Best Sandals for Kids with High Insteps – Deep, Easy-On, and Durable!
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter | Est. reading time: 13 minutes
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 over 10 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 a few key features to look for.
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 fitting experience, 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, and 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 sandal.
The Most Common Mistake 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 doesn’t accommodate the unique structure of a high instep, and often leads 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 room in the instep area to accommodate your child’s foot shape without being too loose or too tight. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.
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 2026. Many of the sandals below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, make sure to click through and check for the color you want.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These sandals open widely thanks to fully adjustable straps, which accommodates the unique shape of a high instep without forcing the foot into a fixed opening.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports the foot
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They’re flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for high insteps — usually my first suggestion for this condition specifically.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- 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
- Adjustable Velcro strap around the heels
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals 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 on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking lining Vegan-friendly
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
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 on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple hook-and-loop closure for quick, easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight, cushioned MD footbed for all-day comfort
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
5. 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
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Adjustable back-strap
- Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
- High abrasion rubber tip for added durability and protection
- Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length
6. Sandal by Dream Pairs
This Dream Pairs sandal is an affordable, practical choice 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.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Adjustable back-strap
- Quick-drying EVA insole
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
7. Paley II by See Kai Run
The Paley by See Kai Run is a top pick for kids 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 while still providing a secure, comfy fit.
- I suggest that you get this sandal style Paley II by See Kai Run on Amazon
- 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
8. Hurricane by Teva
These Teva sandals offer robust support, and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit that accommodates high insteps comfortably.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
- Rubber outsole for durability and traction
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length, since the strap pattern runs slightly snug
9. Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand’s designs are both trendy and functional, so your child won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on sandals that provide ample space for the toes alongside a secure fit that supports active play.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable front buckles with a rear Velcro strap for easy on and off
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
10. Archie by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite sandals are a more stylish option for kids with high insteps, without giving up the functional features that matter for this condition.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Fisherman-style sandal with hook-and-loop closure
- Easy on and off thanks to an oversized opening
- Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology for better ground-feel
- Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length
Do Most Children with High Insteps Have Wide Feet?
High insteps can often be mistaken for wide feet, but they’re not necessarily the same thing. While some children with high insteps might also have wide feet, it’s not a rule, and understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right sandals. All the sandals above feature a rounder toe box as well, giving your child’s toes room to move freely and preventing rubbing against each other or the sides of the sandal.
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 with that, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine 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, I’ve put together a bonus resource with recommendations and tips for selecting the perfect pair. Sneakers need to offer the same depth and fit considerations as sandals to 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 quite a bit from child to child, so it’s worth factoring in your own child’s specific foot shape and needs before deciding. If you have any questions or want a more personalized recommendation, you can reach out through our contact page and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
