Best Shoes for Toddlers with High Instep – The Top 6 Sneakers, Dress Shoes, Sandals, and Boots!

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of shoes to accommodate your toddler’s high instep? Do you feel like you try several different shoe brands and styles 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 one key feature: extra depth. The deeper the shoes are, the deeper your toddler’s feet will fit inside the shoes.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience

I have been working at a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years, where we focus on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes (such as wide feet and high insteps), but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. I handle approximately 100 shoe fittings/try-ons per week and have learned through my experience the best shoes for toddlers with high insteps.

What is the Instep of the Foot?

The instep is the top middle portion of the foot (between the toes and the ankle). I also like to describe the instep as the total amount of foot volume that needs to be fitted inside a shoe. Higher insteps can make it more difficult to find shoes that both fit and are comfortable.

Let’s take a look at an image 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 is constantly removing his or her shoes:

What Shoes are Good for Toddlers with High Instep?

I recommend shoes that provide extra depth to allow a toddler’s foot to fit deeply inside their shoe and prevent their instep from rubbing uncomfortably against the top of the shoe.

1️⃣ Extra Depth

Let’s take a look at two shoes that are the same length and width but provide different levels of depth. Do you notice how the shoe on the right is a lot deeper than the shoe on the left? This greater depth is ideal for toddlers with high insteps.

2️⃣ Wider Opening

The shoes that I recommend have oversized openings that help prevent you to struggle every time it’s time to put your toddler’s shoes on and off.

I have put together a list of the best shoes for toddlers with high insteps below. However, before you order the shoes, I recommend that you learn your toddler’s exact foot shape so you can order the correct shoe size online.

Are You 100% Sure of Your Toddler’s Foot Shape?

I always suggest taking your child to be properly measured and fitted for shoes at a specialized children’s shoe store. However, with the increasing scarcity of these types of specialized shoe stores (even before the pandemic), it can be 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 free resource that helps them retrieve their toddler’s exact foot shape and length.

You can learn more about this resource in the article below:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

Now that you know your toddler’s exact foot shape and what shoe features are needed to accommodate a high instep, let’s take a look at the best shoes for toddlers with high insteps. Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click the links below and make purchases.

Best Shoes for Toddlers with High Instep ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All of the shoes I recommend open up widely so you can easily slide them on and off your toddler’s feet. Most of the shoes are available in different widths (medium [M], wide [W], extra wide [WX], etc).

Look at the description below each shoe recommendation to figure out what specific foot shape that shoe style can accommodate and what shoe size you should order.

Everyday Sneakers

• 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

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• Fits medium and wide feet

• Canvas upper

• Toe cap is durable for early steps

• Double velcro straps

• Oversized opening for easy on and off

• APMA approved

• Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits wide and extra wide feet

• Hook-and-loop closure

• Removable insoles

• Lightweight and flexible

• Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health

• Long heel counter provides stability

• Machine washable

• Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)

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• Available in extra wide widths

• Oversized opening for easy on and off

• Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms

• Hook and loop closure 

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Available in extra wide widths

• Oversized opening for easy on and off

• Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms

• Hook and loop closure 

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Available in extra wide widths

• Oversized opening for easy on and off

• Leather and textile upper

• Hook and loop closure 

• Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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 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

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• 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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

• Leather and mesh upper

• Alternative closure for easy on and off adjustability

• Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits wide and extra wide feet

• Leather and mesh upper

• Two adjustable hook-and-loop closures for easy on and off

• Padded tongue and collar for added comfort

• APMA approved

• Toe cap for extra durability

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• 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 half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits wide and extra wide feet

• Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit

• Opens super wide which makes in and out easy

• Breathable mesh

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits medium and wide feet

• Heel Stabilizer – Long heel counter provides stability 

• Velcro closure

• Machine washable

• Removable insoles

• Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)

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• 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, 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

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• Available in extra wide widths

• Oversized opening for easy on and off

• 100% Suede

• Hook and loop closure 

• Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Dress Shoes

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Ideal for toddlers who are learning how to walk

• APMA approved and built for toddlers

• Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure

• Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Ideal for toddlers who are learning how to walk

• APMA approved and built for toddlers

• Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure

• Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits medium and wide feet

• 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

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• 100% genuine leather upper

• Velcro closure

• Alternative closure with fixed lace for easy on/off and adjustability 

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Ankle strap with hook-and-loop closure

• Leather lining for a soft feel

• Lightly padded leather insoles

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning

• Genuine leather

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Leather lining for a soft feel

