How to Check If Your Child’s Shoes Are Too Wide? – The Most Simple and Effective Way!

August 18, 2025 How to Check if Your Kids' Shoes Fit Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Wondering how to check if your kids’ shoes are too wide? If you’ve noticed extra space around your child’s ankles or toes, their shoes might not be offering the right fit. Shoes that are too wide can lead to blisters, calluses, corns, and even ingrown toenails. As a professional shoe fitter, I’ve created a quick and easy 3-step method to help you check if your child’s shoes are too wide—right from home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Shoe Width

Step One: Secure the Shoes and Check the Straps. Start by putting your child’s shoes on and securing them properly. If your child is wearing Velcro sneakers, take a close look at how the straps align. Do they extend far past where they’re supposed to meet? That’s a clear sign the shoes are too wide.
Step Two: Check for Heel Slippage. Gently slide your finger around the back of your child’s heel, right along the heel counter of the shoe. There should be just enough room for a snug, secure fit—but not so much that your finger glides freely. If you can fit two fingers or more, the shoes are likely too wide.
Step Three: Inspect the Toe-Box for Excess Material. Look closely at the front part of your child’s shoes—does the toe-box look bunched up or overly roomy? If you see excess material or noticeable creasing around the toes (as shown in the image below), it’s a clear sign the shoes are too wide.

These three steps are quick and easy to follow—but if you’re still unsure whether your child’s shoes are too wide, don’t worry. Feel free to email me and I’ll personally help you figure it out.

Why Shoes That Are Too Wide Can Be a Big Problem for Your Child

When children wear shoes that are too wide, their feet slide around inside—causing constant rubbing and friction. This often leads to painful issues like blisters, calluses, corns, and even ingrown toenails. Beyond discomfort, overly wide shoes can also throw off your child’s balance, making them more likely to trip and fall.

Does Your Child Have Narrow Feet?

If your child has narrow feet, finding shoes that hug their feet properly is essential. Wearing shoes that are too wide can lead to a host of problems—blisters, foot pain, and even long-term alignment issues. The right shoe style will provide the support and fit your child needs to stay comfortable and active, without slipping or discomfort.