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.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time and want to jump directly to the selection of the best shoes for toddlers with high instep, you can click here.
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 from struggling 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 from home.
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: 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. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world.
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
Boys
- 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 extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- 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
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- 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 (accommodates high insteps)
- 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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Leather and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Girls
- 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 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
- 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 (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic/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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- 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
- 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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- 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
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- No-sew saddle construction for mid-foot support
- 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
- 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
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Leather and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Dress Shoes
Boys
- Fits toddlers with medium, wide, or extra 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
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded insole
- Dual goring at vamp
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Slip-on design
- Order this shoe a half 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
- Genuine leather
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 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
- Fits toddlers with medium or wide feet
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Girls
- 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
- 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 and wide feet
- Oversized openings
- 100% leather
- Soft leather uppers with a black patent finish and scalloped topline edging
- Order this shoe a half 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
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- Adjustable buckle closure with hidden elastic
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- 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
- 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
- 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 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
Sandals
Boys
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current 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
- 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 (fits high insteps)
- 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 (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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
Girls
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- Dual hook-and-loop straps at back and instep allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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 current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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 and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lightly padded insole
- Waterproof leather and corrosion-resistant buckles make the shoes ideal for use in warm weather conditions
- Hook-and-loop with adjustable buckle closures for a secure fit
- 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 (fits high insteps)
- FlexiRun EVA foam outsole is ultra-lightweight and flexible with durable traction pattern for outdoor wear
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s foot size
Boots
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Constructed with a breathable textile lining and an OrthoLite® comfort foam insoles provide moisture transport, antimicrobial function, and long-term cushioning
- Water-friendly
- Double hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- 100G insulation helps keep your kids’ feet warm in temperatures down to -4° F / -20° C, but still offers breathability
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible with rubber toe cap for added protection and reflective heel for visibility
- Keep water and debris out with seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction
- Deep lugged TPR rubber outsole built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- 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 suede upper and seam-sealed design.
- Cushioned footbed
- 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 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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Order this boot a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Order this boot a half 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
- 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
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- This boot can be used in the cold and rain, but not in the snow
- 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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- 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 boot can be used in the cold and rain, but not in the snow
- 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, rainy, and snowy 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, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold, rainy, and snowy days
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This boot can be used in cold, rain, and snowy days
- 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
- Available in medium and wide widths
- This boot can be used in the cold and rain, but not in the snow
- 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 boot can be used in the cold and rain, but not in the snow
- 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
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 fits: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you found a specific shoe style 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.