How to Make Shoes Fit Kids with Narrow Feet – The 2 Most Effective Steps!

August 14, 2025 Narrow Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find shoes that fit your child’s narrow feet? Many parents buy shoes that end up being too wide, only to realize it after the return window has passed. Even when you try the narrowest styles available, they may still feel too loose. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—I’m here to help. As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter, I’ve discovered the two most effective ways to make shoes fit kids with narrow feet properly, so they can stay comfortable and supported all day long.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet

Working at a specialized children’s shoe store, I’ve helped many families find the right shoes for kids with tricky foot shapes—especially narrow feet. The challenge? Sometimes, even the narrowest shoe styles still feel too roomy. When that happens, I rely on two tried-and-true methods that help make wide shoes fit more securely and comfortably for children with narrow feet.

Two Game-Changing Ways to Make Shoes Fit Kids with Narrow Feet

First Method: Tongue Pads. Tongue pads are adhesive-backed pads that if placed correctly on the tongue of the shoes can be extremely effective in pushing the child’s heels back and securing them against the back of the shoes. This helps prevent the child’s heels from coming out of the shoes.

Get a closer look at what a tongue pad actually looks like—this simple insert can make a big difference in improving shoe fit and comfort for your child!
For the best fit, place the wider end of the tongue pad at the top of the shoe’s tongue—just like you see in the image below. This ensures maximum comfort and keeps your child’s foot securely in place.

Best Tongue Pads for Shoes for a Narrower Fit

When selecting tongue pads, quality is key. I recommend investing in high-quality leather shoe tongue pads. These are not only comfortable but also durable, ensuring they last as long as your child’s shoes.

Leather tongue pads for kids' shoes.
  • Order these Pedag Supra leather tongue pads on Amazon
  • Made from high-quality skin safe vegetable tanned suede leather
  • Adjusting memory foam cushion
  • Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click our links and make a purchase

Second Method: Fitting an Extra Insole

Another practical approach is to use extra insoles. Adding an insole can help reduce the shoe’s internal volume, providing a snugger fit for narrow feet. The insole needs to be placed on top of the original insoles.

Best Insoles for Shoes for a Snugger Fit

These insoles can fit from toddler size 4 all the way up to big kid size 7—just trim it to match your child’s shoe size. And the best part? If you trim it carefully, there’s no need to glue it down—it will stay perfectly in place for comfortable, hassle-free wear.

Replacement insoles for kids' shoes.
  • Order the two pairs of kids’ insoles in beige on Amazon
  • Quality latex and fabric
  • The insoles can be trimmed to fit the shoes by following the cut lines printed on the kids’ sole insert
  • Breathable

Reach Out with Any Questions

As someone passionate about fitting children’s shoes, I am always available to help families find the right footwear for their kids. If you have any questions about narrow feet kids shoes or need assistance with fitting, please reach out. I can offer personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and condition.

Shoes with Laces Can Help!

If your child is wearing lace-up shoes, you’re in luck! A specific lacing technique can make a big difference by tightening up any extra space around the heels—helping the shoes fit more securely and comfortably. Give it a try!

Explore More: The Best Shoe Options for Narrow Feet

Struggling to find the right shoes for your child’s narrow feet? I’ve put together a collection of expert guides that cover it all—from everyday sneakers to sandals and dress shoes. These resources are packed with tried-and-true recommendations to help you find the perfect fit without the guesswork.