How to Lace Shoes for Wide Feet – Relieve the Pressure from the Shoes!

July 10, 2025 Learning How To Tie Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child have wide or extra-wide feet that always seem squished in their shoes, no matter how well they fit otherwise? The good news is, there is an easy solution: the way you lace their shoes can make a world of difference! Learning the right lacing techniques can help relieve pressure across the widest part of your child’s foot. As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve mastered various lacing methods—from the simplest way to teach a child how to tie their shoes, to specialized techniques for kids who wear orthotics. If your child wears lace-up shoes and struggles with discomfort or tightness, let me show you how to lace their shoes for a roomier, more comfortable fit.

How to Lace Shoes for Wide Feet – The Most Effective Way!

Step One: Begin by threading each lace through the first set of eyelets near your child’s toes, then skip the second set of eyelets entirely. This technique helps relieve pressure at the widest part of the foot—right where the green arrows point in the image below—keeping your child’s small toe comfortable and free from pinching.
Step Two: Take each lace end and thread it through the next set of eyelets, then continue crisscrossing the laces in a regular zig-zag pattern all the way up. Finish by tying the shoes as usual. This helps keep the fit secure without squeezing the widest part of your child’s foot.

You’re all set! Your child should feel the difference in comfort right away. Give this lacing technique a try on your own shoes, too—you’ll be amazed at how much better it feels!

What a Difference This Shoe Lacing Technique Makes!

Here’s what happens when a child with wide feet wears shoes laced the traditional way. Notice the small bump pushing out on the side of the shoe? That’s the pinky toe getting squeezed by the other toes, creating pressure and discomfort. Let’s fix that!
Notice the difference? After applying my shoe lacing technique, the bump on the side of the shoe disappears. The pinky toe now has room to breathe, and the shoe fits more comfortably and naturally around the foot.

By skipping the laces over the widest part of the shoe, we’re easing the pressure off your child’s pinky toe. This simple trick helps prevent painful blisters and corns, keeping little feet comfortable and happy all day long!

What Are Good Shoelaces for Kids?

The laces I recommend are built to last and feature clever textured bumps that grip and hold, helping keep those pesky shoelaces tied snugly all day long.

Pink oval laces for kids.
Navy blue oval laces for kids.
  • Order these shoelaces made by GREATLACES on Amazon
  • Packing contains two pairs of laces
  • Order the correct lace length by counting how many eyelets (shoe holes) your child’s shoes have
  • Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links

What Shoelace Size Should You Order?

Take a moment to count how many eyelets (those little shoe holes) your child’s shoes have—that number will help you pick the perfect lace length for a secure, comfortable fit!

What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet?

Most parents are not aware that shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths. While lacing techniques can help, choosing the right shoe is paramount. Look for shoes with a wider toe box and extra depth. These features can be crucial for ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing for natural toe splay and preventing unnecessary restriction. It’s also beneficial to choose shoes made from breathable materials, which can help reduce moisture and prevent irritation.