Best Billy Shoes for Toddlers with Extra Wide Feet: Adaptive Zipper Shoes

November 2, 2026 Extra Wide Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: November 2, 2026 · By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

Does every shoe feel too tight on your toddler’s extra wide feet, or is getting shoes on over AFOs a daily struggle? Billy shoes might be the answer. Their zipper runs along the side and around the toe, so the shoe opens completely, and the styles I recommend have a roomy, round toe box and extra depth. As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I’ll explain what makes Billy shoes work, what to watch out for, and which styles I recommend for toddlers.

Toddlers I’ve Fit in Billy Shoes

Over the years, I’ve worked with many families whose toddlers have extra wide feet, high insteps, or both, and couldn’t find anything that fit. For many of them, Billy shoes were what finally worked.

^{An extra wide foot with a high instep.}

^{A toddler with extra wide feet standing barefoot.}

^{Chubby, extra wide toddler feet like these are hard to fit in most shoes.}

Why Billy Shoes Work for Extra Wide Feet

A Zipper That Opens the Whole Shoe

The zipper runs along the side and around the toe, so the top of the shoe opens completely. You can set your toddler’s foot (or foot and AFO) straight in, instead of squeezing it through a narrow opening.

^{The zipper opens the whole top of the shoe.}

A Round, Roomy Toe Box

One of the roundest toe boxes I’ve fit, with room for wide toes to spread out.

^{A round toe box gives wide toes room to spread.}

Extra Depth for High Insteps and AFOs

More room from top to bottom, so a high instep or a brace doesn’t press against the top of the shoe.

^{Extra depth leaves room for high insteps and orthotics.}

Available in Wider Widths

Many toddler shoes say “wide” but still fit snug. The Billy styles below come in wider widths that give chubby feet the room they need.

^{Billy styles come in wider widths for chubby feet.}

Things to Know Before You Buy

They’re Heavier and Stiffer Than First Walkers

Billy shoes have more structure than a typical toddler shoe, especially the high-tops. That’s helpful for AFOs and support, but they can feel bulky for brand-new walkers. If your toddler just started walking, see my guide to shoes for babies learning to walk.

They Aren’t the Most Breathable

Leather high-tops can trap heat. In warm weather or for toddlers whose feet sweat, a style with a mesh lining (like the Goat below) is a better choice.

Who Billy Shoes Are Best For

Great for:

Toddlers with extra wide feet or high insteps who can’t fit into other shoes
Toddlers who wear AFOs or SMOs
Parents who struggle to get shoes on, since the zipper opens the whole shoe

Maybe not for:

Brand-new walkers who need the lightest, most flexible shoe
Hot weather, if you choose a leather high-top

Watch: Billy Shoes Up Close

In my video, I walk through each feature, from the zipper to the toe box, so you can see how they open and fit before you buy.

Best Billy Shoes for Toddlers with Extra Wide Feet

These are the two Billy styles I recommend most for toddlers with extra wide feet. Both come in several colors, so click through to see them all.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click and make a purchase.

Classic DR High II by Billy

A leather high-top with a zipper that opens the whole shoe, extra depth, and a round toe box. It’s the Billy style I’ve fit most often on toddlers who wear AFOs.

Key Features

Order on Amazon
Available in extra wide widths
Leather upper
Zipper opens the whole shoe
High-top for ankle support
Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Goat by Billy

A lighter-feeling Billy style with a breathable cotton mesh lining and the same full-zipper opening.

Key Features

Order on Amazon
Available in extra wide widths
Cotton mesh lining
Zipper opens the whole shoe
Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

How to Get the Right Size

Without orthotics: order a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
With AFOs or SMOs: measure your toddler’s foot with the brace on, then size up from there. Here’s how to order the correct shoe size for AFOs.
Choose the widest width offered.
Take out the insole if you need more room for a brace.

Not sure of your toddler’s size or width? Here’s how to measure your child’s feet.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re not sure whether Billy shoes will fit your toddler, email me with their age, size, a few photos of their feet, and whether they wear AFOs, and I’ll point you to the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Billy shoes good for extra wide feet?

Yes. Their round toe box, extra depth, and zipper that opens the whole shoe make them one of the best options I’ve found for toddlers with extra wide feet.

Do Billy shoes work with AFOs?

Yes, for most AFOs. The zipper opens the whole shoe, so you can set the foot and brace straight in, and the extra depth leaves room. Very bulky braces may still need a bigger size.

Do Billy shoes fit high insteps?

Yes. Their extra depth fits chubby feet and high insteps, and taking out the insole adds even more room.

Are Billy shoes good for toddlers who just started walking?

They’re heavier and stiffer than typical first walkers. For brand-new walkers, a lighter, more flexible shoe is usually better.

Are Billy shoes breathable?

Leather high-tops can get warm. For warmer weather, choose a style with a mesh lining, like the Goat.