High Top Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet – Round Toe-Boxes and Extra Deep

March 25, 2025 High Top Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Are you searching for the perfect pair of high-top shoes for your child with wide feet? Whether recommended by a medical professional to address a foot condition or chosen for personal preference, it’s essential to find the right fit. Before making your choice, it’s important to consider your child’s unique foot characteristics, including width, arch type, and any specific support needs they may have.

High top shoes have become increasingly popular for children, and for good reason. They offer more support around the ankle, which can be particularly beneficial for kids who are still developing their balance and coordination, or for children dealing with foot conditions. This added support can help prevent injuries, such as ankle sprains, which are common in active children.

Are High Top Shoes Better than Regular Sneakers?

Many parents believe that high-top sneakers automatically provide better ankle support than sneakers due to their higher cut above the ankle bone. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all high-top shoes offer the same level of support. The key is finding high-top shoes that are specifically designed to deliver superior ankle protection and stability, ensuring your child’s feet stay supported during activity.

Supportive high-top shoe for kids to prevent toe walking.
An image of a pair of Adidas high-top shoes that provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters.

Most Common Reasons Your Child Needs High-Top Shoes

Reason One: Athletic and sport activities. High tops provide additional ankle support, reducing the risk of sprains. This is particularly important for kids who are involved in sports or other physical activities, as it helps maintain proper alignment and reduces fatigue.

Reason Two: Foot conditions such as flat feet, weak ankles, toe walking, and low muscle tone.

As a dedicated shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of children with wide feet find the perfect high-top shoes that offer both comfort and support. Through this experience, I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of the best high-top shoes for kids with wide feet, and I’m confident I can help you find the ideal pair for your child too.

Key Features of High Top Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet

When choosing high top shoes for kids with wide feet, there are several key features to consider to ensure comfort and support. These features not only enhance comfort but also contribute to the overall health of your child’s feet, preventing common issues such as blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails.

1. Round Toe-Boxes: A round toe-box is crucial for children with wide feet. It allows the toes to splay naturally, reducing the risk of blisters and other foot issues. A round toe-box prevents the toes from being squished together, which can lead to discomfort and even impact the natural development of the foot

Take a look at these high-top shoes – both are the same size, but notice how the shoe on the right features a rounded toe-box, offering more room and comfort compared to the pointed toe-box on the left? This subtle difference can make a big impact on your child’s comfort and foot health.

2. Extra Depth: Shoes with extra depth are beneficial as they provide ample space for the foot to sit comfortably without being constricted. This is especially important if your child has a high instep in addition to wide feet.

These high-top shoes are the same size, but notice how the shoe on the right is significantly deeper than the one on the left? This extra depth can provide more room for your child’s wide feet.

3. Wide Widths Available (additional feature): Wide width options also ensure that the shoe fits correctly around the heel and midfoot.

Many of the high-top shoes I recommend come in wide widths (W), providing extra room for your child’s feet and ensuring a comfortable, supportive fit throughout the day.

The Complications of Fitting Children in Narrow Shoes

Providing your child with a pair of high top shoes that are too narrow can lead to the following foot issues:

  • Blisters
  • Calluses
  • Corns
  • Ingrown toenails
  • General foot and leg pain

Based on my experience and expertise, below you can find a list of the best high top shoe recommendations for kids with wide feet that you should consider. These selections are not only based on fit but also on durability, style, and overall value. Disclosure: We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click our affiliate links and make a purchase.

Best High Top Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet in 2025

All of the high top shoes that I recommend below are capable of fitting children with wide feet.

1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite

These toddler high-top shoes by Stride Rite offer excellent support and provide extra depth with round toe-boxes to accommodate wide feet.

Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers
  • You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Hoops Mid 3.0 AC by Adidas

These stylish and supportive high-top shoes for wide feet are designed to provide extra stability. The cushioned midsole and excellent ankle support makes it ideal for toddlers with foot conditions and wide feet.

Supportive Adidas high-top shoe for kids with Velcro.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

3. TWO WXY v5 by New Balance

These high top wide shoes made by New Balance are a top choice for kids with wide or extra wide feet. With their roomy fit and advanced cushioning, these high-top shoes ensure maximum comfort and support during high-intensity play.

New Balance basketball shoes for kids available in wide widths.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Coco Unity by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Lace-up closure
  • NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas

With a high-top design and strong sole, these wide high top shoes provide round toe-boxes and extra depth to accommodate wider feet.

Adidas kids basketball shoe with wide toe-boxes in purple for girls.
Supportive Adidas high top shoe for boys.

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

5. AND1 Basketball Shoes Kids

These wide high top sneakers for kids are designed with a roomy, comfortable fit that offers ample space to accommodate wide feet.

Basketball shoes for kids with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style AND1 on Amazon
  • Available in wide widths
  • The full-length rubber outsole and multi-directional herringbone tread maximize skid resistance
  • Lace closure offers a secure fit 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size 

6. Shoe Style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas (Laces)

These wide Adidas supportive high-top shoes provide a stable base of support and firm heel counters to help improve posture and gait.

Supportive Adidas high-top shoe for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Hoops Mid 3.0 by Adidas on Zappos and Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to buy longer shoes to compensate for the width. Buying shoes that are too big for your child can be just as bad as buying shoes that are too small. Children should have some wiggle room to prevent the toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another, but not so much that they could trip over their own feet.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

Most parents have a really hard time ordering their children’s shoes online and they end up returning the shoes back and forth. Did you know that providing your child with the incorrect shoe size (too small or too narrow) might not only be uncomfortable but also lead to serious foot issues such as blisters, corns, bunions, and ingrown toenails? Ordering the right shoe size online can be daunting, but with my virtual shoe fitting service, it’s easier than ever.

Contact Me for Additional Shoe Recommendations

If you have any questions or need additional shoe recommendations, please feel free to contact me. I’m always here to help parents find the best shoes for their children’s specific needs. With personalized advice, you can ensure your child’s feet are supported and comfortable, helping them enjoy their daily activities to the fullest.

Are My Child’s Feet Always Going to Stay Wide?

Some children grow out of it, while others have wide feet for the rest of their lives. I have seen children with wide feet that remained wide onto their teenage years, while some children’s feet changed from being wide to regular width. This varies on a case by case basis.

Bonus Resource: Wide Sneakers for Kids

While high tops are great for support, everyday sneakers are equally important. For those looking for everyday options, I recommend checking out brands like New Balance, See Kai Run, and Saucony, which offer wide-fit options with excellent support and durability.