Baby Shoes for High Instep – Extra Deep Shoes for an Easy On and Off!

May 22, 2025 Baby Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to get your baby’s shoes on and off? If it feels like you’re forcing their feet into the shoes or questioning the fit once they’re on, your baby may have a high instep. This common foot shape—where the top of the foot is higher than average—can make finding properly fitting shoes more challenging. The best baby shoes for high insteps offer roomy toe boxes and wide openings for easy on and off, while providing the comfort and flexibility your baby needs. In this guide, I’ll share the top shoes that accommodate high insteps to keep your baby’s feet comfortable and supported.

How Does a Baby’s Foot with a High Instep Looks Like?

How exactly does a baby’s foot with a high instep look like? You’ll notice that the top of the foot is more pronounced, sometimes creating a challenge when putting on shoes. This unique foot shape can also lead to increased pressure points, making the selection of appropriate footwear even more critical.

An up-close image of a baby’s foot showing both a wide shape and a noticeably high instep.

Avoid These Popular Brands If Your Baby Has a High Instep

If your baby has a high instep, steer clear of brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. While they’re trendy and popular among adults, these shoes typically run too narrow and shallow for babies who need extra space and depth. I know many parents love matching styles with their little ones, but when it comes to comfort and proper fit, choosing the right shoe design matters more than the brand name.

Key Features to Look for in Shoes for High Instep

Feature One: Extra Depth. This feature ensures that the foot isn’t squeezed or restricted, allowing for natural growth and movement. Extra depth in shoes offers room for the foot to move comfortably, preventing the top of the foot from being pressed against the shoe, which can cause discomfort or pain.

Let’s compare the depth of a See Kai Run shoe—designed with extra room for high insteps—versus a Nike style, which tends to be more shallow and snug.

Feature Two: Oversized Openings. Shoes with multiple points of adjustability, such as Velcro straps or laces, provide flexibility and ease when putting on and taking off the shoes. This is especially beneficial for high instep feet, as it allows for a customized fit that can accommodate the foot’s unique shape.

A baby shoe featuring double Velcro straps, designed for quick and easy on-and-off—perfect for little ones with high insteps.

Feature Three: Rounder Toe-Boxes. While not directly related to the instep, having shoes with rounded toe-boxes is essential for your baby’s foot health. Babies love to wiggle their toes—it’s how they build strength and coordination. Constricting this natural movement can interfere with healthy foot development, so roomy toe-boxes are a must.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the difference in toe-box shape between the Nike shoe shown earlier and a See Kai Run style I recommend—notice how the See Kai Run shoe offers a roomier, more rounded toe-box.

Are You Certain of Your Baby’s Foot Size?

I created a simple yet highly effective way for you to accurately measure your baby’s foot size from home—and I’ll personally guide you through it. This custom fitting service helps determine your baby’s exact foot length, width, and instep height, ensuring the perfect fit every time. Best of all, it’s completely free. Take advantage of my virtual shoe fitting service and make finding the right shoes stress-free!

An image of a parent getting their baby’s shoes on.

Finding the right shoes can be overwhelming, but I’m here to help with personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your baby’s needs. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, earning us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Baby Shoes for High Instep – Extra Deep and Oversized Openings

Here are my top picks for 2025, considering the features discussed.

1. Shoe Style Stevie II by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run baby shoes for high instep are a popular choice among parents for its extra depth and adjustable straps, making it an excellent option for babies with high insteps.

See Kai Run shoe for toddler girls learning how to walk.
See Kai Run shoe for toddler boys learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Stevie II by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

2. Shoe Style Thompson by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite high instep shoes feature a flexible sole and a rounded toe design to support natural movement.

Stride Rite Thompson in pink for girls.
Stride Rite Thompson in navy blue for boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Thompson Sneaker on Amazon
  • Available in wide widths
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

3. Shoe Style Racer by Tsukihoshi

Tsukihoshi baby shoes are lightweight, flexible, and capable of accommodating babies with high insteps.

Tsukihoshi shoes for toddler girls learning how to walk.
Tsukihoshi shoes for toddlers learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in 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 Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite baby walking shoes provide extra depth and a comfortable fit. Their design includes flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles, which are essential for active toddlers.

Shoe style Adalyn by Stride Rite for toddler girls with wide feet.
Shoe style Artie by Stride Rite for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite booties for babies with high insteps offer extra depth and oversized openings, making them a top choice for babies with high insteps.

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

Key Features

  • Order the shoe SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • 100% leather made
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

6. Shoe style Archie and Kiki by Stride Rite

These baby sandals for high instep are crafted to provide maximum comfort for wide feet. With their breathable materials and secure fit, they offer the support and flexibility needed for a growing child.

Stride Rite brown sandal for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.
Stride Rite white sandal for toddler girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Archie and Kiki on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue for a comfortable fit
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

7. Shoe Style Martin by Stride Rite

These baby shoes feature double velcro straps and extra depth for babies with high instep.

Stride Rite Martin bootie for toddler boys with wide feet.
Stride Rite Martin bootie for toddler girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Martin by Stride Rite on Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

8. Shoe Style Casey by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run booties provide extra depth, rounded toe-boxes, and opens up nice and wide for easy on and off.

See Kai Run boot for toddler boys learning how to walk.
See Kai Run boot for toddler girls learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Casey by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Fleece lining for extra warmth
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

9. Shoe Style Lucia by See Kai Run

These baby girl Mary Jane shoes feature a roomy toe box, flexible sole, and breathable materials to support healthy foot development and all-day comfort for early walkers.

See Kai Run Mary Jane for toddlers learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Casey by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Fleece lining for extra warmth
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

10. Merrell Kids’ Bare Steps Sneaker

These Merrell high instep baby shoes are designed with a wide toe box and a barefoot feel, encouraging natural foot development.

Merrell Bare Steps shoe style in pink for toddler girls.
Merrell Bare Steps in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Bare Steps by Merrell on Amazon or Zappos
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Additional Features to Consider

Sensory pods in the sole of the shoe can help improve a child’s proprioception (sense of body position) and balance. This feature is particularly beneficial for babies as they explore their surroundings and develop motor skills.

A close-up image showcasing Stride Rite shoes featuring unique sensory pods on the soles for added grip and comfort.

A lightweight and flexible shoe design ensures that your child can move freely and comfortably. This flexibility supports natural foot movement, which is essential for proper development. Lightweight shoes reduce the energy expenditure required for movement, allowing children to play and explore without feeling weighed down by heavy footwear.

Lightweight and flexible shoes for babies learning how to walk.
You should be able to easily bend the front of your baby’s shoe about 50 degrees—remember, babies don’t have the strength to flex stiff soles.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to reach out for more specific shoe recommendations tailored to your baby’s unique foot shape. Contact me via email for personalized advice that can help you navigate the challenges of finding the perfect fit for high instep shoes. Remember, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your child’s development journey.

Your baby’s first pair of walking shoes are the most important ones. Allow your baby to take those first steps with confidence and prevent foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. I encourage you to share your feedback in the comments section so other families can learn and benefit from your experiences.