The Best Shoes for the Ball of the Foot Pain – Let’s Solve your Kids’ Foot Pain!

June 20, 2025 Ball of the Foot Pain Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for parents to find the right footwear—especially when their child is dealing with pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia. This type of discomfort can impact your child’s mobility and overall quality of life. Choosing the correct shoes is essential not only for relieving existing pain but also for preventing future foot issues. Based on my years of hands-on experience, I’ve curated a list of the best supportive shoes for kids with ball of foot pain—and I’ll be sharing them with you shortly.

Where Is the Ball of the Foot Located?

The ball of the foot is found at the base of the toes, a pivotal area where the foot bears much of its weight during activities like walking, running, and jumping. This specific area is particularly susceptible to stress and pressure, as it acts as a primary point of impact and support. When not properly supported, this can lead to significant pain and discomfort, which may restrict a child’s active lifestyle.

A father gently checks the area beneath his child’s toes, trying to understand the source of their foot pain and offer comfort.

Be Careful About Taking the “Wait and See Approach”

I’ve heard from many parents who were told by their medical professionals not to worry about their child’s foot pain—that it would simply go away with time. But in my experience, taking the “wait and see” approach can do more harm than good.

If your child is experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it’s important to act quickly. Ignoring this discomfort can lead to more serious issues like hammertoes, limping, and even pain that radiates to the hips and lower back. Early intervention with the right shoes can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and long-term mobility.

Are Your Kids’ Shoes to Blame?

Did you know that the most common cause of ball of foot pain in children is wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes? Shoes with narrow toe boxes or lacking proper support can be especially harmful over time. Active kids put a lot of pressure on the area just below their toes—the ball of the foot—which can lead to pain and inflammation if their shoes don’t offer the right protection and fit.

Soft, black, fabric unsupportive baby shoes for kids made by WalkKing's.
An image showcasing a pair of kids’ shoes that lack proper support—featuring thin soles, minimal structure, and flimsy materials that can contribute to foot pain and poor alignment.

Treat Your Child’s Ball of the Foot Pain with Supportive Shoes

The best way to help your child find relief is by providing a pair of supportive, well-fitting shoes. Supportive shoes absorb shock and reduce the impact on your child’s feet and legs with every step, helping to prevent pain and improve overall comfort. Proper fit is just as important—shoes that match the shape of your child’s feet ensure better stability and long-term foot health.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
Feature One: Stable Base of Support. A stable base is crucial in providing the necessary support to distribute weight evenly across the foot, thereby minimizing pressure on the ball. Shoes with a stable base help in maintaining proper foot alignment and reducing the risk of strain.
children's-shoes-with-the-correct-amount-of-flexibility
Feature Two: Flexible and Lightweight. Flexible and lightweight shoes allow for natural foot movement, which is essential for children who are constantly active. These features ensure comfort and ease of movement, which are critical for reducing foot fatigue.

Below you can find a selection of the best shoes to treat and prevent ball of the foot pain. Known for their stable base and enhanced cushioning, these sneakers provide excellent support for children experiencing pain in the ball of the foot Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for the Ball of the Foot Pain – Extra Cushion

These shoes are designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes—including medium, wide, and extra wide—for a perfect fit and all-day comfort. Check out my top picks for 2025 below!

1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best shoes for pain in the ball of the foot. 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.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

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 orthopedic shoes for metatarsalgia 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 problems.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

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 supportive sneakers for metatarsalgia offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with foot issues such as flat feet.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

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

These New Balance sneakers for metatarsalgia combine style with functionality. They offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for kids with foot problems.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

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 Cohesion by Saucony

These Saucony shoes for the ball of the foot pain are ideal for treating foot conditions such as flat feet, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Supportive Saucony Cohesion for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Saucony kids Cohesion for girls with flat feet.

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

6. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These versatile New Balance shoes for metatarsalgia provide a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.

New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.

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

7. Shoe Style 2002 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes for ball of the foot pain are another great option at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and green color.
Supportive New Balance shoe with laces and white and pink color for girls.

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

8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

These Adidas basketball shoes for metatarsalgia offer great support for kids. The versatility of these shoes make them suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

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

9. Shoe Style GT-1000 by Asics

These Asics are good running shoes for metatarsalgias and are ideal for kids with foot problems who have a narrower foot shape.

Supportive red Asics shoes for boys with flat feet.
Supportive Asics running shoe for kids in mint color for girls.

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

Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

As a passionate shoe fitter, I am committed to assisting you in finding the perfect pair of shoes for your child. If you’re looking for personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to guide you through the process and ensure that your child receives the best possible support and comfort.

Is Your Child Still Experiencing Pain after Trying Supportive Shoes?

If your child is still experiencing ball of foot pain after wearing supportive shoes for at least two months, it may be time to take the next step—adding an orthotic for extra cushioning and targeted support. Orthotics can be a game-changer in managing persistent foot pain, offering a tailored solution for your child’s unique needs.

Footlogics orthotic inserts for kids with flat feet.
An image showcasing one of my top recommended over-the-counter orthotics for children—specially designed to relieve ball of foot pain by offering targeted cushioning, support, and shock absorption.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

I created a free virtual shoe fitting service to help you accurately measure your child’s foot size from home. In that guide, I walk you through how to determine your child’s exact shoe size, whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—and whether a high instep might be affecting the fit. It’s an easy way to make sure your child gets the comfort and support they need from their shoes.

What Are the Causes of the Ball of the Foot Pain?

Several factors can lead to metatarsalgia in children, but these are the most common culprits:

  • Wearing the wrong shoe size
  • Shoes that lack proper support
  • High-impact physical activity
  • A longer second toe (Morton’s Toe)
  • High arches
  • Excess body weight

Each of these can increase pressure on the ball of the foot, causing pain and discomfort—especially during movement. Identifying the root cause is key to relieving your child’s pain and getting them back to active, pain-free play.