Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on February 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best extra wide New Balance shoes for boys.
Does your boy have extra wide feet and you can’t seem to find a single pair of shoes that fit? Have you tried several different shoe brands but all shoes end up being too tight and narrow for his feet? I have put together a list of the best extra wide New Balance shoes for boys, and I will show you this list shortly.
Did you know that children with extra wide feet are more prone to developing foot issues such as blisters, calluses, corns, as well as ingrown toenails? The best way to prevent your child’s feet from developing foot issues is by making sure that your child wears shoes that properly fit lengthwise and widthwise.
My Experience Helping Children with Extra Wide Feet
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now that focuses on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems but provides regular shoe fittings as well. Over the years I got familiar with the best extra wide New Balance shoes for boys.
Keep in mind that some children have high insteps in addition to having extra wide feet, which can make it a lot harder to find shoes that fit.
Does Your Child Have a High Instep?
The instep is the top part of the foot, and it’s the total amount of foot volume that needs to be fitted inside the shoes. For example, do you often have a hard time getting the velcro straps across the shoe? Do you usually notice indentations or red marks on the top part of your child’s feet? These are both signs that your child might have a high instep.
Take a look at the image below to better visualize where the instep of the foot is located:
What Makes New Balance Shoes Ideal for Extra Wide Feet?
New Balance has a large selection of shoes available in extra wide widths (XW), but what makes New Balance shoes ideal for children with extra wide feet is that the shoes provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes.
- Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part of their feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature also helps prevent the top part of your child’s toes from rubbing against the front top part of the shoes.
- Rounder Toe-Boxes: Shoes that provide rounder toe-boxes help prevent the child’s toes from overlapping one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes. This is a really important feature for children with extra wide feet as it allows extra space for the toes and helps prevent blisters as well as ingrown toenails.
Are All New Balance Shoes in Extra Wide Width the Same?
No, there are some New Balance shoe styles in the same length and width that are a lot wider than others.
Simply choosing a New Balance shoe that is labeled as extra wide (XW) and hoping that it will fit your child’s extra wide feet is not enough. Some New Balance shoes in extra wide widths are a lot wider than others, and those are the styles I will show you shortly.
Before I show you a list of the best New Balance shoes for boys it’s important that you know exactly what shoe size to order, that way you will save time and money by not having to return the shoes back and forth.
Do you Know Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape?
If you don’t have a good local fitting shoe store in your area and you usually order your kids’ shoes online, you must know your child’s exact foot length and shape or you will end up returning the shoes back and forth.
I created a free resource that will help you determine your child’s exact foot length and whether your child has a high instep:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Now that you know your child’s exact foot length, width, and instep height, let’s take a look at the best extra wide New Balance shoes for boys. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Extra Wide New Balance Shoes for Boys
All of the shoes below are available in extra wide widths (XW) and provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes. Take a look at the description below each shoe to check whether that shoe is available in shoelaces or velcro closure.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Breathable
- Synthetic upper
- Flex grooves for natural movement
- Rubber outsole with traction zones in toe and heel to help provide grip
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s foot size
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Breathable
- Synthetic upper
- Flex grooves for natural movement
- Rubber outsole with traction zones in toe and heel to help provide grip
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Removable insoles
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Suede/mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers our most cushioned
- Breathable mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
These are the widest shoes made by New Balance. There are other shoe brands that manufacture shoes in extra wide widths such as Saucony, but their shoes are not as wide.
What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Are There Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Please reach out to my email if none of these shoes are available in your child’s foot size or if you are looking for a specific shoe color/style for your child:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
I also created other resources that you might be interested in as they describe the best sandals and boots for children with extra wide feet:
Extra Wide Sandals for Boys – They Do Exist!
Extra Wide Boots for Kids – Finding an Extra Wide Boots that Fits!
What Are Good Socks for Children with Extra Wide Feet?
I usually recommend seamless socks for children with extra wide feet as they allow for extra room along the toes. There is a different article I created where I describe the widest socks for kids:
Extra Wide Socks for Kids – They Slide Easily and Stay Up!
Some of the other features you will love about those socks are how they are breathable, durable, and comfortable.
Will My Child’s Feet Always Remain Extra Wide?
I have seen children who had extra wide feet in their toddler years and as they grew their feet narrower down. Other children’s feet remained extra wide onto their teenage years, so it really depends on a case to case basis.
I hope you find this resource helpful! Please remember that fitting your child in shoes that are too narrow can lead to several foot issues including blisters, calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are unsure whether your child’s shoes are wide enough or if you are having trouble finding a pair of seasonal shoes to accommodate your child’s extra wide feet.
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