Extra Wide Shoes for Babies – Finding an Extra Wide Shoe that Fits!

June 5, 2025 Baby Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find extra wide shoes for your baby? Many babies are born with wide or extra wide feet, and finding the right fit can be frustrating if you don’t know which brands and styles to look for. Babies need shoes that are roomy, flexible, and supportive to promote healthy foot development—especially since they can’t tell you when something feels off. As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve curated a list of the best extra wide baby shoes that are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to let tiny feet grow and move naturally.

The Importance of Buying Baby Shoes that FIT

Babies wiggle their toes to strengthen and exercise their feet—a natural and essential part of healthy development. If their shoes are too narrow, it can restrict this movement, leading to discomfort and potential issues like blisters, calluses, and corns. Giving their toes room to move freely is key to keeping their little feet happy and healthy.

Baby wiggling his toes as a way of exercising his feet.
An image of a baby boy wiggling his toes.

Key Features of Shoes for Extra Wide Feet

Feature One: Extra Depth. Extra depth in a shoe allows for more space inside, which is crucial for babies with wide feet. This feature helps prevent the shoe from pressing against the top of the foot and provides ample room for wiggling toes.

The difference between a baby shoe with extra depth and one without. Notice how the deeper shoe offers more space for chubby feet and high insteps, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit.

Feature Two: Rounder Toe-Boxes. Rounded toe-boxes are ideal for wide feet as they provide more room at the front of the shoe. This design prevents the toes from being squished together and allows for natural toe movement, which is essential for balance and muscle development. A well-designed toe-box supports the natural splay of the toes, which is crucial for developing a strong and stable base.

The difference between a pair of baby shoes with a rounded toe-box and one without. Notice how the rounded design gives little toes plenty of room to wiggle and grow, while the narrower shoe can cramp and restrict natural foot movement.

Feature Three: Oversized Openings. Oversized openings make it easier to put the shoe on and take it off. This feature is particularly beneficial for parents dealing with a wiggly baby. A wider opening also ensures that the shoe can accommodate the full width of the foot without forcing it into an unnatural position.

Toddler shoes with double velcro straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.
An image of a baby shoe with double Velcro straps for easy on and off.

Best Shoe Brands for Babies with Extra Wide Feet

Several brands stand out when it comes to catering to extra wide baby feet. These brands offer a combination of the features mentioned above, ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit.

1. Stride Rite

2. See Kai Run

3. New Balance

That doesn’t mean every shoe style from those three brands will work for your baby’s extra wide feet. In fact, only a select few styles are designed to accommodate that foot shape—and I’ll show you exactly which ones to look for. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Best Extra Wide Shoes for Babies – My Top Picks in 2025

Babies only need shoes when playing outside. At home, let them go barefoot to support healthy foot development. Just be sure to choose the extra wide (XW) option when shoes are needed.

1. Shoe Style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite extra wide baby shoes provide excellent width options (wide and extra wide) and a comfortable fit.

Shoe style Adalyn by Stride Rite for toddler girls with wide feet.
Shoe style Artie by Stride Rite for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

2. NEW-B FIRST by New Balance

These New Balance baby shoes are a game-changer for parents of babies with wide or extra wide feet. Designed with generous width options and an extra roomy fit, this shoe makes slipping little feet in and out effortless.

New Balance shoes for babies.
Pink New Balance shoes for baby girls.
New Balance baby shoes.
  • Order the shoe NEW-B FIRST by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Breathable
  • Flex grooves for natural movement
  • Pull tab on the back
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

3. Baby shoes by BABSMULY Store

These easy on baby shoes are designed for ultimate ease and comfort, featuring double Velcro straps that create oversized openings—perfect for quick, fuss-free wear.

Easy shoes for babies.

Key Features

  • Order this baby shoe by BABSMULY Store on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Double Velcro straps for oversized openings
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

4. Shoe style Gaia by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite extra wide shoes feature double Velcro straps for oversized openings.

Stride Rite shoes for baby boys.
Stride Rite baby shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Gaia by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • APMA approved
  • Round-toe design
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

5. Shoe style Archie and Kiki by Stride Rite

These baby sandals are crafted to provide maximum comfort for wide feet. With their breathable materials and secure fit, they offer the support and flexibility needed for a growing child.

