Are you having a hard time finding a pair of shoes for your child with extra wide feet? Do you notice red marks or indentations on the top of your child’s feet every time you take the shoes off? Finding a pair of shoes for a child with extra wide feet can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, especially if you don’t know what shoe styles to look for. In addition, if your child happens to have a high instep as well then it makes the process of finding shoes a lot more complicated. Let me show you a list of the best extra wide shoes for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now that focuses on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes (such as extra wide feet) as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. We carry some of the most supportive children’s shoes and orthotics, and I am familiar with which shoe brands and which shoe styles are better than others.
Over the years I became familiar with the best shoes for kids with extra wide feet. Shoes in extra wide widths (XW) do exist, but finding the correct type of extra wide shoes for your child takes more than just choosing a shoe that is labeled as extra wide (XW).
Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
The most common mistake that I see parents make is to assume that once they find a shoe that is labeled as extra wide that shoe will automatically fit the shape of the child’s extra wide feet. Another common mistake that I see parents make is to end up buying larger shoes for their children to take away the pressure from the widest part of their feet. I strongly suggest that you stop doing this, as you will end up compromising your child’s stability.
Let me show you a couple of pictures of kids with extra wide feet that I helped find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet:
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Extra Wide Feet?
In addition to being labeled as extra wide, there are other 2 additional key features that the shoes I recommend provide.
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of the feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Let me show you a pair of shoes that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Box: This feature prevents the child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. The shoes below are the same length and width, but have very different toe-boxes. Let me show you the difference between a shoe that provides a rounder toe-box versus one that doesn’t:
You must stay away from shoes that come with pointer toe-boxes, or you will end up cramping your kids’ toes inside the shoes. Parents are often confused as to how they are supposed to find shoes that provide those 2 features as shoes don’t come labeled as “extra deep” or with a “rounder toe-box”.
Be Careful About Fitting Your Child in Shoes that Are Too Narrow
If you provide your child with shoes that are too narrow, your child might end up creating all sorts of foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns, the last ones being really hard to get rid of. Shoes that are too narrow will lead to foot and leg pain as well.
I have helped parents find shoes for their children with extra wide feet that they didn’t even know existed such as sport shoes, summer sandals, winter boots, dress shoes, or any other type of shoe style that you might think of.
I will show you a selection of the best extra wide shoes for kids shortly, but first I want to make sure that you know your child’s exact foot size.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
If you don’t know your child’s exact foot size you won’t know what shoe size to order online.
I always recommend parents take their children to their local fitting children’s shoe store that they trust. The issue is that most fitting stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where To Go for Proper Fittings
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
I only review shoes that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best extra wide shoes for kids. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Extra Wide Shoes for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All of the shoes below come labeled as extra wide (XW), so please choose the shoe width accordingly.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather upper
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather/suede/mesh upper
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- 100% Suede
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory-foam footbeds for comfy underfoot cushioning
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Oversized openings
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Padded midsole features ABZORB® technology to provide added support
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Padded midsole features ABZORB® technology to provide added support
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Fits orthotics
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Velcro closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Velcro closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- 100% Suede
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory-foam footbeds for comfy underfoot cushioning
- Mesh upper for durability and comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes, I indicate whether you need to order a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
The shoes are also capable of fitting children with high insteps. 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. When children have high insteps, there is a lot of extra foot volume to be fitted inside the shoes. Let me show you a picture of a child with a high instep:
Extra Wide Shoes for Kids – The 5 Most Important Features!
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This part of the shoe supports and cushions your kids’ feet, minimizing the impact that their feet and legs receive every time they become in contact with the ground. A shoe that comes with a supportive outsole helps prevent your child’s feet from collapsing (in case they have flat feet) and will allow your child to walk and run straighter.
Let me show you the difference between a shoe that provides a substantial outsole versus one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This part of the shoe cushions and protects your kids’ ankles and provides lateral stability and ankle support. You should always press on the heel counter of the shoe before buying it to make sure it feels firm:
3️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This is really important especially if your child has extra wide feet, sit helps prevent your kids’ toes from overlapping and rubbing against each other or the side of the shoes.
4️⃣ Extra Depth: The deeper the shoes are, the better. This feature allows your child’s feet to sit comfortably inside the shoes and prevent the top part of the foot from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature is really important as it helps children who have high insteps.
5️⃣ Good Traction: This feature helps prevent your child from slipping and falling especially when walking on wet surfaces.
I provided you with a selection of the widest shoes that I have fitted before. There are no other shoes that are wider than the ones I recommend, so if the shoes are still too narrow for your kids’ feet you should consider using a shoe stretcher:
Do Shoe Stretchers Work?- The Solution to Kids With Wide and Extra Wide Feet
Additional Resources for Children with Extra Wide Feet
Below you can find a list of additional resources that I created for children who have extra wide feet:
Sandals for Extra Wide Feet – The Best Summer Sandal for Kids with Extra Wide Feet!
Extra Wide Boots for Kids – Finding an Extra Wide Boots That Fits!
Extra Wide Children’s Dress Shoes – The Only Styles Available for Extra Wide Feet!
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a particular shoe style for your child’s extra wide feet, I have likely fitted it before and I will help you find it: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you found a particular shoe style that has worked well for your child’s extra wide feet? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
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My son, 8 years old, has always needed extra wide shoes since he was a baby. I tended to find them at Stride Rite until they stopped carrying as many as he aged. The real problem seems to be that his foot is thick though he doesn’t have much of an arch. He complains of shoes feeling tight and hurting across the top. I think he still needs a wide, but deep is more important. Does one or the other of Saucony and New Balance do better with the depth issue?
Hello Melissa,
That’s a great question. Just to clarify, it seems like what your child has is a high instep. The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, a wider and deeper shoe is required.
From the shoes I describe in this article, I will suggest that you stick with the New Balance shoe styles, since they are much deeper than the Saucony styles.
I hope this helps.
I am looking for a youth size 1 extra wide shoe. I will need something with velcro closure. The last shoes I found was listed with the orthotic shop. The shoes I had we’re made by the makers at Answer2. I think the lcompany either sold out I found it up because I cannot find any of their shoes at the orthotic shop or any other retail sellers. Can you help me find a company that would have this size and width?
Hello Sandra,
Are you looking for shoes for a boy or a girl? I also need to know if you are looking for sneakers or any other types of shoes such as dress shoes or sport shoes.