Extra Wide Children’s Dress Shoes – The Only Styles Available for Extra Wide Feet!

November 10, 2024 Dress Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Children with extra wide feet often face discomfort and issues with standard shoe sizes. The wrong fit can lead to blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot problems such as bunions. Do you feel like every single dress shoe that you buy is too narrow and leaves indentations or red marks on the top part of your child’s feet? Extra wide children’s dress shoes provide the necessary space for toes to spread naturally, which can prevent problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and general foot pain.

Identifying If Your Child Needs Extra Wide Shoes

Do you suspect your child may have extra wide feet? Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Red Marks or Indentations: If your child’s feet have marks after wearing shoes, they might need a wider fit. These marks indicate that the shoe is pressing too tightly against the foot, which can lead to discomfort and even damage.
Child with imprints on the top part of his foot from wearing shoes that were fitted too narrow.
An image of a child with red marks on the top part of his foot.
  • Frequent Complaints of Discomfort: Listen to your child’s feedback. If they frequently complain about tightness, it’s worth investigating.
Find out the reason why your toddler keeps taking his or her shoes off.
Image of a child complaining that her shoes are too tight.
  • High Insteps: Children with high insteps often require additional room in their shoes to accommodate the top of their feet. A high instep can be a genetic trait and may require specially designed footwear to ensure comfort and support.
An image of a child with a high instep.

Understanding the Need for Extra Wide Dress Shoes

While dress shoes are meant to be worn for a couple of hours and once in a while, if your kids wear dress shoes that are too narrow they might develop blisters, calluses, and corns. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size for blisters to form.

Once a blister is formed, it can change the walking pattern of your children, leading them to put pressure on parts of their bodies where they are not supposed to. This usually leads to foot and leg pain.

Key Features of Extra Wide Dress Shoes

When selecting extra wide dress shoes for children, there are several features to consider:

1. Extra Depth: These features allow more room for the toes, preventing pinching and discomfort. A round toe-box ensures that toes can spread naturally, which is crucial for balance and stability.

The difference between a dress shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t.

2. Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature is going to prevent the child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes.

Do you notice how the dress shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left?

3. Oversized Openings: Easier to put on and take off, oversized openings are especially helpful for children with extra wide feet and high insteps. 

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

Ensuring that children wear properly fitted shoes is crucial to prevent blisters, foot deformities (bunions and hammertoes), and posture problems. I created a free virtual fitting service that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s shoe size from home.

Here are some excellent dress shoe options that cater to children with extra wide feet. 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.

Best Extra Wide Children’s Dress Shoes – Extra Wide and Deep

Even though some of these dress shoes are only labeled as extra wide (XW), they are the widest dress shoes available for children. These dress shoes can also accommodate children with high insteps.

1. Berwyn by Florsheim

These boys’ wide dress shoes are available in wide widths, which makes them an excellent option for kids with extra wide feet. Known for their quality craftsmanship, these shoes offer both style and comfort, making them perfect for formal occasions.

Black dress shoes for boys with wide feet.
  • Order the shoe style Loafer Church by French Toast on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning
  • Genuine leather
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

These extra wide Mary Jane shoes by Stride Rite are a stylish option. With its roomy toe box and supportive design, it’s an ideal choice for girls needing a bit more width in their shoes.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon.
  • Available in extra wide widths.
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
  • Supreme comfort care of Ortholite memory foam footbeds.
  • I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.

3. Murphy by Stride Rite

This classic wide dress shoe is a fantastic choice for children with extra wide feet as it provides ample room in the toe box and features a comfortable fit that supports your child’s foot shape. The classic design makes them suitable for a variety of settings.

Black dress shoes for boys with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Murphy Sneaker by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Premium leather with a padded heel collar
  • Memory-foam insole provides enhanced comfort 
  • I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Mary Jane by FunkyMonkey

These wide fit Mary Jane shoes offer a playful twist on the classic design. They come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing your child to express their individuality while enjoying a comfortable fit.

Red patent toddler Mary Jane dress shoe.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style by FunkyMonkey on Amazon
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • Velcro buckle secures the perfect fit every time
  • Lightly padded leather insoles
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Bogan Jr. by Florsheim

The Bogan Jr. by Florsheim is a great option for boys with extra wide feet. These shoes are available in actual wide widths.

Black slip on dress shoes for kids with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Soft Slip by Lonsoen on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Slip-on design
  • Made from soft PU leather material
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Claire by Stride Rite

This Mary Jane is available in extra wide widths and the classic design makes it suitable for various occasions.

Extra wide Mary Jane shoe for toddler girls.
  • Order the shoe style Claire by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Crafted from a premium leather upper
  • Padded collar
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Lonsoen Lowfur

Lonsoen Lowfur shoes are an affordable option for parents looking for budget-friendly extra wide dress shoes. Despite their lower price point, they do not compromise on comfort or style.

Brown loafer for toddlers with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Soft Slip by Lonsoen on Amazon
  • Fits medium or wide feet
  • Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning
  • 100% Synthetic 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Contact Me for Specific Extra Wide Shoe Recommendations

As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’m here to help you find the best fit for your child. Feel free to reach out via email: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com for personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape and needs. I can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect pair, taking into account both style and functionality. Whether you’re looking for dress shoes, sneakers, or casual footwear, I’m committed to ensuring your child’s comfort and healthy foot development.

Brands That Manufacture Extra Wide Dress Shoes for Kids

Several brands specialize in creating dress shoes for children with extra wide feet. Here are a few to consider:

1. Florsheim

2. Stride Rite

3. Sperry

4. FootMates

These children’s shoe brands have been around for a long time, and they provide good quality footwear that your kids will always outgrow before wearing the shoes down.

Additional Resource for Children with Extra Wide Feet: Sneakers

While dress shoes are essential for formal occasions, having a pair of comfortable deep and wide sneakers for everyday wear is just as important. Sneakers designed for extra wide feet offer the same supportive features as dress shoes, making them ideal for school and play. Many of the brands mentioned above also provide excellent options for extra wide sneakers, ensuring your child’s feet are supported and comfortable in any situation.

Importance of Seamless Socks for Kids with Extra Wide Feet

Seamless socks can be a game-changer for children with extra wide feet. Traditional socks with bulky seams can cause irritation and discomfort, especially when paired with snug-fitting shoes. These irritations can lead to distractions and even reluctance to wear shoes. Seamless socks eliminate these pressure points, providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for your child.

As a passionate shoe fitter with years of experience, I understand the challenges parents face when selecting the right shoes for their children with extra wide feet. If you have any questions or need specific recommendations for extra wide dress shoes, please don’t hesitate to contact me.