Best Shoes for Toddlers with High Instep – The Top 6 Sneakers, Dress Shoes, Sandals, and Boots!
A high instep means that the middle part of your toddler’s foot is higher than usual, making standard shoes uncomfortable or even painful. Do you feel like you try several different shoes but they are all too difficult to get on and off, leaving red marks on the top of your toddler’s feet? The best shoes for toddlers with high instep are the ones that provide two key features: extra depth and oversized openings. The deeper the shoes are, the deeper your toddler’s feet will fit inside the shoes.
What is the Instep of the Foot?
The instep is the top middle portion of the foot (between the toes and the ankle). This can cause difficulties with shoe fitting as there is less space between the foot’s top and the shoe’s upper. I also like to describe the instep as the total amount of foot volume that needs to be fitted inside a shoe. Let’s take a look at a couple of images of a toddler with a high instep:
Is Having a High Instep the Same as Having a High Arch?
The instep and the arch are unrelated. Having a high instep doesn’t mean that a child will automatically have a high arch. I have seen children with flat feet have high insteps. The image below may help you visualize where the instep and the arch are located:
How to Figure Out if Your Toddler Has a High Instep?
I can tell whether a child has a high instep or not simply by looking at their feet. Below I have listed some of the most common signs of a high instep to see if your toddler likely has a high instep:
- Having difficulty getting the shoes on and off.
- Noticing red marks on the top part (the instep) of your toddler’s feet. I would say that red marks on the instep of a child’s foot are the most common sign that the child has a high instep.
- Having a difficult time pulling straps to match the end of the Velcro:
- Noticing your child trying to constantly remove the shoes:
Key Features of High Instep Toddler Shoes
By focusing on key features like extra depth, oversized openings, and deep toe boxes, you can find shoes that offer comfort for your little one.
1. Extra Depth: When selecting shoes for a toddler with a high instep, depth is a crucial factor. Deep shoes allow ample space for the foot to fit comfortably without squeezing or causing pressure. Look for shoes that offer a generous vertical space inside the shoe to accommodate the natural curve of the high instep.
2. Wider Openings: Shoes with oversized openings make it simpler to slide the foot in and out, which is especially important for a high instep. This feature not only makes the shoes more comfortable but also makes the process of putting on and taking off shoes much less stressful for both the parent and the child.
3. Deep Toe Box: A deep toe box provides ample space for the toes, which is essential for toddlers with high insteps. This feature prevents pinching and allows for natural toe movement.
Toddlers with a high instep often require shoes that provide more depth and flexibility to accommodate their unique foot shape. Here are some of the best shoe options available for toddlers with high insteps, combining comfort, support, and style. 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.
Top Shoe Recommendations for Toddler Shoes for High Instep
All of the shoes that I recommend below are made from soft, breathable materials such as leather or mesh, which are excellent choices for high instep toddler shoes. These materials not only provide comfort but also help in reducing pressure points that could lead to imprints on the feet.
1. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
This is one of my go-to shoes for toddlers with high-insteps as it provides extra depth and it’s available in wide and extra wide widths, in case your toddler has very wide feet. Parents like that the shoe opens up widely and it’s easy to get on and off.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Durable rubber outsole pods.
- Synthetic/mesh upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
2. Shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run
The Robyne by See Kai Run is designed with a wider opening and two adjustable straps for easy on and off, making it an excellent choice for toddlers with high insteps. Parents love this feature as they can open up the shoe widely.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon.
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
This Mary Jane is both stylish and practical, perfect for dressier occasions. It provides extra depth and comes in extra wide widths to accommodate the shape of toddlers with very wide feet.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in extra wide widths.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Supreme comfort care of Ortholite memory foam footbeds.
- I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
4. Ten Little
Parents appreciate that this shoe comes at an affordable price and that the shoe can be adjusted to different foot widths and insteps, thanks to the two adjustable Velcro straps.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style by Ten Little on Amazon.
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide.
- Approved by APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) and developed with doctors.
- Flexible, zero-drop soles for natural movement.
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole.
- Durable toe caps protect little toes.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. Shoe style KAZ by Tsukihoshi
The KAZ by Tsukihoshi is a lightweight sneaker with a wide toe box and extra depth, perfect for accommodating high insteps. The higher price tag is due to its seamless-free interiors, antibacterial insoles, and machine-washable capabilities.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style KAZ by Tsukihoshi on Amazon.
- All Tsukihoshi shoes run wider than normal medium-width shoes.
- Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort.
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (the shoe fits long).
