Sandals for Extra Wide Feet – The Best Summer Sandal for Kids with Extra Wide Feet!
Are you having a hard time finding a pair of sandals for your child with extra wide feet? Do you feel like you try several different sandals but you always end up empty-handed? Finding a pair of sandals for extra wide feet can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, especially if you don’t know what shoe brands and styles to look for. Some children have high insteps in addition to having extra wide feet, which makes the whole process of finding a pair of sandals that fit a lot more complicated.
What is the Instep of the Foot?
The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, there is a lot of extra foot volume that needs to be fitted inside of the shoes. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
Unfortunately, there are only a few sandals styles that are capable of fitting the shape of a child with extra wide feet. The good news is that I will help you find them!
If you are in a rush, you can go directly to the selection of extra wide summer sandals.
I have fitted several children with extra wide feet in the correct types of sandals, and I believe I will be able to find a pair of extra wide sandals for your child’s feet as well.
Images of Children with Extra Wide Feet – Do They Look Familiar?
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of children with extra wide feet:
What Makes the Sandals I Recommend Effective for Kids with Extra Wide Feet?
Keep in mind that for the sandals to fit a child with extra wide feet they need to provide 3 key features:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the sandals and prevents the top part of your kids’ feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the sandals. Let me show you the difference between a sandal that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping each other or rubbing against the side of the shoes. Let me show you the difference between a pair of sandals with a rounder toe-box versus one with a pointier toe-box:
3️⃣ Oversized Openings: The sandals that I recommend 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 child’s feet inside the sandals.
The sandals that I am about to review are the best sandals for kids who have extra wide feet and high insteps. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best sandals for 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.
The Best Sandals for Extra Wide Feet
Some of these sandals are available in wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths, so please make sure that you order the correct shoe width. If the sandal is not available in wide widths is because it fits really wide.
Many of the sandals featured below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, please make sure to click through and see if they have the desired color.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Sandal style Psyclone by Teva
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Two adjustable velcro straps
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Psyclone by Teva
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Two adjustable velcro straps
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Cyrus by See Kai Run
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Paley by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Billie by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Paley by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- FlexiRun EVA foam outsole is ultra-lightweight and flexible with durable traction pattern for outdoor wear
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Jetty III by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- FlexiRun EVA foam outsole is ultra-lightweight and flexible with durable traction pattern for outdoor wear
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Archie by Stride Rite
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Summer Time by Stride Rite
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 100% leather
- Padded heel collar for comfort
- Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Lucky Brand
- 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
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Sandal style Eco-Tide by FootMates
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lightly padded insole
- Waterproof leather and corrosion-resistant buckles make the shoes ideal for use in warm weather conditions
- Hook-and-loop with adjustable buckle closures for a secure fit
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Sandal style Hurricane by Teva
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 3 adjustable velcro straps for easy on and off
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Hurricane by Teva
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 3 adjustable velcro straps for easy on and off
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Panther by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Soft fabric lining and anti-odor footbed promotes a healthy foot environment
- M Select GRIP for superior non-marking traction
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Panther by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Soft fabric lining and anti-odor footbed promotes a healthy foot environment
- M Select GRIP for superior non-marking traction
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Wander by Kaki
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Elle by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Rounded toe-boxes and extra deep
- Double adjustable velcro straps
- Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Arizona by Birkenstock
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede-lined cork footbed offers excellent arch support, a deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and molds to the shape of each individual’s foot
- Flexible and lightweight EVA outsole is durable and shock-resisting
- Order this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Liana by Cushionaire
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- 3 adjustable buckle straps for easy on and off
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Sandal style Newport H2 by Keen
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- Order this sandal half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
I haven’t found other types of sandals that fit wider than the ones I recommended, but if you happen to have different recommendations please let me know in the comments section below.
Are the Sandals I Recommend Supportive?
These sandals all come with a substantial outsole that minimizes the impact that your kids’ feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground. I love the fact that these sandals are supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time. They are also breathable and come with a rubber toe-box that makes them practically indestructible.
