Best Kids’ Shoes for High Instep and Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes!
Children with wide feet and high insteps always struggle to get their shoes on and off. 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 best kids’ shoes for high instep and wide feet provide round toe-boxes, extra depth, and oversized openings for easy on and off.
Most parents of children with high insteps and wide feet usually have to order multiple shoes online before finding one that fits, seems comfortable, and is good quality.
Where Is the Instep of the Foot Located?
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 high insteps try to stay away from shoe brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Reebok. These shoe brands don’t manufacture shoes that are wide or deep enough for children with high insteps.
High Instep and Wide Feet – The Challenges of Finding Shoes That Fit!
I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes, and I have helped hundreds of children with high insteps and wide feet find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. I am confident I will be able to help your child as well. 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.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for High Instep and Wide Feet?
Your kids’ shoes need to be 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 shoes should also provide these two important features:
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ 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.
Let’s Find Out Your Child’s Exact Foot Size – 2 Simple Steps
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.
Best Shoes for High Instep and Wide Feet – Extra Deep
These shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) feet, so choose the shoe width accordingly. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Russell by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Order the shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- Leather and mesh upper
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12 by Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Get a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Without a doubt, children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your child so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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.
Additional Resources for Children Who Have High Insteps and Wide Feet
Some parents complain about not being able to find a pair of seasonal shoes such as sandals or boots for their kids with high insteps and wide feet, so I created those resources as well in an effort to make that search a little easier.
What is your favorite shoe brand for your child with wide feet and high instep? Let us know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
