The Best Children’s Shoes for Hemihypertrophy – Extra Wide and Deep!
Has your child been diagnosed with hemihypertrophy, a condition where one side of the body—often a leg or foot—grows larger than the other? If so, finding properly fitting shoes can be a challenge. Children with hemihypertrophy often require two different shoe sizes to accommodate the foot size discrepancy. The best shoes for hemihypertrophy feature rounded toe boxes, extra depth, and supportive structures to ensure comfort and proper alignment for the larger foot, without compromising fit on the smaller side.
As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping several kids with hemihypertrophy find shoes that fit comfortably and support their unique needs. Every child deserves shoes that fit just right—and I’m confident I can help your child find that perfect pair too.
Images of a Child with Hemihypertrophy
Key Shoe Features for Children with Hemihypertrophy
Key Feature One: Extra Depth. Extra deep shoes help accommodate differences in foot size or shape, ensuring a comfortable fit for both feet. They also promote even pressure distribution—especially important for children with hemihypertrophy who may experience uneven weight bearing.
Key Feature Two: Round Toe-Boxes. A round toe-box is another important feature to consider. It allows for natural toe splay and reduces pressure on the toes, which can be particularly beneficial for children with hemihypertrophy. A round toe-box also ensures that the shoe doesn’t constrict or pinch the foot, promoting healthy foot development. This feature is crucial in preventing the onset of foot deformities such as bunions, which can occur if the toes are not given adequate space to move freely.
Key Feature Three: Oversized Openings. Oversized openings make it easier to put on and take off shoes, especially for children with mobility challenges. They also allow for better adjustment and customization of the fit, which is crucial when dealing with varying foot sizes.
Do You Need to Buy Two Different-Sized Shoes for Your Child?
I’ve worked with several children diagnosed with hemihypertrophy, and in every case, they needed two different shoe sizes to ensure proper fit and comfort. Fortunately, many shoe retailers understand this need and offer special policies—like “Buy One, Get One 40% Off” or even two different sizes for the price of one. To make things easier for you, I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you accurately determine your child’s shoe size from home—so you’ll know for sure if two sizes are necessary.
Finding the right shoes for your child can be challenging, but there are several excellent options available that cater to the needs of children with hemihypertrophy. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Children’s Shoes for Hemihypertrophy – Extra Deep and Wide
Here are my top recommendations for 2025.
1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces
These kids’ New balance shoes are the widest and deepest style, and they are available in wide and extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- 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
990 Series with Velcro
- You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Also available in grey and black
- 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
2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run
These adaptable See Kai Run shoes provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
Stride Rite has an adaptable line and one of its most popular shoes for children with extra wide feet is a stylish Mary Jane that parents love because their children can use it for casual wear or dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Ikiki Shoes
Ikiki shoes are designed with a focus on functionality and fun. They feature a wide toe box that supports natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that toddlers love.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
- Synthetic Vegan Leather
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These extra wide Stride Rite sneakers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Billy Shoes
Billy Shoes have become a favorite among families with children who require wider shoes with extra depth that are easy to get on and off. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
Choosing the right shoe size depends on how much of a size difference exists between your child’s feet. In most cases, I recommend going up half a size to a full size from your child’s measured foot length to allow for proper growing room and all-day comfort—especially when one foot is noticeably larger.
Which Shoe Brands Offer Mismatched Sizes?
Some shoe companies understand that not all feet are the same size—especially for children with medical conditions or foot differences. That’s why a few offer the option to purchase two different-sized shoes as a single pair, often at no extra cost.
Heel Lifts for Leg Length Discrepancy
Heel lifts are used to compensate for leg length discrepancies. They can be placed inside the shoe to help balance the body and improve gait. These lifts are often an essential component in managing hemihypertrophy, helping to prevent the development of compensatory habits that could lead to further musculoskeletal issues.
If you suspect your child has a leg length discrepancy, it’s best to consult with a doctor. In most cases, no treatment is needed if the difference is less than two centimeters at full height. For discrepancies greater than two centimeters, treatment options may include:
- Surgery to shorten the longer leg or lengthen the shorter one
- Heel lifts to balance leg length non-invasively
Heel lifts are typically the more practical and cost-effective solution. I go into more detail—and recommend the best heel lifts for kids—in a separate article you can check out.
Best Socks for Hemihypertrophy – Seamless and Breathable!
In addition to shoes, selecting the right socks is important for comfort. Look for seamless, breathable socks that will not irritate sensitive skin or cause blisters.
- Order these socks made by SmartKnit on Amazon
- Completely free of seams
- The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
- Order these socks made by Rambutan on Amazon
- Odor Resistant Bamboo (Rayon)
- Comfortable Comfort Seam Toe – Sensitive Toes Friendly (Hand Linked Toe)
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Made with premium ultra soft cotton
- Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around ankles
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you need further assistance in finding the best shoes for your child with hemihypertrophy, feel free to contact me via email for tailored recommendations. I can help you choose the right footwear based on your child’s unique foot shape and condition, ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit. My expertise in shoe fitting and understanding of hemihypertrophy can guide you toward making the best choices for your child’s foot health.
The only place I have found to allow me to buy different size shoes is Nordstrom. Do you know of anyone else?
Hi Melissa,
Where are you located? Most independent shoe stores will allow you to buy the first pair of shoes at regular price and the second pair for 40% off.