Extra Wide School Shoes – Extra Depth and with a Round Toe-Box!

June 13, 2025 Back to School Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find extra wide school shoes that actually fit your child’s feet? Many parents try countless options only to find they’re still too narrow. The truth is, only a handful of shoe styles—within even the best brands—are truly suitable for kids with extra wide feet. Since children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, it’s essential to choose school shoes that offer the right width and comfort. This guide will help you find the best extra wide school shoes that provide the space and support your child needs.

Don’t Make This Common Mistake

A frequent mistake parents make is purchasing shoes that are too long in an attempt to compensate for width. While this might seem like a quick fix, it can lead to a host of problems. Oversized shoes can cause tripping and instability, as the extra length can interfere with the natural gait. It’s important to find a shoe that fits well in both length and width. Look for shoes specifically designed in wide or extra wide widths rather than opting for a larger size.

Key Features of Extra Wide School Shoes

Feature One: Extra Deepness. Shoes with extra depth help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the risk of calluses and sores. They also ensure the foot is not cramped, promoting better circulation and comfort throughout the day.
Feature Two: Rounded Toe-Boxes. Unlike narrow or pointed toe-boxes, a rounded design allows for natural toe splay, which is vital for balance and foot health. This feature ensures that toes are not squished together, reducing the risk of developing bunions or other toe deformities.

In my 10 years of fitting children’s shoes, I’ve found that only a handful of back-to-school styles truly work for kids with extra wide feet. The challenge becomes even greater when a high instep is involved, as it further limits the number of shoes that can provide a comfortable, secure fit.

What Is the Instep of the Foot?

This image highlights how a high instep adds extra foot volume, making it more challenging to find shoes that provide enough depth and room for a comfortable fit.

That is the reason why I was mentioning the key role of finding shoes with extra depth, since they allow for the foot to fit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part of the child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.

A pair of black kids' dress shoes with oversized openings.
Bonus Feature: Oversized Openings.
Shoes with oversized openings make it easier for children to put on and take off their shoes independently. This feature is particularly helpful for children with extra wide feet and high insteps.

Common Mistakes in Shoe Sizing

A frequent mistake parents make is purchasing shoes that are too long in an attempt to compensate for width. While this might seem like a quick fix, it can lead to a host of problems. Oversized shoes can cause tripping and instability, as the extra length can interfere with the natural gait. It’s important to find a shoe that fits well in both length and width. Look for shoes specifically designed in wide widths rather than opting for a larger size.

Certain schools require you to follow a certain dress code policy, which means that your kids’ back to school shoes must be made of a specific material and from a particular color (black or white). Please check this before you decide to order any of the shoes I recommend below. Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click our links and make a purchase.

Best Extra Wide School Shoes – Round Toe-Boxes and Deep

1. Claire by Stride Rite

This Mary Jane shoe is one of the few dress-style shoes available in extra wide (XW) widths, making it an excellent choice for children with extra wide feet. The rounded toe box, extra depth, and adjustable strap ensure a secure and pressure-free fit, perfect for all-day wear at school.

Extra wide Mary Jane shoe for toddler girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Claire by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Also available in brown and navy
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • 100% leather
  • Padded collar for comfort
  • Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. 990v6 by New Balance

This sneaker-style school shoe offers excellent support, durability, and flexibility, making it perfect for both classroom and playground wear. It’s available in extra wide (XW) widths—ideal for children with extra wide feet and high insteps.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 990v6 by New Balance on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance

These extra wide New Balance school shoes offer a cushioned insole for comfort, a durable outsole for traction, and meet most uniform requirements.

New Balance all white kids school shoe.
New Balance all black kids back to school shoe.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Padded collar for comfort
  • Velcro closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Dirty Buck by Footmates

With wide (W) widths available, this shoe features a softly rounded toe box and extra depth—perfect for children with wide or high-volume feet.

Dirty buck dress shoe for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Bucky by Footmates on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
  • Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
  • Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
  • Lace-up design
  • I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

If the shoes I recommended still feel too snug, even though they’re the widest back-to-school options available, don’t worry—you’re not out of luck. In cases like this, using a shoe stretcher can help gently expand the width, giving your child the extra room they need for a more comfortable fit.

Getting a Personalized Shoe Recommendation

If you’re unsure about which shoes are best for your child, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a personalized shoe recommendation. By understanding your child’s specific foot shape and needs, I can help guide you to the perfect pair. Additionally, I have created various resources to assist families in determining the correct shoe size to order online, ensuring an optimal fit without the hassle of returns.

How to Order the Exact Shoe Size Online

Ideally, parents should take their children to a specialized kids’ shoe store, where trained fitters can accurately measure their feet and recommend the right shoes. Unfortunately, many of these stores have closed, leaving parents to rely on big retailers like Nordstrom or Payless—places where proper shoe fitting isn’t always a priority. That’s exactly why I created a virtual shoe fitting service—to help you confidently find your child’s exact shoe size from home and make sure you’re ordering the right fit online.

Bonus Resource: Everyday Sneakers for Kids

When it comes to everyday sneakers, similar principles apply. Look for sneakers with extra depth, wide widths, and rounded toe-boxes to ensure comfort and support. Sneakers are often worn for extended periods, so these features can make a significant difference in overall foot health and comfort. Additionally, sneakers with these features tend to be more durable, standing up to the rigors of daily activities and play.