Stride Rite brown sandal for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.
Stride Rite white sandal for toddler girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Archie and Kiki on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue for a comfortable fit
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your baby’s current foot size

These are the roomiest baby shoes I’ve ever fitted. Not only do they come in extra wide widths, but they also offer extra depth and a rounded toe box to comfortably accommodate chubby feet and promote natural movement.

Personalized Shoe Recommendations

If you’re struggling to find the right shoes for your baby, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations. As an experienced shoe fitter, I am here to help you navigate the world of infant wide shoes and find the perfect pair for your child.

Contact me for personalized shoe recommendations for your baby, and I’ll be happy to assist you in finding the ideal fit based on your child’s foot shape and specific needs.

Are You 100% Sure of Your Baby’s Foot Size?

Your baby’s first pair of shoes should fit just right to support their first steps and prevent falls or foot issues. Shoes that are too big can affect stability, while tight shoes can cause blisters, calluses, and discomfort.

While I always recommend visiting a trusted children’s shoe store, many have closed, leaving parents to shop online. That’s why I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you accurately measure your baby’s feet from home and choose the right size with confidence.

Extra Wide Shoes for Babies – 3 Additional Features!

Feature One: Sensory Response Technology™. Some shoes come equipped with sensory response technology, which enhances your child’s sensory feedback as they walk or run. This feature can improve balance and coordination, making it a valuable addition to any pair of extra wide shoes.

A pair of baby shoes with sensory pods.
An image of Stride Rite shoes with sensory pods.

Feature Two: Flexibility. Flexible soles are essential for babies and toddlers as they allow for natural foot movement. Stiff soles can restrict movement and impede development.

Lightweight and flexible shoes for babies learning how to walk.
Look for shoes that bend easily at the ball of the foot, enabling your child to move comfortably.

Feature Three: Padding. Your baby’s shoes should have plenty of cushioning, especially around the heel area, to prevent rubbing and keep their feet comfortable. Proper padding helps protect delicate skin and reduces the risk of blisters as your baby starts to explore and move around.

A pair of first walking shoes with extra cushion and padding to help prevent blisters and other foot issues.
A close-up image of baby shoes featuring extra heel cushioning and soft padding—designed to keep little feet comfortable and protect against blisters during first steps.

Some parents often ask me what shoe size their child should wear based on age. While age-based sizing charts can offer a general idea, the most accurate way to determine your child’s shoe size is by using a Brannock device—the gold standard for measuring foot length and width. That said, here’s a helpful guideline you can use as a starting point:

  • 0-3 months: Size 1
  • 3-6 months: Size 2
  • 6-9 months: Size 2.5, 3
  • 9-12 months: Size 3.5, 4
  • 12-18 months: Size 4.5, 5
  • 18-24 months: Size 5.5, 6

The Best Socks for Babies – Keep Your Baby’s Feet Healthy!

In addition to choosing the right shoes, selecting the best socks is crucial for maintaining your baby’s foot health. I recommend 100% seamless socks for babies, as they allow for unrestricted toe movement—essential for healthy foot development. Babies are constantly wiggling their toes to exercise their feet, and seamless socks help them do this comfortably, without irritation or pressure points.

Breathable socks for babies with wide feet.
  • Order these socks made by Zaples on Amazon
  • Strong grips at the bottom cover the whole foot from heel to toe
  • The pull tabs behind the ankle help the mom to put on and take off the socks very easily
Wide socks for toddlers and babies.
  • Order these socks made by Epeius on Amazon
  • 76% combed cotton, 21% polyester and 3% spandex
  • Seamless cable/ribbed knit knee high socks for babies
  • Breathable
  • Machine wash
Breathable and seamless socks for kids.
  • Order these socks made by SilkyToes on Amazon
  • 80% Rayon from Bamboo, 10% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 5% Spandex
  • Cushioned sole to keep your child’s feet comfortable
  • Machine wash
Low-cut seamless socks for kids.
  • Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
  • Smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
  • Made with premium ultra soft cotton
  • Quarter ribbed stay-up top is extra comfortable around the ankles

Bonus Resources: Sandals and Dress Shoes for Extra Wide Feet

In addition to everyday shoes, you may also need sandals or dress shoes for special occasions. Here’s what to consider when selecting these types of footwear for wide or extra wide feet:

Dress Shoes: Choose dress shoes with a wide toe box and padded insoles for added comfort. Avoid styles with narrow or pointed toes, as they can be restrictive.

Sandals: Look for sandals with adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit. Opt for styles with cushioned soles to provide comfort during warm weather activities.