Best Shoes for Toddlers with High Instep – The Top 6 Sneakers, Dress Shoes, Sandals, and Boots!
Last updated: March 2026
A high instep means the middle part of your toddler’s foot sits higher than usual, which can make standard shoes uncomfortable or difficult to put on. Many parents notice that shoes are hard to get on and off or leave red marks on the top of their toddler’s feet.
The best extra deep shoes for toddlers with high insteps are models that provide extra depth and wide openings, such as the New Balance 990v6, Tsukihoshi Racer, See Kai Run Riley, Stride Rite M2P Journey Adapt, and Ikiki.
Below I will show you the specific shoe models that work best for toddlers with high insteps.
Best Extra Deep Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps (Quick Picks)
If your toddler has a high instep, look for shoes with extra depth, wider openings, and adjustable closures. These features make it easier to put shoes on and prevent pressure on the top of the foot.
Some of the best shoes for toddlers with high insteps include:
- New Balance 990v6 – one of the deepest toddler shoes available
- Tsukihoshi Racer – lightweight with a wide toe box and extra depth
- See Kai Run Riley – wide opening with dual adjustable straps
- Stride Rite M2P Journey Adapt – extra wide widths with long Velcro straps
- Ikiki – oversized opening and naturally wide fit
The comparison chart below highlights the key differences between these shoes.
Best Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps – Comparison Chart
These are some of the best toddler shoes designed with extra depth and easy entry, making them better suited for children with higher insteps.
| Brand | Model | Best For | Key Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See Kai Run | Riley | Easy on/off for toddlers with high insteps | Wide opening with dual adjustable straps | Check Price |
| Stride Rite | Holly Mary Jane | Dressier shoes for toddlers with high insteps | Extra depth and available in extra wide widths | Check Price |
| Tsukihoshi | Racer | Lightweight sneakers with extra depth | Wide toe box and generous forefoot construction | Check Price |
| Ikiki | Squeaky Shoes | Wide feet and high insteps | Oversized opening and naturally wide fit | Check Price |
| New Balance | 990v6 | Maximum depth for very high insteps | One of the deepest toddler shoes available | Check Price |
| Stride Rite | M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt | Toddlers with very high insteps | Extra long Velcro straps and extra wide widths | Check Price |
What Is a High Instep in Toddlers?
The instep refers to the top middle part of the foot, located between the toes and the ankle. When a child has a high instep, there is more foot volume that needs to fit inside the shoe, which can make shoe fitting more challenging.
In simple terms, the instep represents the amount of space needed on the top of the foot inside the shoe.
Below are examples of toddlers with high insteps:
Toddlers with high insteps need shoes that provide extra depth and wider openings so the top of the foot does not feel compressed. The models listed below are some of the most reliable options for accommodating this foot shape.
Is Having a High Instep the Same as Having a High Arch?
The instep and the arch are not the same thing. A child can have a high instep without having a high arch.
For example, I often see children with flat feet who still have high insteps, which can make finding properly fitting shoes difficult.
The image below may help you visualize where the instep and the arch are located:
Key Features to Look for in Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps
When choosing shoes for toddlers with high insteps, focus on three key features: extra depth, wider openings, and deep toe boxes.
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 for toddlers with high insteps, combining comfort, support, and easy entry. Disclosure: We may earn a small commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Best Extra Deep Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps
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.
The following shoes work particularly well for toddlers with high insteps because they provide extra depth, wider openings, and adjustable closures that make it easier to put the shoes on and prevent pressure on the top of the foot.
1. Shoe Style Riley by See Kai Run
The Riley by See Kai Run is a great option for toddlers with high insteps because it opens up widely and provides enough depth to accommodate extra foot volume. The two adjustable straps make it easy to put the shoe on and take it off, which many parents appreciate.
Key Features
- Order the Riley 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
- Wide opening with two adjustable straps for easier entry
- Sizing Tip: I suggest ordering this shoe one whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style 574 by New Balance
The 574 by New Balance provides excellent depth and a wide opening, making it easier to put the shoe on. It is also available in wide and extra wide widths, which is especially helpful for toddlers with both high insteps and wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the 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 for traction
- Lightweight synthetic and mesh upper
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering this shoe one whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
The Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite is an excellent dress shoe option for toddlers with high insteps. It provides extra depth and extra wide widths, allowing the top of the foot to fit comfortably without pressure.
Key Features
- Order the SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Ortholite memory foam footbed for cushioning
- Sizing Tip: I suggest ordering this shoe one whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
4. Ten Little
The Ten Little sneakers are a good budget-friendly option for toddlers with high insteps. The shoe opens widely and features two adjustable Velcro straps, which allow parents to better accommodate different foot shapes and instep heights.
Key Features
- Order the Ten Little shoes on Amazon.
- Fits naturally wide
- Developed with doctors and approved by APMA
- Flexible zero-drop sole to encourage natural movement
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Durable toe cap for extra protection
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering this shoe one whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Racer by Tsukihoshi
The Racer by Tsukihoshi is a lightweight sneaker that works well for toddlers with high insteps because it provides excellent depth and a roomy toe box. Tsukihoshi shoes also tend to run slightly wider than standard medium widths.
Key Features
- Order the Racer by Tsukihoshi on Amazon or Zappos
- Naturally wide fit
- Extra depth to accommodate higher insteps
- Wide toe box that allows toes to move naturally
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper
- Sizing Tip: These shoes tend to run long, so I suggest ordering your toddler’s current size
6. IKIKI
Ikiki shoes are a popular choice for toddlers with high insteps because they open very widely and are easy to put on. They also tend to fit naturally wide, making them suitable for toddlers with wider feet.
Key Features
- Order Ikiki shoes on Amazon
- Naturally wide fit
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Synthetic vegan leather upper
- Optional squeaker that can be turned on or off
- Sizing Tip: I suggest ordering this shoe one whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
The 990v6 by New Balance is one of the deepest toddler shoes available, making it an excellent choice for children with high insteps. It also comes in wide and extra wide widths, which helps accommodate toddlers with higher foot volume.
Key Features
- Order the 990v6 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Premium leather upper
- Excellent depth for accommodating high insteps
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering ½ size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
The Rave Run v2 by New Balance is a more affordable sneaker that still provides good depth and wide width options. Parents often like this shoe because it combines comfort, durability, and a reasonable price point.
Key Features
- Order the Rave Run v2 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 for comfort
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering ½ size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
The M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite is specifically designed to accommodate wider feet and higher insteps. The extra-long Velcro straps allow the shoe to adjust easily across the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Order the M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Extra-long adjustable straps
- Durable leather upper
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering ½ 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 a lightweight sneaker that provides good cushioning and multiple width options. It can work well for toddlers with high insteps who also need a comfortable everyday shoe.
Key Features
- Order the Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lightweight cushioned midsole
- No-sew toe reinforcement for durability
- Sizing Tip: I recommend ordering ½ 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).
Signs 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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes for Toddlers with High Insteps
The best shoes for toddlers with high insteps are those with extra depth and wide openings, such as the New Balance 990v6, Ikiki, Tsukihoshi Racer, See Kai Run Riley, and Stride Rite M2P Journey Adapt.
Common signs of a high instep include difficulty putting shoes on, red marks on the top of the foot, and straps that barely reach the Velcro. Shoes with deeper interiors and wider openings usually fit much better.
Finding the right shoes for toddlers with high insteps can make a big difference in comfort and ease of putting shoes on. Shoes that provide extra depth, wider openings, and adjustable closures help reduce pressure on the top of the foot and make everyday routines much easier for both parents and children.
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.