Kids’ Foot Locker Shoes – Why You Should STOP Getting Your Kids’ Shoes at Foot Locker

February 23, 2023 Shoe Stores Juan Pablo Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Have you ever gotten your kids’ shoes at Foot Locker? Has your child developed a foot condition from not wearing  the correct type of shoes? Providing your child with the correct shoe size which involves getting the correct shoe length and the correct shoe width, is essential to keep your children’s feet and legs healthy. In addition to providing your child with the correct shoe size, you must find a pair of shoes that are supportive, lightweight, flexible, breathable, and durable.

I have noticed how the kids’ shoes that are sold at Foot Locker are not available in different widths. For example, they carry some of the most popular kids’ shoe styles made by New Balance, a shoe brand known for fitting the shape of children with wide and extra wide feet, but the New Balance shoes that they offer are not available in wide (W) or extra wide (XW) widths.

If your child happens to have a foot condition that requires a pair of more substantial/supportive shoes or your child happens to have  wide or extra wide feet, I recommend that you don’t take your child shoe shopping at Foot Locker.

I want to clarify that as long as your child has a medium width foot, getting your child’s shoes at big retailers such as Foot Locker, Nordstrom, or Payless should not be a bigger issue.

Should You Buy Your Kids’ Shoes at Foot Locker?

Let me tell you the 2 main reasons why I don’t recommend parents shop for their kids’ shoes at Foot Locker:

1️⃣ First Reason: The staff who works at Foot Locker is not properly trained on how to properly measure children’s feet, and they generally end up fitting them in the wrong-sized shoes. I know this for a fact because  I have helped several families that came to the shoe store that I work for after having their children’s shoes fitted at Foot Locker, and 90% of the time those children were wearing the wrong sized shoes or the wrong shoe style.

2️⃣ Second Reason: Foot Locker carries shoe brands such as New Balance and Saucony, which are shoe brands that are popular among young children for making wide and extra wide shoes, but they don’t carry their shoe styles in actual wide or extra wide widths (only medium widths). I believe that it can be confusing for parents to learn that New Balance and Saucony are the 2 most popular shoe brands for children with wide or extra wide feet, as they might provide their children with these shoe brands without knowing that they actually need to buy the shoes in wide (W) or extra wide widths (XW).

It’s important to understand that New Balance and Saucony are the best shoe brands for children with wide or extra wide feet as long as the shoes come labeled as wide (W), or extra wide (XW) widths.

One important thing that I learned throughout these years of fitting kids’ shoes is that at least 70% of the time toddlers who range from 1 to 3 years old require a wide or an extra wide shoe, and I would say that 50% of older children require a wide or an extra wide shoe.

If you have a child with wide or extra wide feet and you are providing your child with a New Balance or Saucony shoe style that is labeled as a medium width (M), you will end up creating several foot issues for your child’s feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns.

This is why it’s so important for the shoes to be available in different widths such as wide or extra wide.

As Foot Locker doesn’t offer kids’ shoes in different widths, I have put together a selection of the best shoes for a child with wide or extra wide feet. These are all shoe styles that I have fitted before, and in addition to fitting a child with wide or extra wide feet, they are also supportive, lightweight, flexible, breathable, and durable.

I only recommend shoe styles that I have fitted before, as that is the only way that I can tell the quality of the shoe, the amount of support that it provides, and how it fits. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. 

The Best Shoes for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet

Below you can find a selection of the best wide and extra wide shoes for children.

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • Hook and loop closure 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • Hook and loop closure 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
  • APMA Certified
  • Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
  • EVA midsole for lightweight feel
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
  • APMA approved
  • Toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Removable insoles
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
  • Long heel counter provides stability
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Velcro closure
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
  • Hook and loop closure 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
  • Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
  • Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
  • Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Canvas upper
  • Toe cap is durable for early steps
  • Double velcro straps
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • APMA approved
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Russell by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Heel stabilizer provides stability 
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Removable insoles
  • The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
  • Machine washable
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Available in laces
  • No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Available in laces
  • Leather and mesh upper
  • No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12 by Amazon
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Leather and suede upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
  • Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
  • Firm heel counter
  • Supportive heel for active kids
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

If your child has narrow feet you can email me so I can send you specific shoe recommendations:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

If you usually order your kids’ shoes online, you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot size. You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s foot size to begin with.

Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!

I always recommend parents take their kids to be properly fitted for shoes at the local shoe store that they trust, where a shoe fitter can properly measure their feet and find shoes that fit. The issue is that not all parents have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in their area. That is the reason why I created a resource where I describe the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a kids’ shoe store in your area, then proceed to read an article I created where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.

In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

how-to-figure-out-your-child's-shoe-size

Did you know that your kids can develop foot and leg pain from wearing shoes that are too narrow, too wide, too short, or too long? That is why it’s so important for your kids’ shoes to fit just right.

One common mistake that I see parents make is to assume that once they figure out their kids’ foot size, that size automatically translates into their actual shoe size.

We always want to provide children with a half a size longer (0.3 inches) of the size that they measured on the foot measuring scale to provide them with growing room. The issue is that shoes can run short, long, narrow, or wide, and depending on how they run, you will need to adjust the size that you get for your child.

For example, if your child measures a shoe size 10 on the measuring scale but the shoes fit “short”, then instead of providing your child with a shoe size 10 ½ to allow for growing room you will have to provide your child with a shoe size 11 – as the shoes fit short.

I hope I was able to raise awareness of why parents should not take their children to be fitted for shoes at Foot Locker, especially if they have a child with wide or extra wide feet or a foot condition that requires extra attention.

It’s infuriating for me when I see a child that was fitted in the wrong sized shoes, as they are putting the child’s foot and leg health in danger. I want to believe that the staff that works at Foot Locker simply don’t know what they are doing when it comes to measuring children’s feet, and that they don’t fit children in the wrong pair of shoes just to make a sale.

Have you taken your child to be fitted for shoes at Foot Locker? What was your experience like? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them.