When buying children's shoes, many parents focus on appearance, color, or how soft a shoe feels. Understandably so, but there's one technical detail that's just as important for healthy children's feet: the heel counter . A well-reinforced heel counter often makes the difference between a shoe that looks nice and one that actually contributes to healthy foot development.
What exactly does a heel piece do?
The heel counter, also called the heel counter, is the reinforced part at the back of the shoe, surrounding the heel. This component ensures that the heel remains stable and doesn't roll while walking, running, or playing. If this part is missing or too loose, the foot can move too much in the shoe, disrupting the natural gait.
Stability prevents incorrect loading
Children often experience inward rolling of their feet while walking (overpronation). This may seem harmless, but in the long run it can lead to problems with their ankles, knees, or even their backs. A sturdy heel counter helps keep the foot straight and supports a natural ankle and heel position. This stability is especially essential for active children who move and play frequently.
Support during growth
Children's feet are developing rapidly and consist largely of supple cartilage. That's precisely why proper support is crucial. A high-quality heel cap supports the foot without forcing it and promotes healthy growth. This gives the foot the space it needs to develop properly, based on good posture.
What do you pay attention to when trying on a suit?
-
The heel piece should feel firm, but not hard or pinching
-
The heel should be nicely enclosed, without the foot being able to slide
-
Combine a sturdy heel piece with a flexible sole for a natural gait
-
Choose breathable materials such as supple leather
-
Please allow for sufficient growth space: at Maxime Shoes we recommend an average of 12 mm growth margin , measured from the longest toe
Our vision at Maxime Schoenen
For us, a sturdy heel counter isn't an extra, but a fundamental requirement. That's why we carefully select our collections for fit, support, and quality. This way, we ensure children not only walk beautifully, but also responsibly and comfortably —every single day.