6. IKIKI
Ikiki shoes are affordable and ideal for toddlers with wide feet and high insteps. The shoes provide oversized openings for easy on and off and have become a favorite among parents for their fun designs and practicality.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon.
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide.
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes.
- Synthetic Vegan Leather.
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
7. Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance
If you are tired of returning every shoe you buy, this shoe will definitely accommodate your toddler’s high instep. This is the deepest shoe made by New Balance, and it’s available in wide and extra wide widths. However, many families complain about the high price tag.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Leather upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
8. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
This shoe provides extra depth and is available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoe is offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Breathable mesh upper.
- Padded collar and tongue.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
9. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
This shoe by Stride Rite provides extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they fit along your toddler’s high instep.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in extra wide widths.
- APMA approved.
- Leather upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
10. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
The Fresh Foam Arishi V4 by New Balance is known for its plush cushioning and lightweight feel. The shoe is also available in wide and extra wide widths to accommodate various foot shapes.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arisihi by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- No-sew tip for added durability where kids need it most.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
If you’re uncertain about the fit or type of shoe to choose, you can reach out via email and I will be happy to provide you with specific shoe recommendations tailored to your toddler’s unique foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide):
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Dress Shoes, Sandals, and Boots for Toddlers with High Insteps
I created a couple of additional resources that describe the best dress shoes, sandals, and winter boots for toddlers with high insteps.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
The increasing scarcity of specialized children’s shoe stores (even before the pandemic) can make it difficult for families to know where to get their children’s feet properly fitted. For those families who don’t have a specialized or independent shoe store in their area, I created a virtual shoe fitting service that helps them retrieve their toddler’s shoe size from home.
Wide Socks for Toddlers with High Instep
In addition to the right shoes, wide socks can greatly enhance comfort for toddlers with a high instep. Wide socks provide extra space and prevent the foot from feeling cramped inside the shoe. I suggest that you look for socks that have seamless designs as that can further enhance comfort by eliminating potential pressure points.
Have you found a specific shoe or brand that has worked well for your toddler’s high instep? Let us know in the comments section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
Thank you!!!!! This is incredibly helpful!!! ??
Hello Laura,
I am happy to help!
Any recommendations for a very high instep with wide feet? We bought the New Balance shoes (wide width) and it took me 2 weeks to even get him to let me put them on because he hates shoes so much due to all our failed attempts to find him something especially in the midst of a pandemic. He is 18 months old. They worked great for the first couple months, but this week I noticed that he was pulling them off and when I looked they even left a red mark on top of his foot and he was only sitting in his car seat, not even walking. We live in an area with 0 kids shoe stores and everything is bought online and sadly it gets very hard. Thanks!
Hello Nicole,
What specific New Balance shoe style did you try? There are certain styles that are a lot wider and deeper than others. I also suggest trying the shoes in an extra wide width (XW) instead of a wide width(W).
If you send me your son’s exact shoe size I can provide you with specific shoe recommendations.
I will measure his foot length tonight for you as it has been a while and I want to get width too. Is there a way to measure instep also? I had bought him the New Balance Kid’s Airplane V1 hook and Loop Running Shoe in wide width as the Velcro closure fully opens allowing us to easily open it and loosely close it around the top of his foot. I did have him wear them for hours today at doctor appointments and did not note any readiness although towards the end of the appointments he seemed to be not walking as straight in them. Maybe it is a sizing issue at this point? I will write you tonight or tomorrow with his measurements. Appreciate all your help! We will be looking for spring/summer recommendations too soon. The boots we have we don’t love, but they are okay as he barely wears them anyhow – maybe 30-45 minutes once a week outside as it is too cold in Minnesota for him to really play outside much at 18 months old.
Hello Nicole,
The only way to tell if a child has a high instep or not is by looking at the feet. You can take a look at this resource as it explains how to figure out if a child has a high instep or not: How to Figure Out If Your Child Has a High Instep – Find Out with Just Two Images of Your Child’s Feet
Thank you so much for these recommendations. My 15 month old wore extra wide stride rite sandals this summer (called soft motion Elijah sneakers, but they have openings so more of a sandal.) When it came time for fall shoes, I tried extra wide stride rite sneakers but they still didn’t fit. I searched something like “toddler feet wide depth” and saw your post. I got him the new balance you recommended and they worked! Now he has them in two colors. I’m a little worried about finding winter boots because I think he needs the extra wide, but I may try the see Kai run pair you recommended. Please update this post if you find any more winter styles that would work for a high instep. Thanks again!
Hello Ana,
I am happy to hear that the shoes worked well for your son! I am constantly updating posts when a new shoe style is released that works well for a specific foot shape or foot condition.