Best School Shoes for Kids with High Instep – Extra Deep, Comfortable and Durable!
Finding school shoes for kids with high insteps can be challenging. If your child often complains about shoes feeling too tight on the top of their feet or rubbing uncomfortably, their high instep may be the reason. This foot type requires shoes with extra depth and room across the top for a proper fit. Based on my years of experience fitting children’s shoes, I’ve curated a list of the best school shoes specifically designed to accommodate high insteps—ensuring all-day comfort and support.
Why is it so hard to find shoes that fit kids with high insteps? It all comes down to extra foot volume. A high instep means there’s more height across the top of the foot, so standard shoes often feel too tight or uncomfortable. To ensure a proper fit, the shoes need extra depth—this allows your child’s feet to sit comfortably inside without rubbing or pressure on the top of the foot.
How Does a Foot with a High Instep Look Like?
Many parents mistakenly think a high instep is the same as a high arch—but they’re not! Your child can have flat feet or a normal arch and still have a high instep.
Do More Expensive School Shoes Translate Into Better Shoes?
When it comes to school shoes, a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. It’s important to focus on the specific features that meet your child’s needs rather than the brand name or cost. Some affordable options offer excellent support and comfort without breaking the bank.
Key Features of School Shoes for Kids with High Insteps
When selecting school shoes for children with high insteps, it’s important to consider two specific features that can accommodate their foot shape.
School Shoe Policy Considerations
Before purchasing school shoes, check your child’s school shoe policy to ensure compliance with uniform guidelines. Some schools have specific requirements regarding color, style, and type of footwear.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
My virtual shoe fitting service can help you retrieve your child’s exact foot shape and shoe size, ensuring a perfect fit every time. This service takes the guesswork out of shopping for shoes online and provides peace of mind knowing that your child will have comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Below are the best school shoes for kids with high insteps that combine extra depth, oversized openings, durability, and comfort. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best School Shoes for Kids with High Instep in 2025
Some of the school shoes I recommend below come in multiple width options—medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW)—so be sure to choose the right width to ensure your child gets the best possible fit and comfort.
1. Claire by Stride Rite
These Mary Jane school shoes are designed with extra depth and a roomy fit, making them an excellent choice for children with high insteps. The adjustable strap ensures a secure fit without putting pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Claire by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Also available in brown and navy
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. 990v6 by New Balance
This New Balance school is a versatile, supportive shoe that works exceptionally well for children with high insteps. Its extra depth and roomy toe box provide a comfortable fit without pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Order the shoe 990v6 by New Balance on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Merrell Jungle Moc
These slip-on school shoes for kids with high insteps combine easy wear, breathable comfort, and durable support for all-day play and learning.
- Order the shoe Jungle Moccasin by Merrell on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Outsole has excellent grip
- Air Cushion midsole allows long-wearing comfort
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance
These New Balance white uniform shoes offer a cushioned insole for comfort, a durable outsole for traction, and extra depth to accommodate high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar for comfort
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Dirty Buck by Footmates
This is a stylish and versatile school shoe designed to accommodate children with high insteps. Its rounded toe box and extra depth provide a comfortable fit without putting pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Bucky by Footmates on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Lace-up design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Identify a High Instep
To determine if your child has a high instep, you can look for certain signs:
- A prominent arch is a common sign of a high instep, often creating a noticeable curve along the inside of the foot. However, even children with flat feet can have high insteps.
- Difficulty fitting into regular shoes: If your child frequently complains about shoes feeling tight or struggles to get them on, this may be due to a high instep. Pay attention to their feedback when trying on different styles.
- Redness or pressure marks on the top of the foot from tight shoes: These physical signs can indicate that the shoe is exerting too much pressure on the top of the foot, which is common in children with high insteps.
Reach Out for Personalized Recommendations
Finding the perfect school shoes for your child can be a daunting task, especially if they have a high instep. If you’re unsure where to start or need specific recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice.
School Shoe Policy – Check Before You Shop
It may seem surprising, but many schools have strict rules about what shoes kids can wear. Popular brands like Nike, Converse, and Vans often don’t meet uniform requirements.
Before buying back-to-school shoes, review your child’s school uniform guide—some schools even provide a visual checklist. Policies vary widely: some require all-black or all-white shoes, while others allow more flexibility in style and color.
Fun and Stylish Shoes for Kids with High Instep
If your child’s school doesn’t require shoes in a specific color, you’ll have a lot more flexibility when choosing the right pair. To help you further, I’ve also created guides featuring the best sneakers and Mary Jane shoes specifically designed for children with high insteps.
