When children are running, they are stressing out their feet and legs at a whole different level. It is a fact that one of the most important, yet most abused parts of your child’s body are the feet. Finding a pair of good running shoes for kids with wide feet can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, especially if you don’t know which shoe brands or shoe styles to try.
A recent survey shows that only 28% of children have “average” fitting feet. This means that most children have wide or extra wide feet as there is only a small number of children who have narrow feet.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes – Over a Decade of Shoe Fitting Experience!
I have been fitting children’s shoes for the last 10 years, working for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses on helping children with foot problems and “complicated” foot shapes such as wide and extra wide feet. Over the years I became familiar with the best running shoes for kids with wide feet.
Children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important that your child wears the correct type of shoes if you want to prevent foot issues as well as foot pain, especially when running.
It doesn’t matter if your child is into recreational or serious running, the shoes I recommend provide excellent support and are capable of fitting children with wide feet at the same time.
One common mistake that I see parents make is assuming that a shoe that comes labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW) will automatically fit the shape of a child with wide feet.
What Makes the Running Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Wide Feet?
The running shoes I recommend come labeled as wide (W) and extra wide (XW). In addition, the shoes provide these 2 key features that are essential for kids with wide feet:
1️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature is going to prevent your child’s toes from rubbing or overlapping against one another. Let me show you the difference between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left? These shoes are the same size but as you can see they will fit the shape of a child’s wide feet very differently.
2️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature helps prevent the top part of your child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature is awesome for children with high insteps. Let me show you the difference in depth between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right is a lot deeper compared to the shoe on the left? Again, these shoes are the same size but will fit very differently.
I know which running shoes provide these 2 features from having fitted them before. However, you need to make sure that you provide your child with the correct shoe size. Shoes that are too short are going to squeeze your kids’ toes together, especially when running. On the other hand, shoes that are too large are going to allow for too much foot movement inside of the shoes, and that constant movement and friction between the feet and the shoes can lead to blisters.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s exact foot size to begin with. To help parents determine their children’s foot size from home, I created the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
In addition to fitting the shape of your child’s wide feet, the shoes I recommend provide targeted support to your child’s feet, to minimize the impact that the feet take when they come in contact with the ground.
Why Should Parents Spend More on a Shoe their Child Might Quickly Outgrow?
I understand why most parents hesitate to buy their kids running-specific shoes. The price of a running shoe is generally higher than the price of a regular sneaker. So the question is, “Are kids’ running shoes worth the investment?”
The answer is yes. Your child’s feet are going to feel more comfortable running in an actual running shoe. The correct type of running shoe is going to support and protect your kids’ feet from injuries such as ankle rolls and shin splints.
Affordability is something all parents consider before buying their kids’ shoes. The shoes I recommend provide excellent support and they are affordable at the same time. Keep in mind that a higher-priced shoe doesn’t automatically translate into a “better shoe” for your child.
Running Shoes for Kids – Extra Arch and Heel Support!
There is a small selection of wide running shoes for kids that provide the correct amount of support. For example, one of the areas that need extra support when running is your child’s heels. Certain shoes provide targeted support to the heel area, and I know exactly which shoes these are.
Targeted Heel Support
Let me show you the difference in heel support between one of the shoes I recommend a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has more padding below the heels compared to the shoe on the left? This is going to help minimize the impact that your kids’ feet take when they come in contact with the ground.
Targeted Arch Support
I also recommend shoes that come with substantial outsoles instead of thinner ones. This feature is going to also help reduce the impact that your kids’ feet take when they come in contact with the ground by providing good shock absorption. Let me show you the difference between a shoe with a substantial outsole and one with a thinner outsole.
The shoes need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of good running shoes for kids with wide feet.
I only review shoes that I have fitted before as that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Running Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Below you can find a selection of the best running shoes for kids with wide feet, please choose the wide (W) or extra wide (XW) option.
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and 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
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a 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
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- No-sew overlays for durability in the toe and heel where kids need it most
- Lightweight and flexible
- Precision Fit with the BOA® Performance Fit System
- 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)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- No-sew overlays for durability in the toe and heel where kids need it most
- Lightweight and flexible
- Precision Fit with the BOA® Performance Fit System
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- 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)
- Lace-up closure
- 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 and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- 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)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- 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)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- 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 running 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.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
It’s important to keep your child’s feet comfortable by fitting them in a pair of good running socks. Certain running socks provide targeted cushion to targeted areas of the feet, protecting your child against blisters and calluses.
The Best Running Socks for Kids – Seamless and Breathable
I have fitted certain running socks that are breathable, seamless, and comfortable. These socks are going to reduce the friction between your kids’ feet and the shoes. Below you can find a selection of the best running socks for kids:
- 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex
- Extra cushion and padding provides shock absorbing protection in high impact areas
- Light compression to reduce foot fatigue
- Zone mesh design coupled with a lightweight polyester blend increases ventilation to control moisture and keep feet cool and dry
- Smooth toe seam
- Machine washable
- 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- 93% Polyester, 3% Natural Latex Rubber, 2% Spandex, 2% Nylon
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Size callout added to bottom of foot
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- Hand-linked seamless toe eliminates abrasion across the top of the foot
- Reinforced microfiber heel and toe
- Soft plush cushioning for comfort and protection
- Heel tab helps prevent the sock from slipping into your running shoe
- 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Cushioned heel and toe for comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat
- 98% Polyester, 2% Cotton
- Soft cushioned comfort
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability
- Mesh top of foot for breathability
- Machine washable
One of the best features of these socks is that they hug the child’s foot and keep the sock in place while running. These socks are going to allow your child to get the most out of their workout as they help maximize comfort and performance.
Does my Child Need a Different Pair of Shoes for Walking?
The answer is no, your child can use these running shoes as their everyday sneakers. However, if you start noticing visible signs of wear and tear you should consider providing your child with two different pairs of shoes so he/she can alternate.
There has been a common misconception about whether children should wear good supportive shoes or shoes with minimal support that emulate barefoot walking. I strongly recommend that you don’t provide your child with minimalist shoes, especially if they are somewhat serious about running. New studies have shown how barefoot running can lead to a range of injuries.
Do You Have Any Additional Questions or Concerns?
If your child complains about foot or leg pain when running you should consider fitting an orthotic inside of the shoes for extra support. Certain orthotics are specifically designed for running/sport shoes. If you believe your child might be a candidate for orthotics contact me directly and I will help you find the correct type of orthotic:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Have you found a specific running shoe that has worked well for your child’s wide feet? Please let us know in the comments section below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
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