provide your child with the correct shoe size you must know whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. You also need to know whether your child has a high instep or not.
If you are not 100% sure that your child is wearing the correct shoe size I strongly recommend that you take a look at the following article:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Scenario #2
Your child is wearing the correct shoe size but the shoes are unsupportive and don’t provide good cushion. In this case, you need to replace your kids’ shoes and get them more supportive shoes that provide targeted support right below the feet. I will show you a selection of these shoes shortly.
Scenario #3
Your child is wearing the correct shoe size and the correct pair of socks and still gets blood blisters below the feet. In this case, I suggest that you make sure that your child’s socks are not too thin. Socks play a key role in preventing your child from getting blisters. Certain athletic socks provide targeted cushion to key areas of the foot. I will expand on this shortly.
How Do You Treat Blood Blisters on a Child’s Foot?
The most effective way to treat a blood blister is by making sure the child is wearing the correct type of shoes and socks.
I suggest that you leave your child’s blood blisters alone so they can heal, as they usually heal after one or two weeks.
The issue comes when your child has to keep participating in high-impact activities and sports, as blood blisters can create a great deal of pain and discomfort.
What to Do with Blood Blisters – Good Shoes and Socks!
Blisters can be painful, but usually heal on their own. It’s important to try to avoid putting pressure on the area while the blister heals. The issue is that some children might not be able to rest and have to continue playing sports, so we need to find ways to allow the child to keep being active while caring for the blister.
I have helped several children who were dealing with blood blisters on their feet, and I can confidently tell you that the correct type of shoes and socks can make the world of difference.
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years. We focus in children with foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. Over the years I became familiar with the best athletic shoes that are capable of preventing blisters and keeping a child’s foot healthy.
One of the most common sports in which children get blood blisters is soccer, so I will start by describing the best soccer cleats to prevent blood blisters.
Soccer Cleats
Look in the description below each image to find out what type of foot that particular soccer cleat is capable of fitting.
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Lace-Up closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Synthetic upper with knit collar for comfort and stability
- Micro-textured upper helps improve ball control at high speeds
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Extra padding around the ankles
- Lace-Up closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
- Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Not available in wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Cushioned heels
- Firm heel counters
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Not available in wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Cushioned heels
- Firm heel counters
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
Everyday Sneakers/Running Shoes
Look in the description below each image to find out what type of foot that particular sneaker is capable of fitting.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- 100% Suede
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- EVA-cushioned midsole
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Leather and mesh upper
- Alternative closure for easy on and off adjustability
- Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather/mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather/mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather/mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot fresh foam
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Basketball Shoes
Look in the description below each image to find out what type of foot that particular basketball shoe is capable of fitting.
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Mid cut
- Lace-Up closure
- Cushioned midsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Firm heel counter
- Velcro closure
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Extra padding around the ankles
- Lace-Up closure
- Rubber outsole provides excellent grip
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Mid cut
- Lace-up closure
- Cushioned midsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide or extra wide feet
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
If your child happens to play a different sport I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
The Best Sport Shoes for Children – The Best Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and Football Cleats.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Blood Blisters?
The shoes I recommend provide targeted cushion and support right below the child’s feet, which is going to help reduce the friction between the child’s feet and the shoes.
When children are playing sports, and let’s take soccer as an example, there are a lot of sudden stops, quick direction changes, and side to side movements that put extra pressure on the child’s feet.
All of the shoes I recommended come with a substantial and supportive outsole. Let me show you an image for better visualization purposes. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a much thicker outsole compared to the shoe on the left? This is one key feature that the shoes I recommended provide.
Another key feature that the shoes I recommended provide is that they provide targeted support and cushion right below the child’s heels.
Is Your Child Wearing the Correct Type of Socks?
Sometimes providing a child with the correct type of shoes in the correct shoe size might not be enough to help treat and prevent blood blisters from happening.
It’s really important that you provide your child with a pair of socks that provide good cushion as this can make a tremendous difference in your child’s comfort when running around or playing sports. The socks should not be made out of cotton as they tend to stay damp when wearing.
I have found certain socks that provide targeted cushion to the feet and they have proven to be the most effective ones in cushioning and protecting the blisters. Below you can find the socks I am talking about:
Keep in mind that ordering the correct sock size has the same importance as ordering the correct shoe size. Don’t order your kids’ socks too long or too short. Socks that are too long might bunch up below your kids’ feet and create discomfort, while socks that are too small might cramp your kids’ toes and make them rub against one another.
Dealing with blood blisters can be a painful and frustrating situation for many children. I was able to help several children who were ready to quit playing sports as the pain from the blisters was becoming intolerable.
Providing your child with the correct type of shoes and socks can make the world of difference.
Do not attempt to drain your child’s blood blisters by making a hole with a needle or pin. To protect your child’s blister from becoming infected contact your general practitioner. They can also offer treatment and advice if blisters are caused by a medical condition.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If you are looking for a different pair of shoes for your child don’t hesitate to contact me via the comment section below or to my email:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
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Great information but what if you are an adult both my big toes in the same area hurt and looking at it blood blister for sure new boots right z size but I can bearley walk unfortunately I have to needs suggestions ,!??
Hi William,
I hope all is well.
We need to start by making sure that the shoes that you are wearing are wide enough at the front and that your toes are not overlapping against one another.
Do you usually wear sneakers or boots? Do you know if your feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide? I think that a good place to start is to identify your exact foot shape so then I can recommend shoes accordingly. Follow the instructions on the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width