Foot Pain in the Top of the Foot – Stop Your Kids’ Foot Pain!
Has your child been complaining about pain on the top of their foot? This type of discomfort is more common than you might think, especially in children with high insteps. When too much pressure is placed on the top of the foot—often due to tight or shallow shoes—it can irritate nerves and soft tissues, leading to significant pain. In some cases, this pain may stem from more serious issues like tendonitis or even stress fractures. As a shoe fitter, I’ve helped many children find relief simply by fitting them in shoes with extra depth, which reduces pressure and improves overall foot comfort.
What is the Top Part of the Foot Called?
The top of the foot, known as the instep, is a common source of discomfort—especially in children with high insteps. When shoes are too narrow or shallow, they can press against this area, causing significant pain. A high instep means there’s extra height on the top of the foot, making it much harder to find shoes that fit comfortably and don’t cause pressure.
Why the Right Shoe Depth Matters for Kids with High Insteps
If your child has a high instep and is wearing shoes that aren’t deep enough, the top of their foot may rub against the shoe, causing pain and discomfort. Deeper shoes help by allowing the foot to sit more comfortably inside, relieving pressure from the instep. The challenge? Kids’ shoes aren’t labeled as “extra deep,” making them hard to identify. As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I know which specific styles provide the depth and fit your child needs for all-day comfort.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for High Insteps?
Determining the Right Shoe Size
Determining the correct shoe size for your child is crucial for their comfort and foot health. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a variety of problems, including foot pain and blisters. Regularly measuring your child’s feet ensures they have the space necessary for growth and movement.
For more detailed guidance, refer to my comprehensive guide on finding the right shoe size online. This resource provides in-depth information on accounting for various factors that can affect shoe fit.
As a shoe fitter, I have tried and tested numerous brands and styles. Here are my top recommendations for children with high insteps in 2025 that prioritize comfort and support. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Kids with High Insteps – Extra Deep and Oversized Openings
These shoes can accommodate various foot shapes, with some styles available in wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths. Even styles without labeled widths may fit naturally wide—check each shoe’s description for details.
1. Shoe style 574 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for foot pain in the top of the foot offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe style Robyne by See Kai Russell
These See Kai Run shoes for kids with high instep promote healthy foot development. Both of these shoes feature extra depth and double Velcro straps for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the absolute best shoes for kids with foot pain in the top of the foot, and they are available with Velcro or laces. The shoes offer superior depth and width for a comfortable fit. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Ikiki Shoes
Ikiki shoes are a fantastic option for kids with high insteps who suffer from foot pain in the top of the foot. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
- Synthetic Vegan Leather
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Shoe style Lucia Mary Jane See Kai Run
This Mary Jane features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for growing feet, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Lucia by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Shoe style Kaz by Tsukihoshi
Tsukihoshi is known for its lightweight and comfortable shoes. These high instep shoes feature a wide toe box and a breathable mesh upper, making it perfect for active play.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style KAZ by Tsukihoshi on Amazon.
- All Tsukihoshi shoes run wider than normal medium-width shoes.
- Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort.
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
7. Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making it an ideal choice for kids with high insteps.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Shoe style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
These shoes for foot pain in the top of the foot provide extra depth and are available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoes are offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
9. Shoe style Cross Em Up by Adidas
Perfect for sports or everyday wear, these high-top basketball shoes provide a spacious, supportive design with laces for a customizable fit. These shoes ensure comfort without squeezing or rubbing against the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These shoes for high instep and pain in the top of the foot can accommodate children with wider feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
11. Shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These shoes by Stride Rite provide extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Contact Me to Get a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Switching to shoes with key features like extra depth and oversized openings can alleviate pain. If you’re unsure about the right fit, contact me for a personalized shoe recommendation tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. Ensuring your child wears the correct size and type of shoe can prevent further irritation and support healthy foot development.
Hi. My daughter always complains the top of her feet hurt. But it’s never red. Would a child with painful instep related problems have red, sore feet? Can this cause leg and knee pains too?
Hi Cami,
A child who is suffering from pain in the instep of the foot doesn’t necessarily need to have red marks on the top of the feet. I have noticed red marks on children with high insteps because of the constant rubbing between the child’s instep and the top of the shoes.
We need to find out why your daughter has pain on the top of her feet. Are her shoes fitting the shape of her feet correctly? Have you tried deeper shoes tin order o accommodate her instep? What is your daughter’s foot width? Does your daughter has a high arch?
When there is a foot imbalance, the pain can be transferred to the knees, legs, and lower back.
I can’t believe that all this time that my child was complaining about foot pain in the top of her foot was due to wearing the wrong pair of shoes! I tried one of the pairs you recommend in your article and they worked! She stopped complaining! I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how thankful I am for all the information you provide to us!
Hello Yancey,
I am glad you found shoes that work! They make all the difference and they keep our kids’ feet and legs healthy! I hope you keep coming back to my website to find everything that relates to kids’ feet and their legs! Also feel free to drop me a line when you have questions about specific shoes or any other question about your kids’ feet.
What cleats can you recommend for my son who appears to have a high instep, but has narrow feet? He only seems to complain of the pain when he plays baseball and Lacrosse, sports with cleats! Thanks!
Hello Danielle,
We need to find a pair of baseball cleats that are deep enough to prevent the top part of your son’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the cleats. Your son will be able to wear this cleats to lacrosse as well:
Baseball Cleat for High Instep and Narrow Feet
I hope this helps!
Thanks for the great information. I’ve always said my little girls feet are blocks. short, wide, and high! And when fitting shoes its not about the width of her foot that makes it difficult to find shoes, but the instep! I will definitely try some new balance next time. Thanks!
Hello Joy!
Several parents can relate to what you are saying! Some parents come to the shoe store and tell me their kids feet look like frying pans! Anyways, there are shoes out there for children with wide feet and high insteps, and I describe the best kind in my website! Drop me a line anytime you have a specific question!
Hello,
My child used to have the biggest red marks around the top of his feet. At first I thought it was because he wasn’t drying his feet thoroughly. Then I though he was making the velcro straps of the shoes too tight. Now I know why! I ordered pair of the shoes you recommend in extra wide. I never paid attention before about how high his instep was and how wide his feet are! Thank you I am so happy I found your website!
Hello Joslynn,I am glad you got it all figured it out! Anytime you have a specific question don’t hesitate to contact me and I will answer you as soon as possible! If your child is involve in sports and needs a pair of cleats, I wrote a post where I describe the best soccer cleats for children with wide or extra wide feet:
Wide Soccer Cleats for Kids – The Best Wide and Extra Wide Soccer Cleats for Children!
Thank you so much! Now I know why my child kept complaining about the shoes bothering him. I am done taking him to the mall to be fitted for shoes. It seems like they are always putting him in the wrong pair of shoes! They have very wide feet, do you know if they sell extra wide shoes online?
Hello Michael,It is always better to have their feet properly measured at your local kids’ shoe store that you trust. However, you don’t seem to have one in your area so follow this link that describes the best extra wide shoes for kids: Extra Wide Shoes for Kids
Every time my child complains about foot or leg pain , I know I ALWAYS automatically think it’s growing pains. I noticed my child has a high instep and the shoes were putting so much pressure on the top of his feet. Do you have any recommendations on where to buy shoes for him?
Please let me know asap,
Madelaine
Madelaine,
Good thing that you figured it out! I describe the best shoes for a child with a high instep in the post you read! If you don’t have a kids’ shoe store in your area you can find the best place to buy your kids’ shoes here: Kids Shoes On Amazon-Is Amazon The Best Place To Buy Your Kid’s Shoes?