How to Tell If Your Child Has Narrow, Medium, Wide or Extra Wide Feet – It Takes 2 Simple Steps!
Have you been trying to figure out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? As a shoe fitter with extensive experience in children’s footwear, I understand the challenges parents face when selecting the right shoe width for their children. I am going to show you how to tell your child’s foot shape as the right shoe width is just as important as the right shoe length.
The Problem of Getting the Wrong Shoe Size
Many parents focus primarily on the length of the shoe, often overlooking the importance of width. However, the width of a shoe is equally important. Shoes that are too narrow can cause discomfort and lead to foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and even deformities over time. Conversely, shoes that are too wide can cause instability, leading to balance issues and potential injuries.
The Importance of Getting the Correct Shoe Width
Children’s feet are incredibly pliable during their early years, making it vital to ensure they are wearing the correct shoe size and width. Properly fitting shoes provide the necessary support for healthy foot development and can prevent future problems. The first seven years are especially critical, as this is when permanent structural changes to the foot and lower extremity are most easily achieved with supportive shoes and orthotics.
Find Out How to Tell Your Child’s Foot Shape
You have two options to choose from. The first option is creating a short video and the second one is taking three images of your child’s feet. Either of these options will help me assess whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet remotely. I will also be able to identify potential foot conditions such as flat feet.
Option One: Record a Short Video
Use good lighting and try to capture multiple angles so I can identify your child’s exact foot shape, instep height, and any potential foot conditions.
Option Two: Images of Your Child’s Feet
Below you can find examples of how the pictures should look like:
Recap – What to Include in Your Email
- Video (if you choose option one)
- Three images of your child’s feet (if you choose option two)
- The country you live in case you need specific shoe recommendations
Feel free to include in your email any additional information I should know about your child’s feet:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
You will then receive a response within 24 hours with your child’s exact foot shape and specific shoe recommendations as needed. If you haven’t received an email response within 24 hours please call us or text us at: +1 301-691-8479
How Much Does This Service Cost?
This service is completely free. I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older.
If you wish to support the work of Fitting Children’s Shoes, you can Donate Here. Your support helps ensure that families around the world can find the correct shoes for their children, regardless of their foot shape or condition.
Specific Shoe Recommendations from a Shoe Fitter
Based on the width of your child’s feet, I can provide you with specific shoe recommendations to consider. Choosing the right brand and style can make all the difference in providing the support and comfort your child needs. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can contact me via email.
Hello. I paid the $10.00 fee yesterday and I’m not sure how to upload my pictures.
Hello Melody,
Please check your email as I have sent you further instructions.
Can over pronation be cured by orthotics and the correctly supportive shoes, or will he always need these.
Hello Sam,
This depends on how early you intervene. The earlier you intervene, the higher the chances are to improve your son’s foot posture and waking gait.
If you have an older child, the orthotics and shoes can help prevent foot and leg pain, and allow your son to participate in sports and other activities.
Hi! My daughter is 8 and has Autism. She has always worn mary jane shoes. She was recently referred to a PT bc of her right foot turning inward. Her PT suggested a good, stable shoe. She is a 4.5. I plan on using your tool for measuring but i know she has a wide forefoot. I bought a pair of Saucony cohesion shoes. Prior to finding this website. My concern is that since she is already showing a deformity if i need to go on and get her orthotics. The right foot looks super flat and overpronated. She needs something super stable for her heel. I feel terrible. She was just really picky and likes velcro bc she can’t independently put on laced shoes yet. She is also in a size that you can’t find velcro shoes in. Idk what shoes have removable insoles (the saucony conhesions do not) and she is still a girl and likes pretty shoes. We have no shoe shops in our area for her to be fitted. Thank you.
Hello Gloria,
It is frustrating when we don’t actually have a shoe store to take our kids to be properly fitted for shoes. I understand that your daughter prefers Mary jane shoes and she can still wear them, but I will definitely recommend she wears a pair of supportive, stable sneakers for most of the day.
For the record, you always should get the orthotics first before purchasing shoes because the shoes need to accommodate the orthotic not the other way around. Saucony cohesion shoes are great in terms of support, you might have to use a screwdriver to remove the inner sole though.
I would recommend you take her to your physical therapist to be evaluated for orthotics. I don’t know if she has expressed that she has foot or leg pain, but children with flat feet and overpronation normally do.
I can definitely provide you with a selection of velcro shoes (probably 2 or 3 shoe styles) that come in her size and will be supportive enough to fit an orthotic.
But please first find out what orthotic she needs. If I were you I would mention to the PT if they are familiar with CASCADE DAFO orthotics since I have fitted those before and they make a huge difference. I hope this helps and please folow up with me.
Hi Juan
Where are you? Id love to come and see you. My daughter is 5 years old and she has long narrow flat feet. However she has a bump on the top of her foot from me, due to having extremely high arches and also a pinkie toe that hasn’t quite turned out so become sore on her shoe. She has just started school and we got “fitted” at a rebel sports store but after just 6 weeks she has very sore feet. It was an asicis – can you help? we live on the Sunshine Coast,qld but happy to drive to Brisbane if you recommend anyone. Ive read your posts and I am trying to decide between the new balance or sacouny
Hello Rachel,
The children’s shoe store I used to work in is called Shoe Train and is located in Potomac, Maryland. I am not there anymore but the staff is great and some of them have 25+ years of experience. I am not familiar with any good children’s shoe store in your area.
Did you try shoelaces or velcro? Keep in mind that shoelaces will provide more support and stability and also fit the shape of her narrow feet much better than velcro.
When it comes to dealing with her pinky toe there are certain orthotics that might help her specially if you put a toe rise, since it will help spread her toes more evenly.
Where does her feet actually hurt? This will allow me to identify if the shoe is not supportive enough, or if it’s hurting on the top of her feet the shoe might not be deep enough which means that the top part of her foot is being pressured by the shoe. Let me know so I can give you better advise!