Best Toddler Sandals for High Instep and Wide Feet – Must-Have Feature: Extra Depth
Struggling to find the perfect pair of deep and wide sandals for your toddler’s uniquely shaped feet? Do red marks appear on the top of their feet after wearing sandals, signaling a poor fit? If you’re tired of endlessly browsing stores and ordering multiple pairs online—only to return most of them—you’re not alone! As a children’s shoe-fitting specialist with years of experience, I know exactly which sandals provide the best fit, comfort, and support for toddlers with wide feet and high insteps.
How Does a High Instep Look Like?
The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it really hard to find shoes that fit. Seasonal footwear such as sandals are even harder to find.
Key Features to Look for in Toddler Sandals
When shopping for toddler sandals, especially for high insteps and wide feet, certain features are non-negotiable. Here’s what you should prioritize:
Key Feature One: Extra Depth. The most vital feature of sandals for toddlers with high insteps is extra depth. This allows for more space between the top of the foot and the sandal, reducing pressure and providing a comfortable fit.
Key Feature Two: Round Toe-Boxes. A round toe-box is another critical feature to consider. It provides ample space for the toes to spread naturally, which is especially important for wide feet.
Key Feature Three: Oversized Openings. Oversized openings in sandals make it easier to slip the foot in and out without struggle. This feature is particularly beneficial for children with high insteps, as it accommodates the fuller shape of the foot.
Choosing the right sandal can make a world of difference for your child. Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click our links and make a purchase.
Best Toddler Sandals for Wide Feet and High Insteps
Here are my top recommendations for toddler sandals in 2025 that cater to high insteps and wide feet.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These wide toddler sandals by Teva are equipped with adjustable straps that make it easy to get the sandals on and off.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run wide toddler sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promote healthy foot development
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe deep sandals for toddlers with wide feet combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs
These sandals for high instep and wide feet focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your toddler’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
5. Newport by Keen
These Keen sandals for toddlers with wide feet are perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor activities. Keen sandals are known for their rugged design, durability, and toe protection.
- Order the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Lucky Brand
These deep sandals for high insteps provide ample space for the toes and a secure fit that supports active play.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Archie by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite wide sandals for toddlers are available in both wide and extra wide widths.
- Order the sandal Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- 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
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Figure Out What Sandal Size to Order? – Round Up!
Did you know that most toddler sandals don’t come in half sizes? If your little one’s foot measurement falls between sizes, always opt for the larger size to ensure a comfortable fit with room to grow.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size:
- If your toddler’s foot measures size 6, go for a size 7 sandal for the best fit.
- If your toddler measures size 6.5, you should still order a size 7—this extra space will accommodate growth while keeping their feet comfy and supported.
Get the Correct Shoe Size Online with My Virtual Shoe Fitting Service
Understanding your child’s foot shape and size is crucial to finding the right footwear. To make this process easier, I offer a virtual fitting service that helps you determine the correct shoe size online.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you have specific concerns or need tailored advice, feel free to contact me via email. I’m here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your toddler, addressing any unique foot conditions or requirements they may have.
Two Common Signs that Your Toddler’s Sandals Don’t Fit
I want you to pay close attention and check if your toddler’s pinky toe (small toe) is being pressed against the side of the sandals. This can lead to your toddler developing a blister which might turn into a corn, which is really hard to get rid of. This is a sign that your toddler’s sandals are too narrow.
I also want you to pay close attention and notice whether you see imprints on the top of your toddler’s feet when you take the sandals off.
Bonus Resource: Sneakers for Toddlers with High Insteps
While sandals are perfect for warm weather, sneakers are a year-round necessity. If you’re looking for sneakers that cater to high insteps, I’ve created a comprehensive guide featuring my top picks.
Finding the perfect toddler sandals for high insteps and wide feet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on key features like extra depth, round toe-boxes, and oversized openings, you can ensure a comfortable and supportive fit for your child.
Hi Juan,
My 2 yr old son has a high instep and wide foot. Would you recommend the keen Newport H2 or see Kai run sandaps?
Hi Diana,
The Keen Newport might fit the shape of his feet depending on how high and wide his feet are. See Kai Run sandals are deep and can also fit a wide foot but it depends on each style. Is there a particular See Kai Run sandal you had in mind?
Hi Juan,
I do have more questions?
So my daughter’s feet is measured 14.5cm and the Biochemics EU24 looks quite small on her so I thought she should be wearing EU25 now.
On Primigi website the shoes size chart shows that EU24 is 14.7cm, EU25 is 15.3cm so I this case should I get EU24 or 25?
Since I realized my daughter has wide feet I have pay attention on shoes width information. It’s almost impossible to find, even on official website they don’t specify the shoes width. (Ricosta website has detail information on every shoes models)
Thanks for the great information on the website!
Jackie
Hi Jackie –
I am not surprised that the measurements differ as different shoe brands manufacture shoes that fit very differently.
You can have 2 shoes in a size EU24 that fit very different, as some shoes fit shorter/longer than others.
Most European shoes don’t come labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW). Primigi shoes do tend to fit wider than Biochemics and Ricosta. I know this because I have fitted shoes form those shoe brands before.
From 14.5 cm to 15.3 cm there is a little over a half a size difference shoe size. My recommendation is that you get the Primigi size EU25.
I hope this helps.