The Best Shoes for Kids with Osgood-Schlatter Disease – What a Difference These Shoes Make!
Does your child wake up complaining of knee pain and has been diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease? OSD is a common condition in active kids ages 9 to 14, caused by irritation and swelling of the growth plate just below the knee. While I’m not a medical professional, I’ve worked closely with physical and occupational therapists to help families find the best supportive shoes for kids with OSD. The right footwear can make a big difference, helping reduce pain, improve comfort, and support your child’s active lifestyle.
What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common condition affecting growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It manifests as knee pain and swelling just below the kneecap, where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone. The condition is typically seen during growth spurts when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly.
You can take simple yet effective steps to greatly reduce—or even eliminate—your child’s knee pain. In my experience, the most impactful solution is starting with a pair of supportive shoes. If the pain persists, then consider adding orthotics for extra support. This step-by-step approach can make a big difference without overwhelming you from the start.
The 4 Most Common Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Knee pain that worsens with physical activity or sports
- Nighttime complaints of knee discomfort
- Swelling or tenderness at the top of the shinbone (growth plate)
- Noticeable bony bump just below the kneecap
Wearing supportive shoes can help children stay active, which is key for maintaining strength in the quads and hamstrings—an essential part of recovery.
Key Shoe Features for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
For 2025, I recommend shoes like the Adidas Ultraboost and New Balance Kids’ 860v10. These models offer an excellent base of support, combining cushioning with a durable outsole to ensure your child’s feet are well-supported. Their design focuses on providing comfort and stability, making them ideal for children with OSD.
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Best Shoes for Kids with Osgood-Schlatter Disease to Prevent Pain
The shoes below are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW), so make sure that you choose the width that will work best for your child’s foot shape.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for leg pain. The robust outsoles help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce 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, black, 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
2. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
These are the best orthopedic shoes for leg pain as they are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing foot conditions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- You can order the shoe style Gabi by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with leg pain. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.
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
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland
The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony
These shoes are ideal for kids with leg pain, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cohesion KDZ on Zappos or Amazon
- 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 child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s foot conditions. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.
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 Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for leg pain are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 2002 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for kids with Osgood-Schlatter disease. 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
10. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics
The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re unsure which shoes are best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. As an experienced shoe fitter, I’m here to offer personalized recommendations based on your child’s foot shape, size, and specific needs. Together, we can find the perfect pair that will support your child’s active lifestyle and alleviate knee pain.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
Accurate measurements prevent buying shoes that are too tight or too loose, both of which can exacerbate OSD symptoms. A well-fitted shoe provides the necessary support and comfort, allowing your child to engage in activities without pain.
My virtual guide provides easy-to-follow steps to measure your child’s foot accurately at home. This guide helps you ensure a perfect fit, which is essential for comfort and support.
Bonus Resource: Sport Shoes for Kids with OSD
The impact on the knee from playing sports can aggravate OSD. Well-fitting, properly cushioned sport shoes that absorb impact are really effective in helping treat this condition. Choosing the right sports shoes for children with OSD can make a significant difference in their performance and comfort. Shoes designed for specific sports, like running or basketball, often have features that can benefit kids with OSD.
Always make sure that your child stretches properly before starting any sort of physical activity.
Orthotics for Kids – Let’s Support Your Child’s Knees!
If after trying the shoes that I recommend for 2 months your child’s knee pain persists, then I recommend fitting an orthotic inside your kids’ shoes for extra support. Orthotics provide additional arch support and cushioning, further enhancing comfort and stability. They are particularly beneficial for children with flat feet or high arches, as they help in maintaining a neutral foot position.
How Long Does Osgood-Schlatter Disease Last?
Osgood-Schlatter Disease typically resolves on its own once a child’s bones finish growing—usually between the ages of 14 and 18. The condition is self-limiting, meaning it tends to go away completely once the growth plates fuse. The good news? It rarely causes long-term complications.
That said, OSD can be painful and discouraging. Some children may need to take a day or two off from physical activity to manage discomfort. I’ve met many families at the shoe store whose children were on the verge of quitting their favorite sports because of the pain. With the right support—especially from proper footwear—many of these kids were able to stay active and keep doing what they love.
Don’t Wait It Out—Take Action Early!
When kids complain about foot, knee, or leg pain, it’s often brushed off as “growing pains” that will pass. But waiting it out can do more harm than good. I always urge parents to be proactive—addressing foot issues early can prevent them from worsening and help your child stay active, comfortable, and pain-free.
Not sure I’ll do justice to expressing our family’s gratefulness for this immensely helpful information (but I’ll try! Lol). Our 7th grade son turned 12 this week, has a ridiculously-high level of intense athletic activity on a daily and weekly basis, has grown faster than a supermassive black-hole quasar in the last 18 months, aaaaaand… was diagnosed with OSD this morning (which is exactly what we expected once he began complaining of knee pain recently, then essentially diagnosed himself a few days ago).
I knew with unwavering certainty that his athletic and day-to-day footwear will play critical roles in how effectively we manage his OSD symptoms moving forward, and this article provides us with nearly everything we’re looking for (and more!).
Since his foot size is [now officially] well into grown men’s sizes – Men’s size 7½-8 (I wear a Women’s solid size 7, and he can’t even squeeze his feet into my tennis shoes anymore!). Is it safe to assume that all the same guidance and features in children’s
shoes that you mentioned in this article are what we should look for in men’s shoes moving forward? Maybe even some of the same shoe brands?
Hello Krysten,
I am happy to hear that you find the website informative!
You are correct, the same features listed in this article (substantial outsoles and firm heel counters) are the ones you should be looking into in men’s shoe styles. The shoes should also be lightweight and flexible at the same time. More importantly, the shoes should fit your son’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), for your son to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer.
I don’t suggest assuming that all shoes from a specific shoe brand will work for your son’s feet. There are only specific shoe styles among each shoe brand that provide substantial outsoles and firm heel counters, while being lightweight and flexible at the same time.
If you are unsure of your son’s foot shape, you can use this free resource: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width