Best Kids’ Shoes for High Instep and Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes!

April 23, 2023 High Instep Juan Pablo Valenzuela 0 - Comments

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 am going to show you a list of the best kids’ shoes for high instep and wide feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

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!”

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 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.

If you are in a rush, you can go directly to the selection of shoes for children with high insteps and wide feet.

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.

I specialize in children’s shoe fittings and I have helped hundreds of different children find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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: 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world. 

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

  • Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
  • 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
  • Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
  • 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
  • Shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
  • 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
  • Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
  • 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
  • Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 650
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 by New Balance
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Flash A/C 3.0 by Saucony
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • This shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)

  • Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • Shoe style 650 Bungee by New Balance
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Lace-up closure
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 327 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 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
  • Shoe style 574 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Looking for Other Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion

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 us via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your toddler so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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.

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? 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.