Best Running Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet — Available in Extra Wide Widths (XW)!
Has your child started to show an interest in running but you can’t seem to find a single pair of running shoes that are wide enough for your child’s extra wide feet? Does your child complain that all running shoes feel too tight? Whether children are ready for their first 5K, to joining the track and field or cross-country team, their feet need the correct type of footwear to take them there. Let me show you a list of the best running shoes for kids with extra wide feet that I have fitted before at the shoe store where I work for.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, you can go straight to the selection of the best running shoes for kids with extra wide feet.
Be Careful About Fitting Your Child in Running Shoes that Are Too Narrow
Children can run safely at any age as long as they’re excited to do so and don’t experience pain while running. The issue is that children with extra wide feet always have a harder time finding running shoes that fit, and running in a pair of shoes that are too narrow will lead to discomfort and pain.
In addition, running in a pair of shoes that are too narrow can lead to your child developing several foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. This can be discouraging for your child who might simply give up on running due to feeling uncomfortable. The good news is that I have helped hundreds of children with extra wide feet find the perfect pair of running shoes for their feet, and I believe I can help your child too.
Do You Know If Your Child Has a High Instep?
Some children have high insteps in addition to having extra wide feet. Do you know whether your child has a high instep or not? The instep is the top part of the foot and when it’s high, it makes it a lot more challenging to find shoes that fit.
Below there is an image of a child with a high instep. As you can see there is a lot of extra foot volume that needs to be fitted inside the shoes.
What Makes the Running Shoes I Recommend Effective for Extra Wide Feet?
1️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature is going to help prevent your children’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the running shoes. Let me show you the difference between one of the running shoes I recommend and a different style. These shoes are the same length and width, but as you can see they have very different toe-boxes.
2️⃣ Extra Depth: Some children in addition to having extra wide feet have a high instep. It’s important for your kids running shoes to provide extra depth to allow your child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the top part of their feet from rubbing against the top part of the running shoes:
The Complications of Wearing Running Shoes that are Too Narrow
I have seen several children develop blisters on the back of their heels and small toes from running in shoes that were too narrow. Below you can find some images of the 2 most common places in which children develop blisters when running:
Let me show you which are the best and worst running shoe brands for kids with extra wide feet. Keep in mind that among these shoe brands certain running shoes provide better support and fit better than others.
Best Running Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
Both of the shoe brands below manufacture running shoes in extra wide widths (XW). They are my go-to running shoe brands for children with extra wide feet and high insteps:
➡️ New Balance
➡️ Saucony
Worst Running Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
The 3 running shoe brands below are among the most popular shoe brands for children in terms of style. However, none of these 3 shoe brands offer their shoes in extra wide widths and they tend to only fit children with narrow or medium feet.
➡️ Under Armour
➡️ Nike
➡️ Adidas
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Before I show you a selection of the best running shoes for kids with extra wide feet I want to make sure that you know your child’s exact foot size and shape. I created a different article in which I help parents determine their child’s foot size from home.
Best Running Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
Make sure that you order these shoes in an extra wide (XW) width. 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.
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Roav by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LLT by Saucony
- 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
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- 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
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- 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 child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra 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
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a 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
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- 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
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style FuelCell Rebel by New Balance
- 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
- Shoe style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra 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 a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- 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 (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the running shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
The Importance of Lacing Your Kids Running Shoes Correctly
Your kids’ running shoes must come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure. Shoelaces provide better support and stability than shoes with an alternative closure. I actually recommend using a specific shoe lacing technique that my coworker who has over 30 years of shoe fitting experience taught me. This shoe lacing technique will push your kids’ feet back, securing and protecting them against the back of the shoes.
This shoe lacing technique also helps prevent heel slippage when running. You can learn more about this shoe lacing technique in a different article.
Is it Worth Investing in a Pair of Running Shoes?
First of all, I want to emphasize how more expensive running shoes don’t necessarily translate into better shoes for your child. Most running shoes I have fitted are reasonably priced and provide excellent comfort and support at the same time.
I understand how several families hesitate to buy running-specific shoes because the price is higher for a shoe that their child may quickly outgrow. I believe that investing in a pair of running shoes is a wise decision, for several reasons.
1️⃣ Running shoes provide significantly better support and comfort than your child’s everyday sneakers. That being said, the running shoes I recommend can be used for running as well as for everyday walking. Let me show you the difference in support between one of the running shoes I recommend and a different style:
2️⃣ Running shoes provide targeted cushion to specific areas of the foot which helps prevent injuries that range from ankle rolls and shin splints, to blisters and general foot and leg pain. It’s important for your kids’ running shoes to provide targeted cushion around your child’s heels to prevent blisters around that area.
3️⃣ Running shoes provide better traction which helps prevent children from slipping and falling.
Finding a pair of running shoes for a child who has extra wide feet can be frustrating and time-consuming, but I hope I made things easier for you by providing a selection of the best running shoes for kids with extra wide feet. Remember that in addition to being lightweight, flexible, and supportive, the overall fit of the shoes should remain your top priority.
The Best Running Socks for Extra Wide Feet – Seamless and Breathable
I have fitted certain running socks that are breathable, seamless, and comfortable. These socks are going to reduce the friction between your kids’ feet and the shoes. Below you can find a selection of the best running socks for kids:
- Socks made by Prince
- 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex
- Extra cushion and padding provides shock absorbing protection in high impact areas
- Light compression to reduce foot fatigue
- Zone mesh design coupled with a lightweight polyester blend increases ventilation to control moisture and keep feet cool and dry
- Smooth toe seam
- Machine washable
- Socks made by Adidas
- 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Socks made by Adidas
- 93% Polyester, 3% Natural Latex Rubber, 2% Spandex, 2% Nylon
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Size callout added to bottom of foot
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Socks made by Balega
- Hand-linked seamless toe eliminates abrasion across the top of the foot
- Reinforced microfiber heel and toe
- Soft plush cushioning for comfort and protection
- Heel tab helps prevent the sock from slipping into your running shoe
- Socks made by Adidas
- 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Socks made by Puma
- 98% Polyester, 2% Cotton
- Soft cushioned comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Machine washable
One of the best features of these socks is that they hug the child’s foot and keep the sock in place while running. These socks are going to allow your child to get the most out of their run as they help maximize comfort and performance.
How Can You Check If Your Kids’ Running Shoes Are Fitting Correctly?
One way you can check whether your kids running shoes are wide enough is by checking if your child’s small toe is being pressed against the side of the shoes. If you notice a small bump that is your child’s small toe being pressed against the side of the shoes from the shoes being too narrow.
If you are unsure whether your kids’ running shoes are the correct size or if you need a different type of shoe to fit your child’s extra wide feet, feel free to contact me directly via email:
Some children don’t care about traditional team sports and running can still be a social activity, especially for those children who join a track team. I believe it’s important for children to create a regular exercise habit as they benefit mentally and physically from being active.
Have you found a specific running shoe that has worked well for your child’s extra wide feet? Let us know in the comments section below so other families can benefit from your findings.
