Kids’ Shoes for Extra Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes

Does your child have extra wide feet and a high instep, making it nearly impossible to find shoes that fit comfortably? You’re not the only one—many parents face this challenge. Shoes that are too narrow can be hard to get on, uncomfortable to wear, and often lead to foot issues like blisters or pressure marks. The best kids’ shoes for extra wide feet feature rounded toe boxes, extra depth for easy on and off, and are available in true extra wide widths. As a passionate shoe fitter, I’ll share proven recommendations that combine comfort, support, and style—so you no longer have to settle for “just okay” shoes.

Help! – My Kids’ Feet Look Like Frying Pans!

One of the most common questions I get from parents is: “Will my child’s feet always be extra wide?” The answer? It really depends on the child. In many cases, children’s feet gradually slim down as they grow. However, for some kids, having extra wide feet is simply part of their natural foot structure—and it may continue into adulthood. Every child is different, but what’s most important is making sure their shoes fit properly at every stage.

An image of a child with extra wide feet standing barefoot.
A picture of a toddler with extra wide feet and high insteps.
A toddler with extra wide feet and a high instep, showing the unique foot shape that often makes finding properly fitting shoes a challenge.

Most Frequent Mistake and Misconception

Many parents make the common mistake of buying longer shoes to compensate for width, thinking a bigger size will be easier to get on. While this might seem like a quick fix, it can actually lead to more problems. Oversized shoes can cause your child to trip and fall, and they tend to wear out faster due to excessive creasing at the front. The key isn’t going bigger—it’s finding shoes that are wider and deeper in the right size to match your child’s unique foot shape.

Best Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet – 3 Key Features

Extra Depth: Why It’s Essential. Shoes with extra depth are a game changer for children with extra wide feet or high insteps. They allow the feet to sit more comfortably and securely inside the shoe, reducing pressure on the top of the foot and preventing rubbing against the upper material. Notice how the shoe on the right is significantly deeper than the one on the left? That added space makes all the difference in fit and comfort.
Rounded Toe-Boxes: Comfort and Natural Movement. A spacious toe box gives your child’s toes the space they need to spread out naturally, preventing discomfort, overlap, and friction against the sides of the shoe. Both shoes are the same length, but notice how much more room the toe box offers on one compared to the other?
Toddler shoes with double velcro straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.
Oversized Openings: Easier On and Off. Oversized openings can make the daily task of putting on and taking off shoes easier. This is crucial for young children with extra wide feet.

Does Your Child Have a High Instep?

A high instep means the top of the foot is raised more than usual and this foot shape can impact shoe fit and comfort.

The instep is the raised top part of the foot. Shoes may feel too tight across the top or hard to get on. This image shows what a high instep looks like—and why choosing shoes with extra depth and adjustability is so important for a proper fit.

Extra Wide Width Options

Many shoe brands now offer extra wide options. These shoes are designed to accommodate the width of the foot without compromising on style or functionality.

Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet

When it comes to toddlers and older children with extra wide or hard-to-fit feet, New Balance consistently stands out. Their shoes offer some of the deepest fits and roundest toe-boxes on the market—plus, they’re available in true extra wide widths. One of the best parts? Their sizing tends to be reliable across different styles. While brands like Ikiki, See Kai Run, and Stride Rite also offer extra wide options, they typically run narrower than New Balance, making NB the top choice for truly wide, high-instep feet.

Here are my top shoe recommendations for 2025 that provide round toe-boxes, extra depth, and oversized openings. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Top Sneakers for Extra Wide Feet – Extra Deep and Roomy Toe-Boxes

Below you can find a selection of the best kids’ sneakers that come with a round toe-box, provide extra depth, oversized openings, and are also available in extra wide widths (XW).

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces

These are the best New Balance extra wide shoes for kids as they are the deepest styles with the rounded toe-boxes. They are also available in wide and extra wide widths.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

990 Series with Velcro

New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.
  • You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in grey and black
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run

These extra wide shoes for kids provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.

See Kai Run kids adapt for kids who wear AFOs.
See Kai Run kids adapt for girls who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

These extra wide Stride Rite shoes are stylish and parents love them because their children can use them for casual wear or dressier occasions.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Ikiki Shoes

Ikiki shoes are designed with a focus on functionality and fun. They feature extra wide toe-boxes that support natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that toddlers love.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features:

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
  • Synthetic Vegan Leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These extra wide Stride Rite sneakers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Billy Shoes

These Billy extra wide shoes for kids have become a favorite among families with children who require wider shoes with extra depth that are easy to get on and off. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.

Pink Billy shoes for girls who wear AFOs.
Black-Billy-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-AFOs

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Ordering the Correct Shoe Size Online

When it comes to kids’ shoes, a proper fit is crucial. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues. For children with extra wide feet, it’s important to find shoes that provide ample room in the toe box and throughout the width of the shoe. This allows their feet to move naturally and grow without restriction.

Ordering shoes online can be daunting, especially when trying to find the right size. To avoid returns, it’s crucial to measure your child’s feet accurately. I’ve created a virtual guide that walks you through the process of measuring and determining the correct shoe size to order online.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and sometimes it takes a bit more than standard sizing to find the perfect fit. If you’re struggling to find the right shoes for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s specific foot needs. As a shoe fitter, I’m here to provide guidance and support to ensure that your child’s feet are well taken care of.

How to Check If Your Child’s Shoes Are Too Narrow?

Wondering if your child’s shoes are too narrow? Here’s an easy way to check! Slip the shoes on your child and look closely—do you see a small bulge or bump on the sides? That’s a clear sign the shoes might be squeezing their feet. Check out the image below to see what to look for!

That bump you see? It’s your child’s pinky toe pushing hard against the side of the shoe—an uncomfortable sign that the shoe is too tight!

Avoid Narrow Shoes to Protect Your Child’s Feet

Fitting your child with shoes that are too narrow or small can lead to painful foot problems like bunions, corns, and blisters. These issues aren’t just uncomfortable—they can affect your child’s foot health long-term.

One of the most common issues I see is corns. They often start as red, irritated skin that thickens into a hard, painful bump, usually on the side of the little toe. This highlights why shoes with a roomy, round toe-box are so important—to prevent constant pressure and friction that cause these problems.

Child developed a blister on his small toe from wearing narrow shoes.
An image of a child who developed a blister on his pinky toe from wearing narrow shoes.

The other main problems of providing your child with shoes that are too narrow are:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Hammertoe
  • Aching feet

Additional Resources for Children with Extra Wide Feet

I’ve put together a variety of helpful resources tailored specifically for kids with extra wide feet. Some of the most popular guides highlight the best sandals, boots, and dress shoes that combine comfort, style, and the perfect fit for wider feet.

Wide Socks for Kids

By the way, choosing the right socks is just as important—look for seamless, breathable options that won’t squeeze or restrict your child’s toes. I’ve discovered some great socks that let little toes move freely and help prevent them from overlapping or rubbing together, keeping your child’s feet comfy all day long.

Got questions or need help finding the perfect shoes for your child’s extra wide feet? Drop a comment below—I’m here to guide you every step of the way!