Which Heel Cups Work Best for Kids’ Soccer Cleats? – Easy to Fit and Affordable!
Has your child been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis or Severs Disease and you were advised to fit a pair of heel cups inside your child’s cleats? When talking about heel support, heel cups come to the forefront as the most affordable and effective prevention treatment. The correct types of heel cups provide extra cushioning and stability, which is crucial for active children who play soccer. I am going to show you the best heel cup options for kids’ soccer cleats based on my many years of shoe-fitting experience.
Soccer is a sport that involves quick sprints and sudden stops on the soccer field, which can easily lead to foot issues such as heel pain. Before we move forward and you invest in a pair of heel cups, you must make sure that you have to correct pair of soccer cleats. You must pair the use of heel cups with good soccer cleats and proper lacing techniques. It’s this combination that will allow your child to get the full support that the cleats and heel cups have to offer.
Heel Cups for Kids – Affordable and Effective!
Heel cups are an effective solution for many families who are on a budget and cannot invest in a pair of orthotics. Compared to more expensive options like orthotics or specialty sports insoles (such as Superfeet), heel cups offer a balance of function and value.
The Tulis heel cups that I recommend for children with heel pain are the most effective ones for two main reasons:
1️⃣ The heel cup I recommend is easy to fit inside shoes and offers superior shock absorption, protects the heel, and prevents foot fatigue:
2️⃣ The heel cup acts as a shock absorber for your child’s feet as it provides multi-layers of cushion as shown in the image below:
Among the multiple options available, Tulis heel cups stand out. They’re specifically designed to help treat and prevent heel pain for children who play sports.
Where Can You Find Tulis Heel Cups?
Tulis heel cups are sold on Amazon. You will notice how these heel cups are thicker than other heel cups, meaning that they provide more 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.
- Ideal to treat and prevent general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, excessive pronation, Achilles tendonitis
- Innovative multi-cell, multi-layer waffle pattern design, helps to absorb impact pressure (shock) and return impact energy back to the feet
- The extra cushion this heel cup includes reduces and prevents sore heels and shin splints
How to Fit Heel Cups Inside Your Kids’ Soccer Cleats
Fitting heel cups inside your child’s soccer cleats might be straightforward enough, but getting the snug fit might not be as easy as you thought. For that reason, I created a video that will walk you through the fitting process.
Basically, you don’t have to remove the original insoles of the soccer cleats, as long as the cleats are deep enough. Just place the heel cup firmly into the back of the cleat. It’s important to ensure that it’s sitting flat and right up against the inside heel area, as shown in the image below:
Once the heel cup is in place, ask your child to try on the cleats with the same soccer socks they will wear on the field and walk around. Pay attention to their feedback. Are the cleats uncomfortably tight? Do they feel any sliding of the heel cup when they move? Talk with your child about how their feet feel in the cleats with the heel cups inserted.
If you notice that the heel cup is not able to fit deeply inside the cleats, you might want to get a different pair of cleats or double-check that you order the correct heel cup size:
As a last resort, you might want to try removing the original insoles and checking if that makes a difference.
Securing Heel Cups in Place: Tying Techniques for Soccer Cleats
The heel cup needs to stay in place without slipping. This stability largely depends on how the soccer cleats are tied. A common method is the “heel lock” or “lace lock” technique, which pushes the foot back against the back part of the shoe, securing your child’s heels in place. My coworker who has many years of shoe fitting experience is the one who taught me this specific shoe lacing technique. Recurring slippage of the heel cup can not only be annoying and distract your child from the game, but also pose a risk for injuries.
Remember to Check Whether You Have the Right Soccer Cleats
When fitting heel cups inside your kids’ soccer cleats, you must be mindful that not every cleat will accommodate them well. Your kids’ soccer cleats should provide a slightly deeper heel area to provide enough space for the heel cup while maintaining a secure fit around the ankle.
Contact Me for Specific Soccer Cleat Recommendations
Each child’s feet are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You can either contact me through the comments section below or via email and I will be happy to help!
Exploring Alternatives to Tulis Heel Cups
It’s smart to keep an eye on other heel cup options in the market. If Tulis heel cups don’t seem like the right fit, or your child’s heel pain persists, there is one alternative available made by KidSole. This heel cup is ideal for children who suffer from Severs Disease, Plantar Fasciitis, or any other undiagnosed heel pain issue.
Encourage your child to provide feedback on the comfort and fit of the cleats with the heel cups in place to ensure they can play confidently and without distraction.
I hope you found this resource helpful and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions through the comments section below.
