Best Sandals for Kids with High Insteps – Deep, Supportive, Waterproof, and Durable!
Struggling to find sandals that fit your child’s high instep? Many styles end up too narrow, leaving marks on the top of the foot and causing discomfort. As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve helped countless parents find deep, well-fitting sandals that actually work for high insteps. The right fit prevents painful issues like blisters, calluses, and corns—so let’s make sure your child steps into summer with comfort and support. When selecting sandals for kids with high insteps, there are several key features to consider.
What Makes the Sandals I Recommend Effective for High Insteps?
To ensure a comfortable fit for your child’s high instep, there are two must-have features every pair of sandals should include:
Key Feature One: Extra Depth
Sandals with extra depth are ideal for kids with high insteps. They provide more space for the top of the foot, ensuring a comfortable, pressure-free fit. This added depth helps prevent rubbing, irritation, and discomfort—making it easier for your child to wear sandals all day without issues.
The tricky part? Sandals aren’t labeled as “extra deep,” which leaves many parents wondering how to find the right fit. The good news is—I’ve done the work for you. After years of hands-on experience fitting kids’ shoes, I know exactly which sandals offer the extra depth your child needs.
Key Feature Two: Oversized Openings
Kids with high insteps often have a tough time slipping their sandals on and off. That’s why I recommend styles with oversized openings and multiple points of adjustability—they make getting shoes on (and keeping them on) so much easier. Plus, they ensure a custom, comfy fit every time.
What is the Instep of the Foot?
The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s higher than average, finding shoes that fit comfortably can be a real challenge. Take a look at the image below—you’ll see just how much extra foot volume needs to be accommodated in the sandals.
Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
When shopping for sandals, many parents make the mistake of buying longer sandals instead of deeper ones. While it might seem like a longer sandal would provide more room, it often results in an improper fit that can cause discomfort and hinder foot development. Length alone does not accommodate the unique structure of a high instep, often leading to sandals that are too loose in some areas and too tight in others.
It’s essential to focus on depth and width rather than just length. A properly fitting sandal should have enough space in the instep area to accommodate your child’s foot shape without being too loose or too tight. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Sandals for Kids with High Insteps – Extra Deep
Based on my experience and expertise, here are my top sandal recommendations for kids with high insteps in 2025. Many of the sandals featured below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, please make sure to click through and see if they have the desired color.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These sandals for high instep are equipped with adjustable straps that opens them widely, accommodating the unique shape of high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals for kids with high instep combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs
Dream Pairs offers lightweight sandals perfect for active children. Their designs focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your child’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
4. Boundless by Keen
These adaptable Keen sandals provide a stable base of support and have an adjustable back-strap for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Order the Boundless style by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
- Adjustable back-strap
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Sandal by Dream Pairs
The Dream Pairs sandal is an affordable and practical choice among easy sandals for kids with high insteps. With triple Velcro straps, it offers a secure fit and opens wide for quick, struggle-free on and off—perfect for growing kids and budget-conscious parents.
- I suggest that you get this sandal by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Adjustable back-strap
- I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Paley II by See Kai Run
The Paley by See Kai Run is a top pick for easy sandals for children with high insteps. It features two Velcro straps—including one at the back—making it easy to open up the sandal for quick and effortless entry, all while providing a secure and comfy fit.
- I suggest that you get this sandal style Paley II by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Two points of adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva
These sandals are the best sandals for high instep and offer robust support. The adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, accommodating high insteps comfortably.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Lucky Brand
Their designs are both trendy and functional, ensuring your child won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on creating sandals that provide ample space for the toes and a secure fit that supports active play.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Archie by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite sandals are a more stylish option for kids with high insteps.
- Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Fisherman sandals with hook and loop closure
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and hook and loop closure
- Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology to help feel the ground underneath
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Do Most Children with High Insteps Have Wide Feet?
High insteps can often be mistaken for wide feet, but they are not necessarily the same. While some children with high insteps might have wide feet, it’s not a rule. Understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right sandals. All the sandals feature a rounder toe-box, giving your child’s toes the space they need to move freely and preventing any rubbing against each other or the sides of the sandals.
Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Selecting the right shoe size is crucial for comfort and support, especially for children with high insteps. To help parents navigate this process, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and the shoe size you should order online.
What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with High Insteps?
While sandals are a great option for warm weather, it’s essential to have the right footwear for all occasions. For parents looking for sneakers for kids with high insteps, I offer a bonus resource that provides recommendations and tips for selecting the perfect pair. Sneakers need to offer the same considerations for depth and fit as sandals, ensuring that they provide adequate support and comfort for daily wear.
Get a Personalized Recommendation!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about which sandals to choose for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. The right shoe can vary from child to child, so it’s important to consider your child’s specific foot shape and needs when making a choice. If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