If you happen to need a pair of dressier sandals to accommodate the shape of your child’s extra wide feet I got you covered as well.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
I always recommend parents to take their children to their local children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online.
I created a list that showcases the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state. If after looking at that list 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.
Find Out If Your Kids’ Sandals Are Too Narrow
If you fit your child in a pair of sandals that are too narrow you might end up creating all sorts of foot issues to their feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns. The first sign that your child is wearing sandals that are too narrow is if you notice imprints on the top of your child’s feet:
Another sign is if you notice the pinky toe (small toe) being pushed against the side of the sandals like the one in the image below:
Contact Us – Get a Personalized Recommendation!
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes to fit the shape of your child’s extra wide feet. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Let me know if you have any thoughts and comments about any of these sandals, and most importantly, if you have tried any of these sandals for your child before, I would love to hear how you liked them.
My son is eight. His foot is 8.25 inches; extra wide. Jambu sandals worked once for him. And following years each pair gave him hot spots. He wears Nike and New Balance wide tennis shoes. What sport sandal would you recommend for him?
Hi Tanya –
I am not sure if you are looking for a closed toed or an open toed sandal so I am providing you with both options below:
Water Play Sandal for Extra Wide Feet: Option 1
Water Play Sandal for Extra Wide Feet: Option 2
You can also try the Newport style made by Keen: Option 3
I hope this helps!
Thank you so very much. Between the closed-toe options, which do you think is widest?
Hi Tanya –
Do you know if your son has a high instep? If he has a high instep then I recommend the Keen style as it’s a little bit deeper. Otherwise I recommend the Merrell one.
If I were you I will keep an eye on his Nike sneakers, they are not really effective in fitting children with wide or extra wide feet.
Sorry – yes, my mistake. He’s been wearing solely New Balance, not Nike!
Hi Juan,
Thank you so much. I love the first one but unfortunately they are not sold in Canada. I’ve ordered the option 2 (Im worried the sole isn’t flexible enough?)
What are your thoughts on this fisherman sandal: https://amzn.to/3IZycbW
Kind regards,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I will choose the second option (Stride Rite). PLAE shoes fit wide but I am not sure if they fill fit an extra wide foot. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello Juan,
THanks again for your response. I have one last question about two more brands: Momo baby and also Livie & Luca – do either of these fit wide?
Thanks again and kindest regards,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I have never fitted the shoe brand “Momo baby” but I have fitted “Livie & Luca” and the shoes will fit a child with wide feet but NOT with extra wide feet.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Juan,
So nice to have found a blog dedicated to kids shoes! I find it so hard to get proper fitting shoes. I was wondering – could you reccomend a sandal for an early walker (14 month boy) for extra wide feet? (We currently have a tsikahoshi sneaker in size 7 that you reccomend on your website and the fit is perfect).
Thank you,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I am glad that you found the website informative. Here you can find my recommendations for your boy with extra wide feet:
Stride Rite Sandal: Option 1 Make sure that you select the “W” (wide width) option. I have fitted boys with extra wide feet in this sandal before, because it runs really wide.
Stride Rite Sandal: Option 2 make sure you select the “XW” (extra wide) option.
Are these the types of sandals you had in mind? Let me know, otherwise I can help you find something different.
Juan
Where is the info. on the sandal? On a page about socks for wide feet there’s no list either? What am I missing here? Thanks.
Hello AK,
Please try refreshing your page and it should be working fine now.
Once I open each shoe they all show a M width. My son is an XW. Will the M fit work for him?
Also. He is a 6 1/2 XW big kid
Biggest size I found was 6 M big kid.
Will these work for him or do I need to shop men’s shoes?
He is only 8 but he’s big for his age and has bigger feet!
Sorry to be troublesome.
Thank You!
Hello Amanda,
The sandals don’t come labeled as XW (Extra Wide), but the regular width fits really wide. I have fitted children with extra wide feet in these sandals before. I am not 100% sure they will work for his feet but you should definitely try them. I will recommend that you order the size 6, because they fit very long. If the 6 is not long enough, let me know and I would recommend a pair of men sandals for him (please keep in mind there might be a big price jump between kids and men’s shoes).
I hope this helps!