Companies Allowing Purchase of Mismatched Shoe Sizes for Kids
Do you have a child with a foot condition that has a large size discrepancy between his or her feet? Did you know that certain shoe companies sell two different sized shoes for the price of one? Children can outgrow their shoes pretty fast, so buying two pairs of shoes each time to accommodate their foot size difference can get very expensive. This is something that most families are not able to afford.
Is it Normal for a Child to Have One Foot Bigger than the Other One?
Keep in mind that we all have a certain difference between our feet. One foot is always larger than the other. The issues arise when your child has a foot that is more than 1½ sizes bigger than the other one (or more).
How Do You Know If You Need to Buy Mismatched Shoe Sizes?
If one of your child’s feet is a full size longer than the other, that is still not a big enough difference for you to buy mismatched shoes. You will only need to buy mismatched shoes if one of your child’s feet is 1½ sizes bigger than the other one (or more).
If your child has one foot that is 1½ sizes bigger than the other (or more), I suggest that you buy shoes in non-matching sizes. For example, some companies have ‘split-size’ policies, which means that you could buy one shoe in a size 7 and another in a size 8 ½, and you will pay the price for one pair.
What Children Require Mismatched Shoe Sizes?
Children with the following conditions are more prone to needing two different shoe sizes:
- Spina Bifida
- Club Foot
- Cerebral Palsy
- Polio
- Children who wear AFOS
Children with disabilities face many challenges, and many additional hidden costs. I have been contacted by many families who are frustrated about having to pay for two pairs of shoes every time their child is ready for new shoes.
This is why I created a list of companies that allow customers to buy two different shoe sizes for the price of one.
Which Companies Allow Parents to Buy Mismatched Shoe Sizes for Kids?
1️⃣ Nordstrom’s
- You will order two pairs of shoes (one in each size, but they must be at least 1½ sizes different).
- You will be charged for each pair and will be asked to send back the shoes that you do not need. Your credit card on file will get credited for the price of a pair.
- If you have the need for only one shoe, a whole pair will be sent to you, and you will be asked to return the unneeded shoe.
- Contact number (888) 282-6060
2️⃣ Zappos
- You can choose to buy one shoe or two shoes of different sizes or widths to create a pair
- The brands that you can choose from are BILLY Footwear, Converse, Kizik, New Balance, Nike, Plae and Stride Rite
- Contact number 1-800-927-7671 or email [email protected]
3️⃣ One Foot Two Shoes
- You can send the company your new, unused pairs or unpairs, sample shoes and/or mismatched pairs. You can then trade them in or consign them for cash.
- If you are looking for a specific size, right or left, you can let the company know and they will be on the lookout and notify you when they are available.
- If you have a bunch of shoes but only one in the pair you can ship the shoes to them.
- Contact number (832) 460-0641 or email [email protected]
4️⃣ Healthy Feet Store
- This company offers a ”special discount program” for children who need mismatched odd size shoes.
- Contact number 1.866.324.3338 or email [email protected]
5️⃣ National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.)
- To receive shoes you need to send an email stating what sizes your child needs. Be sure to include your address.
- Contact information: P.O. Box 1120 Chandler, AZ 85244-1120 480-892-3484.
6️⃣ Birkenstock Express Online
- This company offers a special discount for people who need only one shoe.
- You can buy any regularly priced pair of shoes and they will discount it 40%.
- Contact number 1-800-451-1459.
Consider reaching out to custom shoemakers who may be able to create shoes tailored to the specific needs of your child, including mismatched sizes.
Do Family Shoe Stores Provide Mismatched Shoe Sizes for Children?
Some independently owned family shoe stores will charge you full price for the first pair of shoes and give you 40% off for the second one.
The shoe stores described in that resource specialize in fitting children’s shoes. They will take the time to measure your child’s feet and recommend shoes based on your child’s unique foot shape.
Don’t Allow Your Child to Wear Bigger Shoes in the Smaller Foot!
If you allow your child to wear the bigger shoe size in his/her smaller foot, you might end up creating several issues to your child’s feet such as deformities as well as discomfort and reduced performance or injuries in competitions.
Do You Need to Buy Orthopedic Shoes for Kids with Different Foot Sizes?
No, you don’t need to invest in a pair of orthopedic shoes for your child. If your child needs to wear shoes that provide good support, there are certain regular sneakers that provide excellent support and stability.
I suggest that you order the shoes that I recommend from the companies that I mentioned above, that way you can save money.
Does Your Child Wear Orthotics?
Families of children who wear orthotics and have a large size discrepancy between their feet have a complicated dilemma as they don’t only need different shoe sizes, they also need different orthotic sizes. If this is the case with your child I suggest that you reach out to my email and I will guide you on what steps to take:
Find Your Child’s “Shoe Mate”!
If you live in an area where you don’t have access to any of the stores I mentioned I suggest that you leave a comment in the section below with your child’s foot sizes, that way you might find your child a shoe mate.
Ideally, you will find your child a “sole mate” who has feet the opposite size as your child. This means that if your child needs a size 9 left shoe and a size 7 right shoe, you’ll ideally match up with another child who wears a size 7 left shoe and a size 9 right shoe.
This is also a way of showing your child that there are plenty of other children who are going through the same situation.
Remember that allowing your child to walk and run around in shoes that are too big can lead to pain, functional limitations, and falls.
Let me know in the comment section below if there are other companies or resources that you use to buy mismatched shoes for your child. Please share them with me so other families can benefit from your experiences!
