Wide Shoes for Kids – The Best Shoes for Children with Wide or Extra Wide Feet Reviewed

February 1, 2023 The Best Children's Shoes Juan Valenzuela 14 - Comments

Do you always struggle getting your child’s shoes on and off and usually notice indentations or red marks on the top part (instep) of your child’s feet? The comfort and fit of a shoe are crucial for the healthy development of a child’s feet. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of issues including blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot problems. Children with wide feet need extra attention to ensure their shoes provide a comfortable fit without squeezing or constricting their toes, and I can show you which specific wide shoes for kids are better than others from my many years of shoe fitting experience.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet

It’s common for children to have wide feet. I am a shoe fitter who is passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older. 

Common Signs that Your Child Has Wide Feet

  • Imprints on the top part of your child’s feet:
  • Small toes pressing against the side of the shoes:
  • Velcro straps not going all the way across:

Wide Toe Box Shoes for Kids to Prevent Blisters

Shoes that are too narrow can cramp and pinch your child’s toes, making them overlap one another or rub against the side of the shoes. The small toe is one of the most common places where children develop blisters when the shoes are too narrow:

Child developed a blister on his small toe from wearing narrow shoes.

The Challenges of Having a High Instep

Do you know what the instep of the foot is? The instep is the top part of the foot and when it’s high it makes it a lot more complicated to find shoes that fit, as there is a lot of extra foot volume to be fitted inside of the shoes. If you always struggle getting your child’s shoes on and off that might be a sign that your child has a high instep.

Features to Look for in Wide Shoes for Kids

1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of the feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Shoes that provide extra depth also prevent children from getting blisters on their toes, by preventing the top part of their toes from rubbing against the top front part of the shoes.

2️⃣ The Benefits of Wide Toe Box Shoes: Wide toe box shoes for kids are designed with extra space at the front of the shoe. This design accommodates the natural shape of a child’s foot, offering room for the toes to spread naturally. This not only enhances comfort but also supports better balance and stability.

3️⃣ Oversized Openings for Easy On and Off: This feature makes it easier for parents and children to get their shoes on and off. Children with chubby feet have a hard time slipping into shoes that don’t easily open. You will notice that the shoes I recommend open up widely, which makes it easier for children and parents to get the shoes on and off.

What Brands Make Wide Shoes for Kids

There are 5 shoe brands that make some of the best wide and extra wide everyday shoes for children:

1️⃣ New Balance

2️⃣ Saucony

3️⃣ Stride Rite

4️⃣ See Kai Run

5️⃣ Tsukihoshi

Keep in mind that there are only certain shoe styles among each shoe brand that work well for children with wide feet. I just don’t want you to assume that all New Balance or Saucony shoes work well for children with wide feet.

You will notice that most of the shoes that I recommend are available in different widths such as wide (W) and extra wide (XW), but some other styles fit naturally wide. 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 Recommendations for Wide Shoes for Kids

Let’s now take a look at the deepest shoes with the rounded toe-boxes that I have fitted before.

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Canvas upper
  • Toe cap is durable for early steps
  • Double velcro straps
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • APMA approved
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Russell by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Heel stabilizer provides stability 
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Available in laces
  • No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Available in laces
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12 by Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Leather and suede upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
  • Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
  • Firm heel counter
  • Supportive heel for active kids
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

I like to emphasize to parents that if they don’t provide their children with the correct shoe size, they won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer. This is the reason why I always recommend parents take their children to their local children’s shoe store to have their feet properly measured and their shoes properly fitted. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve exactly what shoe size you should order online and whether your child has a high instep or not.

Does Nike Made Wide Shoes for Kids?

Most Nike shoes tend to be too narrow. However, if your child has been asking you for a pair of Nike shoes for a while now I suggest that you read a different resource that describes the best Nike shoes for kids with wide feet.

Contact Me for a Personalized Recommendation

I have created many resources over the years for children with wide feet, so if you are unsure about which specific shoe might work best for your child don’t hesitate to contact me and I will provide further clarification.

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

In the meantime, I suggest that you take advantage of a list of helpful resources that describe the best dress shoes, sandals, and boots for kids with wide feet.

Can Kids’ Feet Get Narrower As They Grow?

Children’s feet grow and change shape very quickly. I have seen toddlers with wide or extra wide feet whose feet got narrower as they grew. However, I have also seen toddlers with wide feet whose feet remained wide in their teenage years. This really depends on each child, but it is possible that your child’s feet change from being wide to a regular width.

With the right shoes, you can ensure your child’s comfort and support their foot health as they grow. Remember to measure their feet regularly and choose shoes that provide the space and flexibility they need.