Extra Wide Sandals for Toddlers – The Best Sandals for Toddlers with Extra Wide Feet!
Do you struggle getting your toddler’s sandals on and off and the ones that go on your toddler’s feet leave imprints or red marks? Finding a pair of extra wide sandals for toddlers can be difficult, especially if your toddler has a high instep in addition to extra wide feet. The instep is the top part of the feet, and when it’s high, it makes it a lot more complicated to find shoes that fit.
I am a shoe fitter with many years of experience fitting children’s shoes. Some of the most popular and affordable shoe brands that make extra wide sandals for toddlers are Stride Rite, See Kai Run, Teva, and other generic brands that work really well for extra wide feet. I will show you these specific styles shortly.
Prevent Blisters and Other Foot Issues
Children with extra wide feet often experience discomfort in standard-sized shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and even long-term foot issues. For example, below is an image of a toddler girl wearing sandals that are too narrow for her feet.
One of the most common mistakes I see parents make is to provide their toddlers with sandals that are too large to accommodate their extra wide feet. Please don’t do this as you will end up compromising your toddler’s stability and make your toddler more prone to falling.
Key Features of Extra Wide Toddler Sandals
Extra wide sandals are not only about width but also about providing adequate space for the toes to move freely, which is essential for natural foot development.
1. Extra Depth for High Insteps: All of the toddler sandals that I recommend offer extra depth to accommodate high insteps. This ensures that the shoe provides ample space for the foot to sit comfortably without pressure. High insteps require additional room to avoid constriction, which can lead to pain and improper foot development
2. Wide Toe-Boxes: A spacious toe box prevents crowding and allows toes to move freely, promoting natural foot development. This feature is essential for preventing issues such as bunions or hammertoes, which can develop if toes are constantly cramped.
3. Multiple Velcro Straps and Oversized Openings: The sandals that I recommend for toddlers have an easy-to-wear fit with an adjustable two-strap alternative closure. These two velcro straps allow parents to open-up the sandal widely, so they can easily slide their toddler’s feet inside the sandals. It will only take a few seconds to get them on and off your toddler’s feet.
There are only a few sandals capable of fitting toddlers with extra wide feet, and I know exactly which ones they are because I work for a specialized children’s shoe store that helps children with “complex” foot shapes, such as extra wide feet and high insteps. 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 Sandals for Toddlers in 2025
As a passionate shoe fitter who understands the importance of the golden years of foot development, I aim to help parents make informed choices for their children. Even though some of these sandals are not labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW), they fit naturally wide and are the widest fitting sandals for toddlers with extra wide feet.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These extra wide toddler sandals by Teva are equipped with adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a snug fit, accommodating the unique shape of your toddler’s wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style 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 promotes 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 extra wide toddler sandals 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 shoe style 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
Dream Pairs offers lightweight sandals perfect for active toddlers. Their designs focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your toddler’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style 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 or extra 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 style 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 extra wide toddler sandals are both trendy and functional, ensuring your toddler won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on creating sandals that 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 extra wide kids’ sandals are available in both wide and extra wide widths.
- Order the sandal style 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
Please make sure that you don’t pull the Velcro strap of the sandal too tight, as you need to allow space for your toddler’s toes to move comfortably. The Velcro straps should not be too tight nor too loose, as if they are too loose your toddler might have stability issues.
Contact Me to Get a Personalized Recommendation
The right shoe can vary from child to child, so it’s important to consider your toddler’s specific foot shape (width and instep) and needs when making a choice. If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your toddler so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Testimonials from Families
Hearing from other families who have successfully found sandals for their toddlers with extra wide feet can be reassuring. Here are a few testimonials:
3 Additional Features of the Sandals I Recommended
1. Lightweight/Flexible: A sandal with a flexible sole supports natural foot movement, which is essential for developing feet. Flexible soles allow toddlers to walk more naturally, promoting muscle development and coordination. The flexibility also ensures that the sandal moves with the foot, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
2. Traction: This feature helps prevent your toddler from slipping and falling, especially when walking on wet surfaces.
3. Fast Drying: This feature is important to keep your toddler’s feet dry and healthy. When toddler’s feet get wet for long periods of time they are more susceptible to developing foot issues such as irritation and blisters.
Bonus Resource: Extra Wide Sneakers for Kids
While our focus is on sandals, it’s worth mentioning that many of these brands also offer extra wide sneakers for toddlers.
Online forums such as Reddit and Quora became a valuable resource for exchanging tips and advice on finding affordable and comfortable options. Parents often share their discoveries and personal experiences, creating a supportive community that helps others navigate the challenges of finding suitable footwear for their children.
please provide link – looking for extra extra wide sandals for lady with children size 3/4 but her foot like 3/4 E wide
Hello Angela,
What specific shoe size are you looking for? Are you looking for an open or close toe sandal? I also would need to know the country that you are contacting me from to check what specific sandals you might be able to order.