Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best kids’ shoes for high instep and wide feet.
Does your child have wide feet and a high instep? Do you always have the hardest time getting your kids’ shoes on and even when they are finally inside you are always unsure whether the shoes are fitting correctly?
Children with wide feet have a hard time finding shoes that fit, and it gets a lot more complicated to find shoes when kids also have high insteps.
I get contacted by parents of children with high insteps and one of their most common complaints is: “Are there any particular shoe brands we should be checking out for kids with high insteps? It’s proving much more of a problem than the width!”
The instep is the top part of the foot, and most of the time it goes unnoticed by parents. Below are some examples of children with wide feet and high insteps:
If your child has wide feet and a high instep try to stay away from shoe brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Reebok. These shoe brands manufacture shoes for children with narrow or medium feet only.
High Instep and Wide Feet – The Challenges of Finding Shoes that Fit!
I have helped hundreds of children with high insteps and wide feet find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. The images I showed you are examples of families who contact me asking for advice on what shoes to buy.
The biggest issue with having a child with a high instep and wide feet is how the shoes tend to rub against the top part of the feet, leaving indentations or red marks. Does the image below look familiar?
Children with wide feet and high insteps are more prone to developing foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
While the selection of shoes tends to be very limited, I will show you exactly which shoes are better for a child with a high instep and wide feet.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I specialize in children’s shoe fittings and I have helped hundreds of different children find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. I have been working at a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years. We focus on children with foot and leg problems, and we also help children with “complicated” foot shapes. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes for kids with wide feet and high insteps.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for High Instep and Wide Feet?
Your kids’ shoes need to come labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW), and the final shoe width that you choose for your child depends on how wide your kids’ feet are.
The 2 most important features that your kids’ shoes must provide are:
✅ Extra Depth: This shoe feature allows your child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part of the foot (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Let me show you the difference in depth between one of the sneakers I recommend and a different shoe. The shoe on the right is a lot deeper compared to the shoe on the left. Keep in mind that these shoes are the same length and width, but as you can see, they will fit very differently.
✅ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This shoe feature prevents your child’s toes from rubbing against the side of the shoes or one another. This is important to prevent your child from developing blisters, calluses, or corns. Let me show you the difference in the toe-box between one of the shoes I recommend and a different shoe. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left? These shoes are the same size but they will fit very differently.
I will show you a selection of the best shoes for high instep and wide feet shortly, but if you are going to be ordering your kids’ shoes online you need to be 100% sure that you know your child’s exact foot length and foot width.
Let’s Find Out Your Child’s Exact Foot Size – 2 Simple Steps
I developed the most effective way to determine your child’s exact foot size from your home and will personally assist you with a custom fitting tailored to your child’s individual needs. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their child’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height.
To follow my 2 simple steps, go to the following link where I explain how it works in more detail:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Most parents of children with a high instep and wide feet usually have to order multiple shoes online before finding one that fits, seems comfortable, and is good quality.
Now that you know which are the 2 key features that your kids’ shoes must provide to fit a wide foot with a high instep and how to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home, you are ready to take a look at the best kids’ shoes for high instep and wide feet.
Best Shoes for High Instep and Wide Feet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) feet, so choose the shoe width accordingly. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- 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
- 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
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Long heel counter provides stability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- 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
- 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 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 widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Hook-and-loop strap closure with elastic lace panel
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Machine washable for quick and easy clean
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather upper
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- 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 child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- 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, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- 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
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
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 Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
These are the deepest shoes that I have fitted before, so if your child tries one of these shoes and for some reason they are still not wide/deep enough for his/her feet, please reach out to me directly and I will explain what steps to take:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
You may notice how these shoes are all made by the shoe company New Balance. This doesn’t mean that all shoes made by New Balance can fit the shape of a child with wide feet and high instep. The shoes I recommend are the deepest and widest ones made by New Balance.
Remember that shoes that are not deep or wide enough can cause the following issues to your child’s feet:
- Blisters
- Calluses
- Corns
- Ingrown toenails.
- General foot pain.
Some parents complain about not being able to find a pair of seasonal shoes or dress shoes for their kids with a high instep and wide feet. If you relate to this, take a look at the articles below:
Best Sandals for Kids with High Insteps – Deep, Supportive, Waterproof, and Durable!
Best Dress Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps – Stylish, Affordable, and Extra Deep!
What is your favorite shoe brand for your child with wide feet and high instep? Is there a specific shoe style that has worked well for your child’s feet? Please let us know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
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