• Lightly padded leather insoles

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning

• 100% Synthetic 

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits toddlers with wide and extra wide feet

• Oversized openings

• Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Flex Fit system includes additional insole that can be removed as your child grows

• Oversized opening

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• 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

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Oversized openings

• Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention

• Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure

• Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Leather lining for a soft feel

• Lightly padded leather insoles

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning

• Memory foam insoles

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet

• Adjustable buckle secures the perfect fit every time

• Lightly padded leather insoles

• Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Sandals

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports

• Rubber outsole for great traction

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• 100% leather

• Padded heel collar for comfort

• Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort 

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Water-friendly and machine washable

• High heel design provides better support and helps with lateral movements

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Open-toe with support and protection underfoot

• Machine washable

• Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• 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

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• 100% Leather 

• 2 adjustable velcro straps for easy on and off

• Outsole with rounded edges to follow the natural shape of a child’s foot 

• Flexible grooves on the outsole for a barefoot feel 

• Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports

• Rubber outsole for great traction

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium and wide feet

• This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support

• Machine washable

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium and wide feet

• This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support

• Machine washable

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Water-friendly and machine washable

• High heel design provides better support and helps with lateral movements

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Water-friendly and machine washable

• EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort

• Rigid at the toe box

• Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• 100% Leather 

• 2 adjustable velcro straps for easy on and off

• Outsole with rounded edges to follow the natural shape of a child’s foot 

• Flexible grooves on the outsole for a barefoot feel 

• Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Boots

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• Fixed foam insulation

• Waterproof DriDefense membrane satin nylon upper with PU overlays.

• Removable insoles

• Adjustable dual hook-and-loop straps

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof and insulated

• Double velcro closure for easy on and off

• Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

• Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time

• Insulated so it can be worn in the snow

• Waterproof

• Double velcro closure

• Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• This boot can be used on cold and rainy days

• Water-repellent synthetic and mesh upper

• Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit 

• Primaloft insulation for warmth 

• Lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible cushioning and absorbs impact 

• Excellent traction

• Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This boot can be used in the cold and rain, but not in the snow

• Water-friendly

• Hook-and-loop closure and heel tab for easy on and off.

• Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort

• Order this boot half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• Leather upper

• Waterproof

• WARM insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C, but still allows feet to breathe

• Removable PU insole for long-lasting comfort

• Fleece lining for warmth

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Available in wide and extra wide widths

• This boot can be used in cold days

• Hook-and-loop closure provides a secure fit that’s quick and easy to adjust

• Features a shearling cuff and warm lining

• Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• This is a casual boot that can be worn in cold and rainy days

• Water-friendly

• Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges

• Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility

• Reinforced protected toe

• Order this boot half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• This is a casual boot that can be worn in cold and rainy days

• Water-friendly

• Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges

• Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility

• Reinforced protected toe

• Velcro closure

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof

• KEEN.Warm® insulation rating of -40°F/-40°C

• Double velcro closure for easy on and off

• Removable PU insole for long-lasting comfort

• Fleece lining for warmth

• Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• This is a casual boot that can be worn in cold days

• Not waterproof and not water friendly

• Seamless construction cradle their natural shape

• Double velcro closure for easy on and off

• Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and adjustable double hook and loop closure

• Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility

• APMA approved

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• This is a casual boot that can be worn in cold days

• Not waterproof and not water friendly

• Memory foam footbed delivers enhanced comfort

• Fleece lining for warmth

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• This boot can be used on cold and rainy days

• Water-repellent synthetic and mesh upper

• Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit 

• Primaloft insulation for warmth 

• Lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible cushioning and absorbs impact 

• Excellent traction

• Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

---

• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof

• Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10

• Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off

• Excellent traction

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof

• Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10

• Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off

• Excellent traction

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof

• Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours

• Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet

• This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow

• Waterproof

• Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours

• Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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• Fits medium and wide feet

• This is a snow boot

• Seam sealed waterpoof construction to keep feet dry

• 200g insulation on the footbed

• Removable insoles

• Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’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 size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.

*A half a size bigger translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

*A whole size bigger translates to 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a pair of shoes that fit the shape of your toddler’s high instep. I am happy to assist you in finding a pair that fit: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Do You Also Have a High Instep and Need a Pair of Deep Shoes for Yourself?

I suggest that you read the article below as you might find it helpful:

Best Sneakers for Women with High Insteps – Prevent Pain on the Top of Your Feet!

Have you found a specific shoe style or brand that has worked well for your toddler’s high instep? Let us know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences 🙂