Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on February 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet.
Are you struggling to find a pair of shoes for your toddler with wide feet? Do you always have a hard time putting your toddler’s shoes on? There is a myriad of different shoe brands and shoe styles for toddlers, and it can be confusing for parents to identify which shoes are better for their toddler’s wide feet.
It’s important that you choose your toddler’s shoes carefully, as shoes that are too narrow can create several issues to your toddler’s feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
Do you always notice red marks or indentations on the top part of your toddler’s feet? This is the first sign that the shoes your toddler is wearing might be too narrow.
Finding shoes for toddlers with wide feet can be challenging, but is a lot easier than finding shoes for toddlers with narrow feet. There is actually a large selection of wide shoes for toddlers, you just need to know which shoe brands manufacture toddler shoes in actual wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths.
Parents make the common mistake of assuming that a shoe that is labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW) will automatically fit the shape of their toddlers’ wide feet. You are increasing your chances of fitting your toddler’s wide feet by fitting them in a pair of wide shoes, but there are actually two other key features that your toddler’s shoes must provide to fit the shape of their wide feet:
✅ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature allows the toes to freely move and prevents them from rubbing or overlapping against one another. Toddlers like to wiggle their toes as a way of exercising their feet, so please make sure that you don’t constrict this toe movement.
How can you find shoes that come with rounder toe-boxes? I know which shoes provide this feature from having fitted them before. Let me show you the difference in toe-boxes between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style:
✅ Extra Depth: This feature allows the toddler’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of the feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature is really important in particular for toddlers with high insteps. Let me show you the difference in depth between one of the shoes I recommend a different style:
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have worked for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years, helping children with complicated foot shapes and foot conditions. Over the years I became familiar with the best shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet.
I am going to show you which are the best shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet, but first I want to show you which shoe brands you must stay away from if your toddler has wide feet.
The Worst Shoe Brands for Toddlers with Wide Feet
The reason why I want you to know which are the worst shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet is that there is a common misconception about these brands, and I have seen a lot of parents buy them just because they assume they are the best or just for the looks of them. All of the shoe brands below manufacture toddler’s shoes that are too narrow and too shallow.
- Nike
- Adidas
- Under Armour
- Converse
- Keen
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Keep in mind that if you are going to order your toddler’s shoes online you are going to need to know your toddler’s exact foot size. You can’t possibly order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know what your toddler’s foot size is to begin with.
Start by reading an article I wrote where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your toddlers’ exact foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet.
All of the shoes I describe below are designed to promote healthy foot development as they provide these 3 key features:
✅ Lightweight and Flexible: To help your toddler develop proper balance, gait and stride.
✅ Rounder Toe-Boxes: To build strength in muscles and tendons.
✅ Wide Openings: To provide an optimum fit for a shoe that’s easy on and stays on.
The Best Shoe Brands for Toddlers with Wide Feet
The 4 shoe brands I recommend are the most popular ones when it comes to fit the shape of a toddler with wide feet. However, don’t assume that all shoes from these brands can fit the shape of your toddler’s wide feet. Certain shoe styles fit wider than others, and I will show you exactly which styles those are.
Number 1: New Balance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
New Balance manufactures some of the deepest shoes with the roundest toe-boxes. This is my go-to shoe brand for toddlers with wide or extra wide feet and high insteps. You won’t have to struggle anymore fitting your toddler’s feet inside of the shoes.
If you always have a hard time getting your toddler’s shoes on and your toddler has extra wide feet with high insteps, New Balance is the shoe brand for your toddler. Below you can find the most popular shoe styles made by New Balance for toddlers with wide feet.
Best New Balance Shoes for Toddlers with Wide Feet
- 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
- 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
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Rubber outsole pods
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Rubber outsole pods
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Customizable fit adjusts to your child’s foot shape
- Extra Deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather upper
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Suede/mesh upper
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Number 2: Tsukihoshi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tsukihoshi is a Japanese shoe brand that is known for manufacturing lightweight, flexible, and supportive shoes that are breathable and machine washable. Toddlers and older children love how comfortable their shoes are since they are soft and well-padded.
Below you can find the most popular shoe styles made by Tsukihoshi for toddlers with wide feet.
Best Tsukihoshi Shoes for Toddlers with Wide Feet
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 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 child’s foot size (fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- 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 foot size (fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- 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 foot size (fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
Number 3: Saucony ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a particular shoe style made by Saucony that is parent’s favorite as it fits toddlers with wide feet and is stylish, comfortable, durable, and affordable at the same time. Saucony keeps manufacturing this same shoe style year after year as parents keep ordering the same shoe in different colors.
Below you can find the most popular shoes for toddlers with wide feet made by Saucony.
Best Saucony Shoes for Toddlers with Wide Feet
- Available in medium, wide, and extra 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
- 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
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable insoles
- Machine washable
- Oversized openings
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Velcro closure for easy on/off and adjustability
- Machine washable
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Cushy lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- Cushy lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- APMA approved
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Number 4: See Kai Run
See Kai Run is known for manufacturing lightweight, comfortable, durable, and stylish shoes for children. All of their shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Below you can find the most popular toddler shoes made by See Kai Run.
Best See Kai Run Shoes for Toddlers with Wide Feet
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap and faux laces allow for a secure fit
- Rubberized toe cap to protect little toes
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- TPR full rubber outsole provides flexibility and traction
- Rubberized toe cap to protect little toes
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper is super-lightweight and flexible with padded collar and tongue for added comfort
- Roomy toe box allows the child’s feet to develop strength naturally
- Oversized openings
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Flexible and lightweight design allows for maximum mobility and promotes healthy foot development
- Roomy toe box allows the child’s feet to develop strength naturally
- Oversized openings
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
There you have it!
Those are the 4 most popular shoe brands for toddlers with wide feet. Remember that not all shoes from these 4 shoe styles are effective in fitting wide feet, just the styles I recommend.
I have fitted some of the widest toddler’s feet in those brands and I can guarantee that they will fit the shape of your toddler’s wide feet too! Below are some examples of toddlers with wide feet which I help find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet:
How to Make Sure Your Toddler’s Shoes Fit Correctly? – Let’s Find Out!
Once the shoes arrive make sure that you try them on and allow your toddler to walk around the house.
If you notice a small bump on the side of the shoes, that means the shoes might be too narrow. That bump is your toddler’s pinky toe (small toe) being pushed against the side of the shoes by the other toes.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a different pair of shoes for your toddler’s wide feet. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a pair of summer shoes, winter boots, or dress shoes, as I will help you find them:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
What are the Best Socks for Toddlers with Wide Feet?
Before you leave you should take a quick look at a different article I wrote where I describe the best socks for children with wide feet:
Socks for Wide Feet – The Best Wide Socks for Kids
What is your favorite shoe brand for toddlers with wide feet? Is there a particular shoe style that you can recommend? Share your experiences below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
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